From MLS Soccer: Rapids: - Suspended: None - Suspended after next caution: None - International duty: None - Injury Report: OUT: D - Kortne Ford (left MCL sprain); F - Shkelzen Gashi (calf) - Projected Starting XI (3-5-2, right to left): GK: Tim Howard — Deklan Wynne, Danny Wilson, Tommy Smith — Marlon Hairston, Johan Blomberg, Jack Price, Enzo Martinez, Edgar Castillo — Joe Mason, Dominique Badji Union: - Suspended: M - Fafa Picault - Suspended after next caution: None - International duty: None - Injury Report: OUT: D - Fabinho (meniscus tear, MLS sprain); D - Richie Marquez (sports hernia surgery); QUESTIONABLE: M - Ilsinho (right hamstring strain) - Projected Starting XI: (4-2-3-1, right to left): GK: Andre Blake — Keegan Rosenberry, Jack Elliott, Auston Trusty, Raymon Gaddis — Haris Medunjanin, Alejandro Bedoya — Fabian Herbers, Borek Dockal, David Accam — C.J. Sapong Refs: Referee: Robert Sibiga Assistant Referees: Eric Weisbrod, Jeffrey Greeson 4th Official: Fotis Bazakos VAR: Kevin Terry Jr
2-1 win, goals by Mason and Aigner. I think we've seen the new defense is unlikely to get a shutout but I think the team builds from last week and does a better job defensively. They'll have to work at it but I think they can find two goals tomorrow, even against a team that has yet to concede this season. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2018/03/rapids-try-to-bust-union.html
2-0 win. Goals by Badji and Aigner. Rapids pull out first win after ironing out a few wrinkles. Boost confidence a bit for next 3-4 tough ones.
I see a lot of optimism with these scores. There is still a lot of improvement to be had with this team since boli, aigner, and gashi still haven't played a real game. And Ford is still out so, I am thinking a month from now will be a lot better than this game. Knowing the rapids seem to give up 2 every game. And philly hasn't been scored on, but the rapids can actually score (?), I am calling for a 2-2 tie. Could be a 2-1 loss. If aigner plays much of the game, maybe we get a win. I would see it differently if at full strength, just too many missing starters and lack of real game playing together experience. Rod.
The obligatory ref-teasing: Referee: Robert Sibiga AR1: Eric Weisbrod AR2: Jeffrey Greeson 4th: Fotis Bazakos VAR: Kevin Terry Jr . . . and the all-anagram version: Referee: Rabbit Orgies AR1: Weirdo Scribe AR2: Jeer “Fogey Ferns” 4th: Bazooka Fists VAR: Nervy Trike, Jr.
Nervy start. Particularly on defense. Less than 15 minutes in and Philly with several very quality chances. They are finding space all over the field.
Field slowly starting to tilt more favorably. Less long ball out of the back. Better possession. Hopefully we can continue to build in the second half.
Didn't see first 20 min but 20'-31' all I saw was long balls and I feared this was all we were going to be doing. But from there on we started to pick it up with some nice possession and combination play down both sides that led to crosses and a ball into the 18 but need more opportunities on goal. Great chance on the corner though.
Fairly even half on the stats. I thought Sir Beardsley Manbun was going to steal a goal for the Rapids right before the half, but it wasn't to be.