Rapids Try To Swamp Galaxy Hopes

Time to dampen the Galaxy's star

Tomorrow is the first of 4 road games in a 5 game stretch that will go a long way in determining if we have a shot at the Shield or not.  First stop, sunny LA to face the Galaxy, one of the other two teams (along with Dallas) that have a realistic shot at the Shield.  Currently the Rapids have a 4 point lead on the Galaxy with equal games played so you could see how a win would give LA a tough hill to climb to catch us while a loss would have them breathing down our necks.  Late game-time tomorrow at 8:30pm so you'll have to choose between the Rapids and the possible final race of Michael Phelps career in Rio.  I plan to watch the game live on Altitude and DVR the Olympics.

Player Availability:

OUT: D Sean St. Ledger (knee); M Dillon Serna (season ending ACL tear)

DOUBTFUL: M Jermaine Jones (quad)

ONE YELLOW FROM SUSPENSION: F Shkelzen Gashi (1 game for good behavior reduction)

LA is missing Rogers, Zardes is questionable, and the Ginger Ninja is suspended.  There's also a report that Keane may not be available after a hard collision last week.  It was pretty clear he had his bell rung was allowed to play on (Taylor Twellman is right about the lack of responsible head injury protocol in soccer) and Bruce Arena said today he was undergoing "protocol" without being more specific.  I'm betting its concussion related and I would expect the odds of him starting at least are low.

Disappointing to still (likely) be missing Jones but good to see Le Toux off the injury report and to see Azira back.

Starting XI Prediction:

I think Le Toux gets the start and you can't bench Hairston right now so Badji is the odd man out.  Otherwise its pretty much the expected starters now that Burling is healthy.

Prediction: 0-0 draw.  The two best defenses in the league should make this a stalemate.  LA has a significantly better offense than we do but they played a USOC game midweek.  Their starters only subbed in late but I think that takes enough off their attack facing the best defense that we get a defensive battle and no scoring.  I'll take a draw in LA though.