Rapids vs. Earthquakes preview

Well, this is it. The Colorado Rapids haven't made a trip to the finals since the old days of 1997. I was barely 10 years old and didn't even know that a team called the Rapids existed back then, my younger self still learning the ways of hockey and getting more into baseball. In other words, it's been a while since the Pids have had a shot for glory in this league.

Colorado will play the San Jose Earthquakes for that particular shot at glory this evening at 7 PM, Mountain Time at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The Rapids offense continues to tear the world up - isn't that amazing that we're able to say that after the dismal start to the year that our O had? - with "two headed monster" Conor Casey and Omar Cummings representing both the unmovable object and the unstoppable force. San Jose's defense has been shredded by injuries, a bad sign for the Quakes as they are forced to play both at altitude and against the powerful Rapids offense. Midfielder Bobby Convey played some left back earlier but his particular scoring touch may be too vital to keep out of the midfield, leaving the actual starters in the back four a mystery.

Head to head, both teams got the win at home against each other by a 1-0 result. Chris Wondolowski - naturally - scored against the Rapids, ten feet offside the goal may have been. An Omar Cummings pass was put into the net by Jon Busch, a rare mistake of an own goal for the otherwise solid goalkeeper.

Colorado had to get through the Columbus Crew to get this far, winning their series in Penalty Kicks after 1-0 and 2-1 results at home and away respectively. The Quakes managed to defeat the New York Red Bulls in the biggest upset of the playoffs so far by defeating them 3-1 at Red Bull Arena after a 1-0 loss at home.

Go Rapids! Snow is in the forecast tonight so this one should be great fun.