So it turns out the Rapids are still playing games. This Sunday in fact when they play in Seattle who expect to showcase their latest attempt to improve their club, Blaise Nkufo while the Rapids showcase... From here Not counting of course those last 5 days when they actually played an MLS team. But as Coach Smith said: Will the coach make any changes from the line up used against K.C.? Who's at left back? Is there room in the dog house for both Palguta and Earls? Will Lopez play more then 28 minutes (or play at all?) As the article linked above states, this is the first of three games against Western Conference foes, a chance for the team to show us what they are made of. Do we want to know? Can we handle the truth?
I want to see both Smith and Lopez starting. What I don't want to see is another lineup with no creativity, a defense that gives up an early goal, and a series of late super subs that are to late to obtain 3 points.
If Baudet is available, my backline is Moor-Baudet-Wynne-Kimura. The least likely unit to give up that early goal. My mid-field and front line is Lopez-JL-Pablo-Smith, Casey-Cummings. The most likely unit to score an early goal.
I was wondering about Baudet as well, but it seems even the Rapids are as ambivalent about the Rapids as the fans as there is no match up article up yet. Not that the injury report would be much help Injury report has Baudet listed as probable.
This is just my opinion from watching him in close ups right after he got in last match but after only about 5 minutes of play and maybe a couple sprints up the pitch he was gasping for air. If he really is in that type of shape starting him means you are playing with only two flexible (i.e. tactical) substitutes because he will have to come off. Sub him later when he can make it to full time (no extra time in league matches) and you get to use all three subs. If we're sitting on a lead (as if) you can put someone other than him in. Start him and sub him at half or even 60 - 70 minutes because you have to and you lose some tactical flexibility. So to me, yes play him but don't start him. That and play a significant summer friendly featuring our newly acquired DP. ;>)
GBS is 37 (Lopez is 36) and has averaged 89+ minutes per game this year. What's my point. He's had months to get in shape, time to play or cut bait.
Given how we've played recently, I'd rather be forced to sub him out up 1-0 than forced to sub him in down 1-0.
On that point a good question was asked during the latest Bleeding Burgundy podcast. To paraphrase, is it better to have Lopez use his creativity with deft touches and passes to and with fresh players players during the first part of the game or tiring players late in the game? The conventional wisdom is bring on the offensive help late but the question is a good one.
Let me ask you all this "What is the objective in 90 minutes of play"? Let me tell you " Score Goals, Score Goals and Score more goals". That is what people want to see and feel. I have been at the snack/beer line when a goal is scored and have seen in the masses people leave their line to run back to where they can see what is going on the field. Forgetting about their snacks/beer all because they want to be apart of the goal experience. All of this passing back defensive work is just plane boring and unacceptable. GOALS = WINS, PERIOD.
Referee: Yader REYES Official MLS Stats: 8 games, 3.0 Y/g, 2 R MLS 2010: 2 games, 2.5 Y/g, 1 R Assistant Referees: Kermit QUISENBERRY and Chris STRICKLAND Fourth Official: Landis WILEY All-time Colorado matches with Reyes as referee: 6/1/2008 Colorado Rapids 2 - 1 FC Dallas YELLOW: M. Saragosa, P. Mastroeni RED: NONE 7/11/2009 Colorado Rapids 1 - 0 FC Dallas YELLOW: M. Ballouchy, U. Ihemelu, N. LaBrocca, G. Dalby RED: NONE 8/1/2009 Colorado Rapids 0 - 1 Columbus Crew YELLOW: J. Garey, U. Ihemelu RED: U. Ihemelu (2CT) OVERALL RECORD: 2-1-0 2.000 PPG
Video I captured after the Sounders' practice where head coach Sigi Schmid previews the upcoming match against the Rapids. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT7zO3Y7gAM"]YouTube- Schmid Previews Colorado Rapids Match[/ame]
1-1 draw, goal by Conor Casey. Honestly the way the team's been playing I think I'm being optimistic predicting a draw, but Seattle really isn't a good team right now. If we have any hope of making the playoffs we need to get at least a point out of this game. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2010/07/last-time-great-britain-and-u.html
The second headline for the Rapid article on the Seattle game is this: "Colorado hoping for points in Seattle". This entire season has been defined by "hope".
http://www.soundersfc.com/media-library/Videos/Features/2010/07-July/100725-Scouting-Report.aspx Scouting report with Arlo White, for those who like such things.
we should switch to a 4222... ---casey-cummings---- clark-------------smith/lopez? ------pabo---ginger---- i feel like if we went bakc to casey and cummings side by side we would see the same results as last year... this year. new formation not really paying off for us 4231 lol who are we spain.
Anyone have and wanna share their MLS Matchday Live password so I can watch the match tonight? I don't have Fox Soccer Channel Josh V
Oh hey, the troll actually showed up pre-game for once. Given your predictions at the start of the season, I'd say that you might have helped the Rapids with this one.
Dear Rapids: I'm confused. Why is it again that other teams sign new players mid-season and those players are ready to start, and we sign players before or at the start of the season, and in late July, we are still debating if they are fit enough to play 20 minutes at the end of the game, let alone start? Love, Nowar99 Sorry to be negative. Prediction: Rapids play for the tie, fail to accomplish. Seattle 2, Rapids 1. Gary Smith will give an interview mid week to talk about how the "lads" are doing great and we have all the pieces in place, blah blah blah. Another season of 2 steps forward by the league, 1 step forward by the Rapids.