The Dog Days Of Spring?

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains could fit for either Charlotte or Nashville, given that it covers both North Carolina and Tennessee but its the only National Park in North Carolina.  Tomorrow Charlotte comes to the Dick for the second time ever for the rare afternoon game with a 2:30pm kickoff.  Its also Bark at the Park so we'll see some of our canine friends around the stadium.  TV, as always, is through Apple.

Player Availability:

OUT: D Reggie Cannon (Groin), D Jackson Travis (Hand). M Ted Ku-DiPietro (Shoulder), M Connor Ronan (Appendix)

QUESTIONABLE: D Sam Vines (Thigh)

Ronan had his appendix removed earlier this week and will be out 2-3 weeks.  Not good to see Cannon back on the injury list with that groin issue.  All 3 natural left backs are likely to be out because even if Sam is cleared to start he hasn't done anything since early preseason and won't be game ready.

If it were up to me the only midfielder I'd have lined up that way is Atencio.  I'd move Larraz and Cabral to the bench, Bassett back, and Djordje to the center.  Then give two of our other wingers a chance to start.  But that graphic is what I think Armas will do.

Prediction: 2-1 loss, goal by Mihailovic.  After last week I'm not sure we can keep Zaha and friends off the board a couple of times.  Charlotte is averaging 2 goals a game while the Rapid are averaging just over 1.  I think the averages hold tomorrow and we really realize how much work we have to do.