a/k/a the Rapid fans vs. Apathy thread. Game is Saturday, 5PM mountain time. Who will play? As per the playoffs thread, the Rapids site has a list of scenarios detailing how the 2nd and 3rd wildcard spots would play out: The other games (times are mountain time) start after the Rapids' game: Sat. 6:30PM, Chicago hosts Columbus Sun. 5:00PM, LA Galaxy hosts Houston
According to Smith in DP article As we all know (and if we're not sure Jason will be happy to point out) is what Smith says and does don't always agree.
So it will most likely to be either playing NY or Hou against Rapids in wildcard. NY played Thur and will be well rested for wildcard. Houston plays Sunday and will be able to decide starters based off Sat games and wildcard positioning. I think we play as few starters as possible (Other then forwards- need to get them going). So Larentowicz, Wynne, Moor, Kimura, Pickens, Thompson (so smith and mullan can rest) and whoever our starting forwards will be. I could see Ceus in there but would rather see Pickens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This game is on Altitude 2 which shares with the Comcast Entertainment Television on Comcast (Channel 105 in the Denver area).
1-1 draw, goal by Larentowicz. Vancouver is a bad team, but the Rapids seem bereft of ideas right now and would be lucky to get more than a goal. Given that the team is tired with their second road game in 4 days I don't see more than a draw and hoping for other results happening. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2011/10/warning-whitewater-ahead.html
So, the reward of a win will be to host the wildcard game here in Commerce City in 20 degree snowy weather? I don't even know if that will give us an advantage being that it is going to be near 80 on Monday and getting used to that kind of a temperature change in that short of a period of time is just as much a disadvantage for both teams. I cringe to think of the number of fans that will show up for that one. ouch!! here's the 10 day as of today: http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USCO0080
Starting lineup is out: [LINEUP-4-4-2]Cummings,Nyassi,Smith,Nane,Larentowicz,Mullan,Comminges,Marshall,Wynne,Kimura,Pickens[/LINEUP-4-4-2] I was 10 for 11 when I picked it for my blog last night, I thought Earls would start for Comminges. That's the standard starting XI, minus the injured Pablo and suspended Moor, so I guess Smith came down on the home side of the home but tired or away but rested debate. Bench: Ceus, Palguta, Ababio, Thompson, LaBauex, Folan, Kandji.
For those, like myself, easily confused, this game is on Altitude2, or channel #105 on comcast in the Denver area. Because, you know, when you own a sports tv network and own the only team in Denver that's won a championship lately and made the playoffs two years running, you should definitely bump them in favor of a Kyle Keefe hosted puff piece.
Perfect example of my problem with the team. Kimura has the ball about midfield. He has Mullan wide open diagonal to his left about 7 yards forward. Instead he hits a long ball to Omar who was offside at the time so doesn't go after it. A couple minutes later Nyassi has an easy pass moving forward but gives it away trying for the killer through ball.
This team just doesn't make any runs but the "home run" type. That last corner kick in particular, everyone made it to their spots, but no one attacked the ball. Then the following possession, we're back to knocking it around the back and playing the "all or nothing" long ball instead of higher-percentage runs and passes.