Preview: And so, Robin Fraser takes on another tough test when we face the Galaxy on Wednesday. The Gals are currently 1 point out of the playoffs, and are coming off of a big loss against Seattle 10 days ago, where they lost 4-3. Although LA is playing SKC on Sunday, I doubt we will see much rotation in their squad due to where they are in the standings and how tight the playoff race in the West currently is (4 points separate 2nd from 8th). The Rapids on the other hand, are riding a two game win streak - defeating the Red Bulls in NY, and recently taking care of business against a depleted Seattle side. Technically available for selection would probably be Kamara (9/8 vs Liberia), Bassett (9/9 vs UAE U-23's) and Anderson (9/7 vs Netherlands), but I highly doubt they will see much field time if any, due to the short turnaround on international travel and game time. Diego Rubio plays tonight (9/10) against Honduras, so I doubt we see him in the 18 either, unless he sees very few minutes - and even then it's a big stretch, as he would have to travel from Honduras tonight or tomorrow morning to make it back to the team in time. International absences haven't seemed to have much of an effect on the Rapids however - defeating NYRB and Seattle both 2-0. NYRB was an away game (something we've been dreadful at all year) and they played starting caliber players. As such, I would look more to how we played against NYRB as the litmus test for how we match up with the LA Gals. The Galaxy's most recent signing in Christian Pavon is starting to look more and more deadly, and is seemingly starting to gain more rapport with Mr. Zlatan - who is always a threat, at any given time. LA's biggest weakness is in their defense. They are currently working with a -4 goal differential on the season with 45 goals allowed. More specifically their weakness really lies in transition - as they like to play a high line, control the ball in the attacking third, and apply lots of pressure. Thankfully, Jona dos Santos, Sebastian Lletget, and Urial Antuna all have international duty tonight as well, so I doubt we will see any of them in tomorrows game. Those three play an integral part in LA's midfield, with Santos and Lletget being their holding/possession mids. Referree assignments: Fotis has been the head ref for 10 games this year, averaging 23.7 fouls per game, 4.3 yellows per game, and 0.1 reds per game. Leave your comments, predictions, puns, jokes, and more below! I'm thinking the Rapids hold on for life in an exciting 2-2 draw, but I'm hoping for more and that we can #BEATLA! C'mon you pids!
Thanks! I had seen it on another team's thread when I was scrolling around BigSoccer, and thought it would be a fun addition to ours as well!
Had to change my vote. Given the LAG rest, their need to get points (currently just outside the playoffs), and how many of our core people are out/on short rest, I just am not sure we can win. I get that LAG has some people out as well, but there are some key players available. We have a real shot at this, so I was thinking tie, but would feel a lot better had Kamara and Rubio been available. Having said that, we truly are a better team than we have been in the past and I am likely still living with Rapids PTSD. rod.
I like the addition of the poll too. I predicted a Rapids win, but I have no good info other than I feel Zlatan and company are blowing it and going to miss the play-offs.
The last two times we've faced the Galaxy he's managed to get suspended for the game, so I think he's scared of us.
https://www.altitudetickets.com/ IMHO not as easy to use at Flashseats, but is similar in the way it works. There are more steps to having tickets ready to scan.
Rubio has to sit a game for yellow card accumulation when he gets back. It would be really good for the Rapids to get him here by tomorrow night so the game can be counted towards his suspension, otherwise he'll have to sit out Saturday against TFC.
2-2 draw, goals by Mezquida and Shinyashiki. The Rapids actually have a better attack than LA, even with Zlatan, and of course a worse defense. A draw is a little optimistic as LA is rested after having the weekend off, but at the same time they are missing a couple of big pieces. I'm having a hard time getting a read on this game though, anything other than a blowout for either team seems possible. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2019/09/will-we-see-la-zlatans.html
Apparently the Galaxy like to play a high line to support their attack - this should assist the Rapids predilection for the counter attack. If the Rapids can get the first goal they could end up with more than one as the Galaxy get exposed pushing forward for the equalizer. It will be interesting to see how Abubakar deals with Zlatan. Conversely, how will the Galaxy defense deal with Nicholson and Lewis?
I believe the TFC match is on Sunday night. Hopefully the Rapids won't be too tired Wednesday after putting in a lot of effort with the high pressure.
Do not agree at all with your better Attack comment. Where's our 23 Goal scorer, have we ever had anyone score that many?
Yeah, and the rest of the Galaxy have scored what? LA has 41 goals on the season, Colorado has 47. Looks like Colorado has the better attack.
Rep for using "predilection" in a sentence on a soccer board. And those counter attacks should exacerbate the Galaxy's precarious defensive vexations.