I hate to do this, but I think it's time to bring up the dominatrix triple threat that will be heading our way this coming Saturday: Landon, De Rosario, and a championship attitude. So. San Jose Earthquakes. Despite a surprisingly shaky start for the 2003 Cup champs, they bounced back big time as New England found out last week. And de Rosario's bicycle kick went in, damn it. On the other hand, the Rapids should have their defense and midfield shored up this week by veterans Pablo Mastroeni and Chris Henderson, respectively. Boy, I sure hope so. Well, obviously, Hendo is in, and he's pumped to play. I think that's exactly what we needed, just a touch more stability to help anchor some of the explosive play we've shown we're capable of. I was really impressed by our first half play against L.A. Not only was it aggressive and not only did it create scoring chances, it was fun to watch. I think we could see more of the same. And maybe Cannon will have former teammate and (still) friend Landon talking to the hand. That would be nice to see. And maybe Hart will be so psyched to play against his old team Colorado that he'll forget to screw his cleats in. Cheers, BilFish
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion Hopefully the Rapids will come out shooting like last weekend. If we can get another goal in the 9th minute I'm thinking it could lead to our first win of the season. Hopefully Pablo will be back to help the defense organize. Nat isn't doing the best job at that and while Sully has played well for a rookie, and didn't get burned by Ruiz/Kirovski too badly. Getting Pablo back in there should help contain Landon and DD. Pedro is going to continue to burn defenders, especially the aging Agoos and over muscled Dyak. We all remember Wes Hart and know he is a vunerable RB. Chungy will use him all day long. Spencer is going to bicycle kick Onstad in the face. Here's to 3 points coming from Pedro, Chung and Spencer goals. We'll leapfrog SJ into 4th place. Look out!
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion Rapids get three points from this match. S.J. has a history of bad luck against the Rapids. I don't think their defence can contain a healthy Spencer. Pedro will kick in one or two (I hope). With Hendo back in mid and Pablo on the back line, I expect the Rapids to play strong. I look forward to seeing Pablo and Powell take possesion and distribute well.
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion This is a tough one to call. Our midfield is going to have serious troubles with SJ. I hope I'm wrong. Man I hope I'm wrong. Is the bad weather suppose to flow into Saturday?
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion I'm guessing weather should be a bit brisk. Excellent opportunity to use a cold beer to stay warm, I'm thinking. SJE: 2 Rapids: 4 Okay, just kidding. Divide by 2. Pedro with another header. You can see him coming, you just can't stop the Brain Train. Spencer stops teasing the fans and slam dunks, errr, blasts in a grass-cutter to the far right, which scores as Pat Onstad is busy trying to remember the Canadian National Anthem in the middle. Another Spencer shot bounces off the top cross bar, hits off the goal line, and bounces off Wes Hart's left, no, right shin, and goes in. But, it's called back because de la Torre is offside as he forgets that this is the 2nd half. Man, I gotta stop eating banana bread before bed, it's makin' me a bit fruity. Cheers, BilFish
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion I wonder if this week will become a battle of the keepers. We've got the 2002 & 2003 Goalkeepers of the Year going up against each other. Who knows? Could be another exciting 0-0 or 1-1 tie. That sure would be great! Okay, that would suck. Mostly, I tend to think that you can bunker down on D if you want to, but you can't win if you can't outscore people. That's my only concern for the Rapids -- not the D, which I think will show themselves to be extremely tight this week, but the O, which has the capacity to come into good form, but needs to prove it. Cheers, BilFish
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion Just been reading the San Jose Pre and Post Game posts, and have the following observations: 1. They have no respect for our mid field they said their forwards would run right past Becks 2. They mentioned that Brian Mullan might be out with a sprained ankle and were a little concerned about filling that spot 3. They were all talking about Chris Brown coming in and perhaps starting. Are they talking about C.J. Brown? I don't see him listed on the roster, but Onstad mentions him being on the last trip. 4. They said, "doesn't Colorado always suck at the beginning of the season." That one hurts!! It could be an interesting match with either water logged balls, or balls that hit and skid 25 yards!!! Still, I can't wait!! Go Raps!!!! No More Ties!!!
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion I could be wrong but I believe that's Chris Brown, the forward who went to SJ from KC in the off season.
Re: Rapids v Cup Champs San Jose Pre/Post Discussion At the very least I'm hoping San Jose proves to be a bunch of wussy-warm-weather-women who don't want to get cold, wet and dirty Saturday night. Much like me, really. Might have to switch that cold beer to a hot toddy. Excepting that I hate hot toddies, so maybe hot chocolate with a healthy dose of butterscotch schnapps. And gloves. Speaking of gloves -- Joe Cannon's from the San Jose greater area, so I wonder if he's adapted to the cold weather yet, since we didn't have any this year until now. Cheers, BilFish
I was wondering what line up you guys would use for this game considering the fact that San Jose scored 3 against the Revs. Also do you guys think that Maestroni will start? Also some more predictions on the game. Also Pedro scored this week-end and I was very proud to see his first goal in MLS. ope he scores some more against San Jose.
Attendance ... something occurred to me why this was so low ... There was an Avs playoff game that day wasn't there? I was at brother's bar before the game ... and the place was packed with lots of Avs jersey's ... so it got me thinking.
Yes, there was an Ave's game where they won, I think, 5-2. That definitely affects Rapids attendance. This week? Saturday: Colorado Mammoth play in the afternoon at Pepsi Center, followed by the Denver Nuggets that night. Saturday afternoon: The Colorado Avalanche play at 1pm in San Jose, funny enough, so that's on TV. Weather -- nobody's getting excited to sit out in the snow and cold. Sure, there's "amazing technology" to heat the field, but it definitely don't be heatin' no seats! The Rapids face San Jose, and can't imagine California kids really wanting to tailgate for this one. Could be a great game to get "up close" and personal with your favorite Rapid, you might be the only one in your section! Cheers, BilFish
Oh, and the Rockies play tomorrow to. And it's the final weekend of skiing/riding for several resorts (and there's actually snow). So, wow, lots of sports opportunities for folks this weekend. Guesstimates: Mammoth: 15,000 Nuggets: 19,000 Rockies: 30,000 Avalanche: 50,000 Ski hills: 20,000 Rapids: ??????? 9,972. ==================== Could have 145,000 Coloradans playing or watching home team sports. BilFish
Is this a must win game for Hanki??? Let's hope so. Only 3 weeks into the regular season and we're already at the bottom of the Western Conference.
I won't be at the game tonight but I want to hear about some good Hart chants from the Supporters Section. Don't let him and his new team feel welcome.
Now, Bonji, please don't embarrass yourself further. You've already said you won't be at tonight's game, maybe the weather is too much for ya. The first rule of getting "picky" is, ya gotta be right. Oh! It Hurts!!!! I ain't none right all the, and it's nice to see that others share this passion. Cheers, BilFish
I raise my Affligem and hope the Aves 4-1 loss to San Jose is a harbinger that the home team is gonna whomp 'em good today! Cheers, BilFish
What weather? Previous obligations my friend. So I should have made myself more clear. Copper is closed. Beaver Creek is closed. Vail is closed. Keystone is closed. Eldora apears to be closed. So there are three mountains open.