10/2 Rapids v. Burn -Discussion, Pre & Post match [R]

It's a big game for both of the coaches too. There was an article in the DaMN today about Dallas's problems in the "big game" this year. A lot of people are going to blame Jeffries first if we don't win.

But isn't Hankinson under some amount of pressure too? Did I read correctly that he has never advanced in a playoff series? I don't know how the fans there have taken to him, but this is the kind of game that will set a lot of attitudes.

 

Very pumped. And nervous. And hopeful.

One of the things that's got me particularly anxious today is that more than any other game this season, we really have no idea what kind of lineup or formation to expect. Hankinson has never shown a heavy dedication to keeping the same lineup or formation on a game-to-game basis, however there's no denying that his defense clicked on all cylinders in Game 2.

All the same, I wouldn't be surprised to see Hankinson return to a 3-5-2 with two d-mids (Pablo and Hart) and Chung and Henderson on the wings. Those three in the back are anyone's guess at this point. Does Titus still ride the pine? So much for being named Defender of the Year (note: awarded by the media, not by Hankinson).

All that said, I think tonight's game is about who is going to click on offense. Both teams are capable of playing good defense, but neither is capable of shutting down the other team entirely if the attack is entirely together. For Dallas, this hinges greatly on the mobility and quick passing of their young midfield; for Colorado, it's all about Valderrama spotting our four shooters in and around the box.

Also, with neither defense being watertight I don't see overtime as being too likely.

With regards to tonight's outcome, I think the winner of the series has an outstanding shot of making it to the Cup, regardless of their opponent. I think whoever shuts down the offense of their opponent tonight will have an easier task of shutting down either LA or KC.

Interesting to hear from Dallas about their trouble with the "big game" this year. Sounds just like Colorado.

As for pressure on the coaches, Hankinson certainly is feeling it today but I don't think his job is on the line. While many of us think he should have done better in the regular season, the fact remains that he had a winning season and helped the Rapids to their first playoff win since 1997. Combined with assembling the most entertaining Rapids team in our short history and a league-leading year for attendance, even I'd admit that giving him the axe would be pretty rough.

 

Whoever said this game will propel the winner on to the MLS Cup is right. I realize there is only one more round before the Cup, but I see whichever team emerges winning the necessary confidence to advance all the way to the final.

This is going to be a tight game though. I would predict that Hanki will probably come out with the same lineup that he did last match, he has no reason to change it. I'm really hoping that Spencer is a gamer tonight, we've been missing that extra spark from him all year.

Prediction (hopeful): 2-1 to the Rapids, late goal coming from Carrieri.

 

Is it too optimistic to think Kramer could post back-to-back shutouts? If we can neutralize Martinez and O'Brien like we did on Saturday and realize that Morrow is a tall player that knows how to head a soccer ball, we should be able to contain the serious threats that have picked us apart in earlier match up's against the Burn.

I have a feeling that our midfield is going to create numerous chances for Spenny and Carrieri tonight. I am sure that one of these guys is going to convert the necessary opportunities to put us through.

Colorado 3, Dallas 1

 

I heart boobies. Oooppps. That was a different thread.


Colorado takes it to Dallas 2-1. There will be severe angry shouts from the Burn fans. Someone goes after Carlos Valderrama and end up losing the game for Dallas because he gets tossed out with a red card (Chad Deering I'm looking in your direction). He seemed to be in the mix with Pareja and the referre (whoever the hell he was, are you happy now sweeper33?, not that I really care). Goals by Carrieri and Chung. Yellow cards to Pablo, Carrieri, and Spencer for Colorado. Yellow cards to Pareja and Morrow. Deering gets the red, straight too.

Hankinson sticks with the 4-4-2 lineup.

Kramer
Hart Fraser Herdsman Kotschau

Henderson Mastroeni Valderrama Chung

Spencer Carrieri

They wear the white jersey's too. Thought I would at least get three things correct, The win, lineup, and jersey colors.

 

Barely able to make it to game time

All I can say at this point is that I am so nervous I am almost sick. Which is good in a weird way because the only time I have been this excited about a soccer game has been in the world cup. This may even be worse. I am also completely pumped and am ready for the game to begin. I wish it began now. I'd skip out on work and watch it. Once the game begins, I will calm down and start screaming at the TV. (Actually not a contradiction) I won't predict anything so I won't jinx it. I hope Hankinson comes out with the same linup he used in Colorado. If nothing else, that lineup has the benefit of believing it can beat the Burn in a playoff game. It also proved itself in stuffing the Burns' attack. I agree we need Spencer to come through tonight and Valdoramma to stay in the game. Otherwise, I just can't wait for the start.

 

I've thought that countless times before, yet often seen him change both lineups and formations following solid wins.

 

I have to agree with you hear for the most parts (not for the boobies???)
I think/hope etc that Dallas will totally loose their cool adn have an ejection or two and a very nasty game whereas we will keep our cool. Dallas paper also was painting a very nasty picture of us?? and was telling that we should have had at least 2 reds in last game etc... This usually ends up hurting the team that puts out this kind of stuff (just remember what happened after Titus' remarks). So another reason why we will win.
And I'm nervous has s*&t too. Why can't the game start already.
It's going to be a battle out there tonight.

 

Is Croc's open yet? I'm ready to get my drink on and watch some footy. Anybody know if they have FSW?

 

No kidding. Regardless of the result, I'll have to get my drink on. Or should I say, get my drunk on.

 

I'm very excited about the game. I hope that the Rapids use the same lineup as last time, as they defended well. A note to everybody that the game is on FSRM and not ATT-20, which is good news for people like me that can't make Croc's and have a Dish. To all the people at Croc's - have a great time and go crazy. Wish I could be there with you.

 

We'll take photos.

 

So far Morrow has shut down Spencer. It would be nice to see Spencer get free for one instant and get a blast off into the corner, a la Carrieri in Game 2.

Otherwise, shut down the wings and hope Fraser and Mastroeni play big in the middle when Pareja and Kreis comes storming through. Look for Carrieri on the long counter.

Hope Valderrama plays like he's 21, not 41.

Should be a good one.

 

15 minutes to go ... still 1-1.

Rhine from Deering in the sixth minute for Dallas, Spencer from Carrieri and Chung in the 22nd.

Haven't had a radio broadcast work yet ... did get to hear Larry King's interview with Rudy Giuliani, though.

 

*Snif, Snif* Is that a mini-game I smell? Good luck Rappids.

 

End of 90 minutes, still 1-1.

Overtime awaits.

 

The goal area scramble at 1:30 made me as nervous as hell.

 

2nd 5 minute OT coming up.

 

If only Carrieri could bring down the deflection, but it was high. 20 minute golden goal mini game time.

 

CHUNG!!! A HEADER!!! CHUNG!!!

 

Chung scores in the first minute of series OT, assists to Henderson and Trembly.

Raps win!

 

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!


Awesome job guys!!!!!!