Rapids Face Mickey Mouse Team On Sunday

After the disaster ins Sandy last week we're back in Commerce City on Sunday facing Orlando and former Rapids draft pick Dillon Powers.  We're actually on national television this week (ESPN) so kickoff is at 2pm.  A nice 77 degree day is forecast so those of us on the East side will get some nice sun while watching this one.  The tailgate will start at 11am, with some brunch items to celebrate.

Player Availability:
Injuries:
OUT: D Kortne Ford (L MCL sprain); D Marlon Hairston (right knee surgery)
QUESTIONABLE: D Danny Wilson (undisclosed)

Discipline:
SUSPENDED: GK Tim Howard
SUSPENDED AFTER NEXT YELLOW CARD: M Jack Price

As we found out last week the injury report (which is the same this week) that we see at this time is largely meaningless.  Given Wilson was on the bench last week, but didn't play, I assume he'll at least make the 18 this week.  He may start as reports from practice had Sjoberg back with the second team.  Those reports also said that Blomberg was nursing an injury so I wouldn't be surprised to see him start on the bench.  The Rapids made a move today, bringing back Dykstra from Charlotte for a week (presumably) to back up MacMath while Howard is suspended.  OCSC has three players out injured and one questionable.

Mason was reportedly back and practice so I think he goes in for McBean.  If Blomberg is on the bench as I expect Boateng will likely be his replacement, unless Aigner or Gashi is ready to start.  Hudson confirmed this week Aigner's absence is by coach;s choice so I doubt we'll see him.  With Boateng moved up to midfield, Serna likely gets the right wingback spot again.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Mason and Badji.  Orlando is allowing about 2 and scoring 2 a game while Colorado is allowing and scoring about half that.  So its the more open play of the visitor versus the tighter play of the burgundy boys.  I think the home edge give us the difference in this one, though a draw would not be shocking.