Looney Tunes Scheduling

Man, I know its a busy summer for international soccer, and with an uneven number of teams in the league somebody is on a bye on every match day, but the scheduling this year is crazy.  We played 7 games, took 2 weeks off, played 2 games, took 10 days off, are now playing our second game in 3 days, and then get another 10 days off, and then we'll get 3 games in a week.  Tomorrow puts the Loon in the Looney Tune scheduling as Minnesota United is in town.  We last saw them in our second home match this year where we went down 2-0 in the first half and then scored 3 in the second half for the 3-2 win.  A repeat result, hopefully a bit more easily, would be great tomorrow.  Kickoff at the Dick is at 7pm.

Injury Report:

OUT: M Younes Namli

QUESTIONABLE: M Jack Price

International Absences:

USA: D Sam Vines, M Jonathan Lewis

There was confirmation today from multiple sources, including Matt Pollard and Richard Fleming, that the Nats have allowed Kellyn Acosta to delay his departure for the Gold Cup until after tomorrow night's match.  This is because he (and Sebastian Lletget in LA) played in the Nations League and Berhalter feels confident they know the system and he knows what to expect from them, so they don't need to be in camp as soon as everyone else.  Its also a good way to build goodwill with the club teams for the next time the Nats need to call players up at a tough time.

Reports from training today are that Price is back in practice but is still questionable for tomorrow.  I'm betting with Acosta still around they'll let Jack rest and then have 10 days off to get fully healthy before using him.

Its really difficult to know what Fraser is going to do tomorrow.  No Price, Namli, or Vines and everyone else on 3 days rest.  I'm leaning towards Acosta starting in the midfield in the absence of Price, not filling in for Vines at LB.  To replace Price we don't have Lewis like we did on Sunday, so Warner gets the call to play a true d-mid in front of the back line.  Then there are two or three options to fill LB, including Beitashour or changing formation, but I'm guessing we see Rosenberry moved over and the recalled Kelly going at RB.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Bassett and Barrios.  The Rapids have a better offense and a slightly better defense than Minnesota, but that's when they're at full strength.  Tomorrow's game will be a test for that back line and not one they come through unscathed.  But not having to travel for a quick turnaround game will be enough of a difference that Colorado gets the win.