• $10 GA Tickets (plus service charge?) • Enter through gate G only • ESPN+ https://www.newmexicoutd.com/
I certainly hope Conor takes this game seriously and doesn't empty the bench like previous regimes. I say this because I'm taking a group of friends to see their first live soccer games and don't want to be embarrassed. And it would be nice to get the team a win before the break. Don't think this game is a walk in the park for the Rapids. Out of 18 teams, New Mexico United sits atop the USL Championship West Division with a 6 - 7 -2 record and 25 points. They're only one point behind the league leaders.
I am guessing that CC selects a mixture of experience and youth. Anyone that's got a knock of any sort won't play. So that means we aren't likely to see Rubio for example. Nicholson mentioned in his post match comments he's really watching his health as it took a long time to recover from his back injury, so perhaps he sits out as well. Acosta has played a ton of minutes recently so I would bet he doesn't start.
Get to know tomorrow's @opencup foe👇📝 https://t.co/TemAuADfAE#Rapids96 | #Elevate pic.twitter.com/ZXClZ4u39t— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 11, 2019
Game Day Guide - I'm linking it as there are many changes from an MLS match. https://www.coloradorapids.com/post...-new-mexico-united-gameday-guide-june-12-2019
I don't use Instagram but Kamara is apparently posting pictures from a trip to Athens (Greece, not Georgia) that he's currently on. So we can scratch him from tomorrow's lineup. (And I guess the calls for him to take the captain's armband from Howard will die down...)
Are you sure he's not in Athens, Ohio? As long as he's back in Commerce City by Sunday or so he could be rested and ready for the 5th round of the Open Cup which would be played in the middle of next week against either KFC or MN United. Of all the Rapids players, Kamara is one who has earned some time off. He plays hard every minute of every match and doesn't get subbed out as he has outstanding hold up play and defends. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple others (Memphis Tim Howard, Kellyn Acosta, etc.) out of town at this time. Now, I am assuming the Rapids can't call up guys like Matt Hundley, etc., from the Switchbacks as they played v NM United earlier this season in the Open Cup. Hoe about Niki Jackson, could be be recalled? It will be interesting to see who is actually available tomorrow night.
MLS posted a video of Howard at HQ in NY today, so assume he's out as well. Though I think we all knew Irwin would be getting the start in this one.
NMU has a couple of players I'm familiar with from Switchbacks games. Frater is a good USL-level striker and good enough to cause us problems, particularly if Abu doesn't play. Josh Suggs is a good FB - solid defender, good crosses, good set pieces. I think he's borderline MLS quality, altho he's not fast. In 2017 I wanted the Rapids to pick him up to play left back - he was better than anybody we had there.
Looking to start our Open Cup run on a positive note.⚽️ #COLvNM🏟 @DSGpark⏰ 7:00PM💻 ESPN+📝 https://t.co/DgUwDg9yOO#Rapids96 | #Elevate pic.twitter.com/bd6YPY7KPH— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 12, 2019
24th min - Sjoeberg cautioned for a tactical foul - def not red / DOGSO as other defenders were back, but a dangerous spot for the 'pids.
1-1 at the half, Rubio with the equalizer. Very intense match with 6 yellows total. A bit like a Rocky Mountain Cup derby. NM United fans have really brought it, but C38 up to the challenge.
New Mexico look as good as any MLS team we’ve played recently. We look like we want it which is a nice change from years past.
Referee not helping himself - losing the thread a bit - obvious wrong direction on handling, then allowing a restart while ball is moving, game getting chippy....