RSS
Home
Rapids host Cooper-less F.C. Dallas
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Tonight the Rapids will host F.C. Dallas at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The Rapids played Dallas just three games ago. That game did not go as planned as the the Rapids were only able to get one point from a draw after out-shooting and out-playing Dallas for the majority of the match.
F.C. Dallas has struggled this season getting off to a 4-7-5 record garnering 17 points through sixteen games. The "Hoops" struggles has meant that the team has been reduced to playing a spoiler role this season. They have played that role well beating Chicago in Chicago and drawing Colorado here. In each match Dallas took advantage of teams that had just played a tough game a few days before. In Colorado's case they played a team that was also missing the teams lead scorer.
Both teams are facing their challenges for tonight's game. The Rapids will be without Omar Cumming and Colin Clark again, which leaves the team woefully slow up front. Dallas will be without their lead scorer Kenny Cooper.
The Rapids will be looking to Conor Casey to get back on the scoring track. Casey struggled last week against Chicago. He admitted after the match that he was not up to the standards he has set with the team this season. Travel with the national team and lack of playing time are likely culprits. Not getting service from Omar and Colin exasperate the problems. After another week's training with the Rapids will hopefully get Casey back on the scoring track.
Dallas has weathered the absence of Kenny Cooper rather well. Jeff Cunningham stepped up last week and provided the Hoops with a Player-of-the-Week performance, much the way that Omar did for the Rapids when Casey was called up. Maintaining that level of play will be tough for Cunningham, as it was for Omar.
The Rapids will also be without Cory Gibbs who is serving a ban for accumulated caution points. Fortunately for the Rapids center back is the teams deepest position. Scott Palguta has shown that he can cover for Cory.
Anything less than a win, and the three point award, will be a disappointment for the Rapids. F.C. Dallas has not shown themselves to be an elite team this year. After this game the Rapids travel to play D.C. United, where the odds will be decidedly against the Rapids. A win tonight will help the team carry some confidence and momentum into that game.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
