Match Briefing for 12.12: Colorado Rapids

Match #: 12.12

Opponent:
Colorado Rapids
15pts, 13GF, 17GA, -4 GD
4th place Western Conference
8th place (tie-Crew) MLS

Six Word Novel Preview: International Absences, National TV, Local Pressure.

TV: ESPN, 7PM

Radio: WMET 1160AM

Previous Meeting: Match 12.01 - Rapids 2 : 1 DC United (Debrief / First Impressions)

The Stakes: United says they're embarrassed and ready to rebound from a shocking loss at Salt Lake. Then again, they said they're weren't taking Salt Lake lightly. While United will be missing three critical players to Copa America (Moreno - BOL; Boswell, Olsen - USA) the most critical absence may be Bryan Namoff missing the game to the hamstring injury. This makes this game the biggest test of United's depth this season.

For Colorado, a hot start has faded. Whispers about Fernando Clavijo's job security are probably premature, as I seriously doubt that Colorado likes the idea of firing a coach in the middle of their first year at a new stadium. Colorado also is facing absences, with Herculez Gomez and Kyle Beckerman both absent. However, the team wasn't exactly clicking with them in the line-up. Colorado will leave happy with a draw (taking 4 of 6 points from United). United should be looking to even the series.

Previews from the DCUniverse: QuarterVolley, Poplar Point Perpective, Six Yards NorthThe Edgell Supporters
Previews from the Rapidity:
Previews Updated as we notice them

Expectations: If you're a pessimist, you've convinced yourself that United is going to drop points here. I personally do take the team at their word, and expect full spoils. While I'm nervous about the absences, I think Colorado is hurt far more than United is. In response, Colorado will probably play hack and slash football against Emilio and Gomez, and I expect to see a lot of Route One football from Colorado's distribution. United can counter with Moose (and I hope they do). The Namoff absence worries me, as we're now in the "two-down" scenario that I thought would make issues apparent. However, Conor Casey has yet to impress me as a forward, making me wonder who Terry Cooke will find for his crosses.

What to look for?

• If Fred and Moose are consistently positive with the ball, then Colorado's will need to bunker. If they don't seem to find the ball, then it could be a long night.
• Moreno was usually the one to check back to the ball, but if Kpene is his replacement I can see Kpene staying higher near the box and Emilio dropping back to take the ball, lay it off, and make a run to the post.
  
• Colorado will want to slow this game down, and I'm not sure United will be able to break out of it.
  
• I hate the fact that this team is so dependent on the first goal. But, well, that's the facts of life.