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The Colorado Rapids take on the star studded LA Galaxy this afternoon at Dick's Sporting Goods Park and for the Rapids they will be looking for their first result of the season. The Galaxy will be coming into Colorado on a high after demolishing D.C. United last weekend at home. This will not be an easy match, but one where the Rapids could win.
The Goal for the Rapids: win in front of the home faithful
What to Watch For
1) Stopping the Galaxy--the Rapids had a good defensive performance last weekend against San Jose Earthquakes, but let's be honest here: the Galaxy are a far different prospect. They feature an attack that is so potent that they were able to score four goals, two of which were from a substitute. This attack is no joke.
2) Offense--things were better for the Rapids and they played a much better brand of soccer this past weekend, from the offensive end of things. But they still did not score a goal and have gone 167 minutes of scoreless soccer and this will not be a match that ends 0-0
3) The Good Will and the Excitement--the Rapids have a ton of good will right now with the fanbase after some big signings and a terrific kick off party on Thursday. But what they really need is a big, big win. The Rapids cannot come out flat and get run off the pitch.
Officiating Assignments
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
Assistant Referees: Ian Anderson and Corey Parker
Fourth Official: Nima Saghafi
Injuries/Suspensions
Injuries: Colorado--OUT: Sean St. Ledger and John Berner. Los Angeles--OUT: Dan Kennedy and Giovani dos Santos. LISTED ON REPORT: Alan Gordon, Jeff Larentowicz, Leonardo
Suspensions: Colorado--Jermaine Jones. Los Angeles--NONE
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12 March 2016 at 5:00 PM MST
Venue: Dick's Sporting Goods Park--Commerce City, Colorado
Tickets: Colorado Rapids Website or (303) 825-GOAL
Supporters Information: Click here for information on Centennial 38 or here for Stout Street Bulldogs.
Weather at Kickoff: 63 degrees and overcast
TV Information: Altitude
Live Stream: MLS Live (blackouts apply)
Predicted Starting XI
The Rapids did pretty well with the lineup they put out there last weekend, but they were better with Marco Pappa on the pitch and I would like him to start this weekend. Obviously his fitness is going to be an issue, but call this a hunch and he makes his first start:
Zac MacMath, Eric Miller, Axel Sjoberg, Jared Watts, Marlon Hairston, Sam Cronin, Micheal Azira, Shkelzen Gashi, Dillon Powers, Marco Pappa, Kevin Doyle
This will serve as your official Burgundy Wave game thread for this home opener. Please check back for commentary, analysis and opinion as the Burgundy Boys look for their first win of the year!