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The Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire get together for the only time in 2016 with the Fire visiting the Rapids in a match that features the return to MLS for both clubs. This match is one of polar opposites: the Rapids are top of the Supporters Shield Standings with 28 points whereas the Fire are bottom of the table with just 11 points.
The Goal for the Rapids: win
What to Watch For
1) Easy Right? Not so fast. The Rapids should win this game easily, but let's be honest here. In the history of this franchise, nothing has come easy for the Rapids and they have not historically dealt well when they are favored. Yes, the should win this game, but to assume it will happen because we are playing the Fire would be a mistake.
2) The Streak: If the Rapids get a result in this one it will set a record: ten games unbeaten. It would be a pretty amazing accomplishment, but for me the better one would be to win and be 7-0-1 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park this season.
3) June: The Rapids only have two MLS games in the month of June: vs the Fire and then on the road at LA Galaxy. Of the two matches that await the Burgundy Boys this month, this is far and away the easier of the two. Getting a win in this game should be a priority and anything less would be a disappointment.
4) No Respect: I don't care what anyone says at Major League Soccer, but when the number one team in MLS are the Rapids and you completely ignore them, it is clear that Rapids are still not getting any respect.
Officiating Assignments
Referee: Juan Guzman
Assistant Referees: Jonathan Johnson and Logan Brown
Fourth Official: Alex Chilowicz
Injuries/Suspensions
Injuries: Colorado--OUT: Sean St. Ledger, Bobby Burling, Jared Watts. Chicago--OUT: John Goossens, Collin Fernandez, Matt Polster. LISTED ON REPORT: Michael Harrington
Suspensions: NONE
International Absences
Shkelzen Gashi and Jermaine Jones
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 18 June 2016 at 7:00 PM MDT
Venue: Dick's Sporting Goods Park--Commerce City, Colorado
Ticket Information: Click here or dial (303) 825-GOAL
TV Information: Altitude Sports Television
Radio Information: Altitude Sports Radio AM 950
Weather at Kickoff: 89 degrees and sunny
Predicted Starting XI
I actually think this is one of the easier Starting XI's to predict. Much of it is due to injuries and people being on international duty. But I am sure I will get this wrong (of course):
Zac MacMath, Marc Burch, Axel Sjoberg, Eric Miller, Mekeil Williams, Sam Cronin, Micheal Azira, Dillon Serna, Dillon Powers, Marco Pappa, Kevin Doyle