Match 11.06 Preview: At Colorado Rapids

Match #: 11.06

Opponent: At Colorado Rapids

Records:
DC United, 3-0-2, 11 pts, 2nd in East Conference , 2nd (tie) in MLS
Colorado Rapids, 1-2-1, 4 pts, 4th (tie) in West Conference, 6th (tie) in MLS

TV: CSN, 9:00PM

Previous Meeting: DC United 2 : 0 Colorado Rapids, September 17, 2005 (DCenters remembers...)

Suggested Pregame Music: Colorado - Christopher Guest

The Stakes: DC United gets a road game against a struggling, non-conference foe in between home games against top of the table teams. For United, the stakes are to not overlook the game and carry momentum in against Kansas City next week. United needs to see how well they play the final half hour of the game given the altitude (less of an impact than people think), the cold (more of an impact), and the plane trip (ick). Play a solid game, and good things should happen.

Colorado needs to do something to indicate that they don't suck as much as some people say. United's goal differential is equal to number of times Colorado has put the ball in the net this year, and the Rapids have allowed more goals than anyone outside of Salt Lake (suddenly the Rockey Mountain Cup thing makes more sense). Expected Yield: 2.5 points. Really, United needs to win this game. Any other result, even if Colorado packs it in, is not a good result. (Current Expectations to Reality Level: 93% - I have underestimated DCU's performance to date)

D's Location: Catching the game on TiVo, since I think I have theater reservations for Satuday night. Still, coffee and soccer is a good way to start Sundays.

Last Word: Sympathy