Away - 03/21 Colorado Rapids

We're not going to be playing on ESPN2 at 5 pm this is going to be weird lol. I would like too see Mullins start over Nemec, also would personally like too see a shift in the Backline new faces or switching it around. Either way can't take a weaker side for granted, 3 points are not a given look at Seattle and Toronto dropping points we shall see!
 
Here's link to a Colorado Rapids podcast about this weekend's game (they will have another podcast on Friday for more on this weekend's game)

http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2015/03/rapids-podcast-countdown-continues-visit-nycfc

Colorado is much deeper talent wise than last year. They can absorb the two suspensions received from the Philly game but there will be opportunities for Villa. Hopefully Villa is not affected by the altitude (but a lot of new players are affected by it). NYCFC should attack down the left side and down the middle. I'm hoping David Villa can play as he did against the Revs because that would bode well. I would also bring Shelton in for Nemec after ~60 minutes to attack against Sjoberg.

Colorado is relatively young and athletic supplemented with a couple veterans (Vincente Sanchez and Marcelo Sanchez). Hopefully we can score early.

The Rapids lineup could look like:

GK: Clint Irwin
RB: Marlon Hairston (young 20)
CB: Shane O'Neill (good but young 21) and Axel Sjoberg (he is 6'7" - would make Adam seem tiny)
LB: Michael Harrington
DM: Lucas Pittinari
CM: Marcelo Sarvas
LW: Vincente Sanchez (or Dillon Serna and Vincente plays center mid)
CM: Gabriel Torres (or Vincente Sanchez) - can be dangerous
RW: Juan Ramirez
CF: Dominique Badji (or Gabriel Torres)

Pablo brought on a couple Argentines and several other players from south of the border. They have several super subs as well like Sam Cronin, Dillon Powers and Carlos Alvarez (since Deshorn Brown is now gone) .

Colorado will try to deny Mix the ball so more will fall on AJ and Ned and Sebastian.

The Rapids are stressing fitness and taking advantage of the altitude. They seem confident that our backline can be beaten so if the outside backs get too far up, look for the counter. How our backline plays will have a lot to do with the final result.

EDIT - I see that Marc Burch is on the roster as well (a veteran left back). Pablo could conceivably play both Burch and Harrington at the same time so there is more experience on the back line (similar to what Jason Kreis has done by moving Wingert from left back to left center back).

Deshorn Brown is now going to Norway (http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci...n-dealt-by-rapids-norwegian-club-v?source=rss) so he is unavailable. I'm sure he will hit Mix up for tips.
 
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The effects of altitude training are gone after 1-3 months. None of our guys are better off than the others at this point in this respect. Certainly not guys who played for RSL last year.
 
I wouldn't be surprised if Mendoza got the start. Kreis was trying to keep him away from those big games until he is more comfortable in the MLS to avoid any mistakes. I really trust Kreis I think he does a great job in developing young talent.
 
What won us the game this weekend was Villa's pace down the left side. I would have to imagine they focus on him out left, but that hopefully creates more chances up the middle. Which should be good with Nemec holding up play and hopefully Seba then making runs off of him or Mix if he gets forward.
 
I actually think a lot will happen down NYC's left side as well, but because untested 2nd year Harriston will be playing the RB position and its new for him. Villa, Grabavoy and Brovsky should be able to exploit it. Hadji doesn't look to threatening, but Ramirez and Torres are the danger men. I think nyc offense has to take charge early and the defense (Especially AJ) have to frustrate their offense often.

This is winnable but not a gimme.
 
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I actually think a lot will happen down NYC's left side as well, but because untested 2nd year Harriston will be playing the RB position and its new for him. Villa, Grabavoy and Brovsky should be able to exploit it. Hadji doesn't look to threatening, but Ramirez and Torres are the danger men. I think nyc offense has to take charge early and the defense (Especially AJ) have to frustrate their offense often.

This is winnable but not a gimme.
Gonna have to be clinical with our chances because having to chase a game with that altitude won't be fun.
 
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Anyone know if this game will be on tv in Chicago? Will be there for a wedding. Thanks
 
Anyone know if this game will be on tv in Chicago? Will be there for a wedding. Thanks
If you have YES then you should be able to stream over Fox Soccer 2 Go from what others have said. It's not nationally televised so no it shouldn't be available.
 
Here's link to a Colorado Rapids podcast about this weekend's game (they will have another podcast on Friday for more on this weekend's game)

http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2015/03/rapids-podcast-countdown-continues-visit-nycfc

Colorado is much deeper talent wise than last year. They can absorb the two suspensions received from the Philly game but there will be opportunities for Villa. Hopefully Villa is not affected by the altitude (but a lot of new players are affected by it). NYCFC should attack down the left side and down the middle. I'm hoping David Villa can play as he did against the Revs because that would bode well. I would also bring Shelton in for Nemec after ~60 minutes to attack against Sjoberg.

Colorado is relatively young and athletic supplemented with a couple veterans (Vincente Sanchez and Marcelo Sanchez). Hopefully we can score early.

The Rapids lineup could look like:

GK: Clint Irwin
RB: Marlon Hairston (young 20)
CB: Shane O'Neill (good but young 21) and Axel Sjoberg (he is 6'7" - would make Adam seem tiny)
LB: Michael Harrington
DM: Lucas Pittinari
CM: Marcelo Sarvas
LW: Vincente Sanchez (or Dillon Serna and Vincente plays center mid)
CM: Gabriel Torres (or Vincente Sanchez) - can be dangerous
RW: Juan Ramirez
CF: Dominique Badji (or Gabriel Torres)

Pablo brought on a couple Argentines and several other players from south of the border. They have several super subs as well like Sam Cronin, Dillon Powers and Carlos Alvarez (since Deshorn Brown is now gone) .

Colorado will try to deny Mix the ball so more will fall on AJ and Ned and Sebastian.

The Rapids are stressing fitness and taking advantage of the altitude. They seem confident that our backline can be beaten so if the outside backs get too far up, look for the counter. How our backline plays will have a lot to do with the final result.

EDIT - I see that Marc Burch is on the roster as well (a veteran left back). Pablo could conceivably play both Burch and Harrington at the same time so there is more experience on the back line (similar to what Jason Kreis has done by moving Wingert from left back to left center back).

Deshorn Brown is now going to Norway (http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci...n-dealt-by-rapids-norwegian-club-v?source=rss) so he is unavailable. I'm sure he will hit Mix up for tips.

The bet is that with David Villa coming to town, Marlon Hairston will not get the start. They will probably move their best defender Michael Harrington over to right back, and veteran Marc Burch will take his spot at left back. With this lineup, the centerbacks are Colorado's weak point.