Colorado was drawn at Nashville in their first USOC game on either June 5th or 6th. Nashville is coached by Gary Smith and has Matt Pickens and Kosuke Kimura on the roster. I really wish we had been drawn to host just to see those 3 back at the Dick again. Given the mess this team is and this team's normal attitude towards the USOC, plus our attitude towards the CCL, I expect to lose. This is Nashville's first ever competitive game against MLS competition as they prep for moving up to MLS next year(?) and the ex-Rapids trio in particular are going to want to make a statement. Meanwhile I expect Hudson to treat this game like the CCL, a glorified friendly.
This is a good chance to let the bench players get in some game time. Can’t risk injury to key players like McBean or Wynne. —————— Boli — Aigner ——————— Gashi ————— Bloomberg—Azira Castillo—Wilson— Sjoberg— Colvey —Serna ———————McMath
Thanks for posting. I'd be fun to watch this game if possible. And yes I agree it would have good game to go to if we had hosted. I liked Pitkens, he was alright. Prediction, Rapids loose 3-1.
I love it! My team vs. my parent's team. In fact, it really is my Dad's team..... He works for Nashvile SC and the Sounds (AAA baseball). Ugh! I am headed to Nashville to visit on the 8th. Now I'm thinking is there a possiibility work wise to bump up my trip to catch the game?
It wouldn't surpise me.It would probably be 1-0 though. They play a very Gary Smith style. Press in the midfield, strong defense (I think fewest GA in the entire USL), very direct, will concede possession and catch you on the counter. As we know......not exiciting but effective. In fact, Hudson could learn a thing or two. It's the way he needs to play
If it was on a weekend I'd be all-in. But leaving work early and dodging potholes on I-40 for three and a half hours each way for this team?
@JasonMa Don't the Rapids have a solid tradition of losing to expansion teams/cities in the Open Cup?
I am a bit excited because I expect to see a different line-up from the usually XI will not be out there. I also cringe it just how bad a loss this could be given coaching/ formation/ etc.
Tough call lineup-wise. If I'm Hudson, I'm desperate for a win - any win against anybody. So there's an argument for a strong lineup. But we REALLY REALLY need MLS points, and starting the best lineup 3 times in 9 days in 3 different cities = losing the 3rd match (and possible overuse injuries). So there's also an argument (and probably a stronger one) for starting backups and giving them chances to play.
If you're saying that because we won't make the playoffs, I agree. But we need to not be in single digits in July. There's a big difference between having a poor season and being a laughingstock. Thanks. I may watch out of curiosity.
I'm not sure I know the difference you are making here. Then again, After years of supporting the Rapids I have no problems drinking at 7- 8am some mornings.
Here's our Starting XI as we kickoff the @opencup.#Rapids96 | #USOC2018 | #NSHvCOL📝 Roster notes: https://t.co/RBNDnZcmRd pic.twitter.com/of8k0LbblC— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 6, 2018