KC has to attack so look for the Rapids on the counterattack. In particular, Carrieri and Henderson should be dangerous, with Chung not too far behind.
Unfortunately for DC, if they get their part of the deal done (beating Dallas) it takes away all incentive for the Rapids. With a Dllas loss or tie the Rapids will clinch the #4 seed and since (barring a miracle win by 16/SJ loss by 16) #3 is out of the question the Rapids will have nothing to play for. The Rapids also have numeous players sitting on the edge of suspension (though I read that suspensions due to yellow card accumilation won't carry over to the playoffs this year) so expect some of them to rest if the #4 sopt is clinched. Players like Hart, Palacios, Fraser, Titus and Carrieri.
Re: Re: With Regard to KC, I agree... if it's not a must-have, rest some of the guys. Come to think of it, I can't remember a home game this year where CV didn't play the full 90. And if anyone needs a rest... I've also read that Yellow Card points don't carry over into the playoffs, but does anyone know about a points-suspension? I haven't checked it, but I know several guys are flirting with a suspension for points. If they play on Friday and hit that mark, would the suspension carry over? -- jeff
This from Rapidfire: "PLAYOFFS AND CAUTION POINTS - Luckily for the Rapids, who had a staggering seven players on the verge of a one-game disciplinary suspension heading into the final two games of the regular season, caution points and the resulting suspensions will not carry over into post-season play. Slightly different disciplinary rules kick in upon the start of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Any suspensions for yellow card points earned in a player’s last regular season game will not carry over into the Playoffs or into the 2003 season. However, all red card suspension will carry over into the postseason. Also, any red card suspensions received during the postseason will follow a player (if applicable to a new team) into the next League season. All players will start the MLS Cup Playoffs with zero caution points. Players who then accumulate thirteen (13) or more caution points (compared to 21 during the regular season) will be suspended for the following playoff game (including the championship game if applicable). Any caution points suspensions received in a player’s last playoff match will not carry over into the 2003 campaign. As in the regular season, players who accumulate more than 10 caution points in three (3) consecutive playoff games shall be suspended for the next playoff game (including the championship game if applicable). Any card issued during a 10-minute overtime period or a 20-minute Series Tiebreaker, shall be considered issued for that game as a whole. Any player sent off during regulation shall not be permitted to play in the subsequent 10-minute overtime period (if applicable), the 20-minute series tiebreaker (if applicable) or penalty kick shootout (if applicable), and, per standard red card suspensions, shall be required to miss their next game (playoff game, MLS Cup, or their first game of the 2002 regular season) in its entirety."
In other words, go out and get yourself a bunch of yellows, boys. Play that black and blue style that we all love so much.
If I'm reading the playoff scenarios right, we here in Chicago would love to see you guys win this weekend.