If you look at the Colorado Rapids website, you'll see this weekend's projected formation lined up looking like some Roman gladiators. The formation is listed as basically two lines of four and five in defense and midfield with lone striker,Conor Casey, up front. Here is the link to the website. Kind of scary, huh?
http://www.coloradorapids.com/TheMatch/Matchup.aspx
I apologize that I cannot offer any particular insight this week into what the exact formation will be. Because of the From The Pitch Radio show and other commitments, I just could not make it up to DSG Park again this week. I was hoping to bend Gary Smith's ear last night at staff soccer but the game didn't happen. It was a busy week for the Rapids and the staff were obviously a little preoccupied. I promise that I will be at training next week at some point to get some insights into camp mood and trends, especially after our rousing victory over DC United tomorrow.
What do we know for sure? Ugo Ihemelu will be out again with the concussion concern. It looks as if the back four will be the same as started against Kansas City. Changes look likely in the midfield. Christian Gomez and Mehdi Ballouchy are listed as probable starters along with the returning Colin Clark, Pablo and crosser extraordinaire, Terry Cooke. Mastroeni was taken out of the US game on Wednesday after 78 minutes and reportedly got a knock but the man is a beast and I am sure he will start. So, Jacob Peterson, who picked up a knock last week, and the unfortunate Nick LaBrocca appear to be on the bench this weekend.
What does surprise me is the probable inclusion of Bouna Coundoul. Preston Burpo performed well last week against Kansas and Bouna has been all the way to and back from Libya with the Senegal national team. He has not practiced all week with the Rapids and he did not get any game time in Tripoli. It would seem to me that Burpo would be the right choice for tomorrow.
Anyway, let's hope for a dramatic result under the new regime. The team should be fired up and competitive. Realistically, I think we would settle for a point but wouldn't it be spectacular to get all three? See you down at SoBo for the 5.30pm MT kick off.
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