The Rapids and the New York Red Bulls have already met this season, but using that game as a preview of what's to come today would be a massive mistake. For one thing, that game was practically played in the middle of a hurricane – I personally termed it "Hurricane Dick's" for laughs – and was played against a New York team with a completely different line up.
Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez have been added to the New York roster, giving them an incredibly potent 1-2 punch in the DP department. That was on top of an already talented gang of players including Juan Pablo Angel. They've quickly shot up the standings since the July 4th game against the Rapids and are legitimately battling for the Supporters Shield with the Columbus Crew in the East.
Colorado has won their last two games, both 3-0 but both against the weakest teams in the West. The defense and offense both impressed heavily in those games but the Rapids have pulled a Rockies this season and have played like a different team away from their beloved altitude in Commerce City. The team will most likely be at full strength today with Marvell Wynne and Matt Pickens both listed as probable coming back from their respective injuries. Pickens played last week, but only faced a single shot.
New York lost their last game to Real Salt Lake, in part because they were missing several players due to international games going on. Bouna Coundoul and Rafael Marquez were the two real notables missing due to the internationals, playing for Senegal and Mexico respectively. At Red Bull Arena against a weak road team in Colorado, NY is most likely going into this one looking for a rout and unfortunately it's pretty likely that they're going to see one barring a road performance out of the 'Pids that has yet to be seen this season.Coach Gary Smith is optimistic though, calling New York "beatable" and saying about Red Bull Arena – "It's Not Old Trafford." I wish the rest of the Rapids fanbase shared Gary's optimism about this one.
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Matt Pollard 