Colorado Rapids Practice Notes: May 31

It’s a good thing the Colorado Rapids have some depth at the centerback position, because they’re gonna need it.

Axel Sjoberg

His knee/upper leg was taped up and after some running warm-ups, he spent most of the practice on the sideline working one-on-one with a trainer. I don’t expect to see him on Saturday.

Jared Watts

He did not warm-up with the team, and was doing a few easy laps around the field. When I left, he was getting his calf taped/worked on. I don’t expect to see him on Saturday, either.

Mike da Fonte

Da Fonte was practicing with the starters, so between Sjoberg and Watts’ injuries and Burling’s suspension, there’s a good chance we’ll see da Fonte alongside Kort Ford on Saturday.

Bismark Adjei-Boateng

Nana is still easing his way back into it. He’s not yet practicing with the team, but is working with a trainer on the sideline.

John A. Babiak - @Photog_JohnB

Tim Howard and Mekeil Williams

Obviously, both were missing for international duty.

New formation?

They were scrimmaging in a 3-5-2 formation while I was there, with Marlon Hairston and Mohammed Saied as the wings in the middle. I’m not sure if they were just practicing this way, or if Pablo Mastroeni is thinking about trying something different vs. Columbus Crew.