P/I/P Rapids @ TFC, CCL 6 pm

I would prefer we called him a coach and not a "Gaffer". MCGA - OFTFT (make Colorado great again -- or for the first time)

 

It fits the theme of the season. All the UK imports, the GB fish and chips stand. Gaffer, daft, I'm gutted.

 

Well then can we suspect Gashi ate all the pies and that is what's keeping him sidelined (fitness issues)? Back on topic it is probably appropriate to assume we are going out of the competition tonight BUT an early goal, cheap counter or whatever, and we'll have a match with something to play for.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing a few new players feature in this return leg. If Nana and Aigner are indeed out of country working on visa / green card issues, then there will be at least one change to the starting lineup from the first game, and in interviews Hudson has stated "a few" new faces in this match. I wonder if he'll be bold enough to bench Howard (which I would based on his lack of effort to save both goals). Here's my prediction:

------------------------MacMath--------------------------
----------Ford----------Wilson--------Smith-----------
--Hairston-------------------------------------Castillo--
-------------------------Price------------------------------
-------------Martinez--------------Blomberg-----------
--------------Mason (?)-----Badji-----------------------

I don't even know if Mason is here, but I'd like to see him.
Maybe some subs this time (Serna, Wynne, Azira, Sjoberg, Calvert, Hamilton, Vines perhaps?)
If neither Azira nor Sjoberg play it seems like either injuries, fitness, or a maybe a trade is in the works?
Hopefully we will see the team continuing to gain fitness and prepare for the start of the regular season and that we progress with overall tactical shape, organization, chemistry, etc.
I predict a 2 to 1 defeat with Toronto also trying some changes to their starting lineup, maybe saving some of their more important players in this game, just having them on the bench.

 

So the only way to watch this is ONLINE at https://www.univision.com? Any idea if they will have an English feed? Maybe I'll Airplay this to the TV ...

 

English feed will be streaming here:


https://www.go90.com/videos/4F5yCPXcFCl

 

Azira's wife gave birth this weekend, so I assume he won't be in Toronto.

 

Whoa - thanks!

 

Nice insight - I've been curious about his status (very similar skill to Price, although I do think Price moves the ball forward / into the attack much better) as well as Sjoberg's (who I rate better than Wynne and Ford - other than speed / athleticism).

Also, regarding viewing opportunities, I have the game scheduled to record (from a delayed broadcast) - Galavision starting at 10:00 pm. I'll probably stay up to watch it.

Herediano vs. Tigres on Univision Deportes also should be fun to watch - although Tigres should win by a couple goals or more at home.

 

Azira is there as a sub..

 

Howard on the bench?

 

That's a rather pragmatic starting lineup...

 

i like the scrappiness I'm seeing

 

So far this game, I feel like the Rapids are trying to gegenpress, but can't seem to shake the ThugLife DNA of yore.

Also, ball watching is still the defense du jour.

 

ford got away with a tug there.

 

If Badji could convince the opposing goalie to stand anywhere other than right in the middle of goal he could be prolific.

 

Nice shot by Badji

 

Three and a half preseason games against MLS competition, 1 goal scored.

 

Yeah, they've been dangerous but in the way that someone's gonna get hurt. Hopefully, the aggression will stay and they'll smooth out the fouls. I do like the pressing. Badji's pressing in the past was half hearted, he may have to foul a bit to figure out the middle ground.

 

The first half is total dejavu from last week.

Hopefully the second half isn't going to be another dejavu where we completely and utterly fall apart

 

So far I like this Price guy.

 

How was Blomberg? I got home late, didn't see much before he got subbed off.

 

I've watched the whole thing.... didn't see much either.