Galaxy played 120 min on Wed so they could lose in extra-time of extra-time. They are undefeated at home (in MLS play) this year, 6-0-5, but a point should be within reach. We all know Bruce doesn't care much about the USOC, but it's still gotta hurt a bit... Keep fighting, it worked for FCD!
I'd say a point is totally achievable and at this point the minimum. If the team is really going to push for the Shield and MLS Cup, I'd say winning is the expectation for here on out...but the skeptic in me says tie is most likely. 1-1 goal by Gashi
0-0 draw. The two best defenses in the league should make this a stalemate. LA has a significantly better offense than we do but they played a USOC game midweek. Their starters only subbed in late but I think that takes enough off their attack facing the best defense that we get a defensive battle and no scoring. I'll take a draw in LA though. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2016/08/rapids-try-to-swamp-galaxy-hopes.html
Yes, a must win if the Rapids aspire to the Supporters' Shield. My guess is that the starting lineup will be almost the same as last Saturday night, with the exception of Azira being back in the starting lineup in place of Powers. If Gashi is involved as last week in the attack the Rapids will get some quality chances.
I disagree. It is a must tie (or win). They can get the supporters sheld with ties on some of these big away games and wins at home.
Hmm, that is a tough stretch coming: 8/13 @ Galaxy 8/20 Orlando City 8/26 @ RSL 9/3 @ Revolution 9/10 @ FCDallas
I don't see 9 pts. 7 would be great. 5 is easily possible. Heck, I could see even less if the team isn't focused. Given the backend games, 9 pts would have us easily in the driver's seat for SS. Which is still weird for me as a long time Rapids fan.
I'd be happy with a win over Orlando, loss to NE, draws in the other 3 (which would keep the RMC here).
1-1 tie. And I'd be very happy with that. It will be interesting to see how the Rapids defense works against a very good offensive team. It was nice to have Burling back. Still hoping they can hold the fort until Jones returns. Then make a run at it all. (A good reason not to rush him back until he's fit.)
I wonder when Jones will return. If he's fit he won't be around for 9/3 (qualifier) and maybe not 9/10 (qualifier on 9/6). But you figure he'll want to get in shape for the qualifiers. It would be nice to be around to wreak some havoc in Utah. 8/13 @ Galaxy 8/20 Orlando City 8/26 @ RSL 9/3 @ Revolution 9/10 @ FCDallas
I don't know, at some point JK will have to go with somebody he can count on for 90 minutes, not somebody who hasn't managed 90 minutes in 2 months (or maybe once in two months). If he's not back by the next week then I think his chances for being called up start dropping rapidly.
I must be missing who else is hurt and can't go 90. But I could see Jones getting called up for his bench leadership alone. His time with the Rapids is really showing his versatility--#10/destroyer, bench leader...
Personally I am very frustrated with the JJ situation in terms of the Rapids v Nats. Or just the Rapids to be honest. If his priority is to be a main cog with the Nats doesn't he be need to be on the pitch with the Rapids showing he is fit and in-form to JK? Now if his injury is such that he needs to get rehabilitate through therapy and time away from the game, fine. Let him get healthy and back to training with the Rapids, then onto the pitch showing he can go the full 90. In my book he's a Rapid, perhaps first and foremost. They are paying him his regular salary, they made the choice to sign him with an eye towards massive improvement on the pitch. Yah, I'm frustrated about his lack of time in a Rapids' kit. Rant over.
So far the only time he's missed with the Nats was the Copa, something we all knew was going to happen when we signed him (and JJ was hardly the only player in MLS to miss time with the Nats during Copa/Euros). There's been a lot of talk in this forum about how he's prioritizing the Nats over the Rapids but I have yet to see any evidence of that. Up through the July 4th game we got exactly the JJ we expected to get when we signed him. Since then his injury has kept him out. Not ideal but also not a surprise given his age and track record. Now if he doesn't play for the Rapids and suddenly shows up on the roster for the WCQ!s then I agree, that's crap, but let's let it happen before we get too frustrated with him.
As for the match tonight, I am wondering if Pablo's orders will be to sit back early on and absorb the pressure or will they be proactive as last weekend when they took it to the opposition with the high pressure off the bat. To me this is an important question as it tells me what their mindset will be for the match. Playing for a draw? Or going for it? Now one of my take-aways from the Vancouver victory is that speed-of-play really matters. On both goals the ball moved very quickly. One touch and the ball was on to the next player. Hit the cross on the first touch and you don't give the opposition little chance to get into position. Hairston and Badji both play very well into the Pablo Footy Philosophy. Hard work all over the pitch by all players to pressure the opposition and win the ball back high up. The starters in the Vancouver match completely bought into this. Having stated the above, I have a feeling that if Le Toux's back isn't an issue he will see significant playing time. He just could be the guy who gets the Rapids more solid chances within the 18 yard box.
Absolutely, and I am still feeling frustrated. It's not logical, it's emotional. He plays with a lot of passion and pride and it makes a difference. I just want to see him on the pitch for the Rapids this season making a difference.
Which is the American Footy Philosophy circa 2000. Unfortunately he hasn't learned that 1-2 players with talent that don't run at 100% for 100% of the game is sometimes necessary. Odd considering he played with and against Carlos Valderrama, the master of that strategy.
He is missed, I hope he comes back soon as well. Helps move the ball on the attack, he's a threat on set pieces and as a trailing runner, and he covers a lot of ground to track back and break things up.
This. I'm glad Pablo has learned to be consistent with lineups but it seems (as with much of hos coaching) he's now swung the pendulum too far the other way. Azira really should be back int he starting XI. (I'd argue Le Toux over Badji if he's ready too, but there's less to base that claim on other than gut feel)