Colorado Rapids vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: How to Watch and More

The Colorado Rapids begin their quest to win the US Open Cup with a Colorado Derby match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.  This match is certainly a rematch of the 2015 US Open Cup where the Rapids and Switchbacks met in Commerce City, but it is so much more than that.  For the Rapids it represents a chance to continue to build on the season they are having but to also show that they take this tournament seriously.  For the Switchbacks it is a chance to get one over on the MLS team in the state.

The Goal for the Rapids:  Win.

What to Watch For

1)  The Seriousness: Look, the Switchbacks are going to go for this.  There is no doubt in my mind that they are going to play their Best XI and go for this one.  And why the hell not?  What do they have to lose?  But for the Rapids, they are expected to win and the lineup that they run out will give a good indication of how serious they take it.  They have not played in 17 days so everyone should be close to full health and be available for selection.  No. Excuses.

2)  The Two Game Week: The Rapids are in action tonight against the Switchbacks and then on Saturday against Chicago Fire.  So do you prioritize this Cup match or the Fire match?  Or is your depth good enough to deal with both?  We shall know about 7PM tonight

3)  Missing Players: The Rapids will be missing Shkelzen Gashi (Euro 2016 with Albania), Tim Howard (Copa America Centenario with USMNT) and Jermaine Jones (also with the USMNT).  In addition, Sean St. Ledger is coming back into health, but Marco Pappa should be available for selection.

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 14 June 2016 at 7:00 PM MDT

Venue: Dick's Sporting Goods Park--Commerce City, Colorado

Tickets: Tickets for this one can be purchased here

TV Information: NONE

Live Stream: NONE

Weather at Kick-off: 79 degrees and sunny

Predicted Starting XI

Well, this is the $64,000 question right?  How do the Rapids lineup in this one?  Do they take it seriously and really go for it?  Our very own Rapids Rabbi had his take yesterday about who is going to start this one, but it is truly difficult to predict how this one goes.  Here is my best guess:

Chris Froschauer, Marc Burch, Eric Miller, Jared Watts, Marlon Hairston, Sam Cronin, Micheal Azira, Dillon Serna, Dillon Powers, Marco Pappa, Luis Solignac