Giving Colorado The New York Cheer: RBNY / Rapids Preview

By: Dave Martinez | September 26th, 2008

CURRENT SITUATION

The Bulls find themselves six points behind Chicago, and two over DCU. In this pivotal playoff chase, the Bulls, on paper, have the safest challenge of the above teams this week, facing an underachieving and unstable Colorado side. United finds themselves on the road against a resurgent Dallas squad. Chicago met the challenge and then some, breaking the Galaxy 3-1 in convincing fashion. The Bulls will have to follow their mid western rivals footsteps and take a vital win to start locking up this race.

WHATS AT STAKE

With only 8 points out of a possible 39 being earned on the road, the Bulls must do what they have been doing at home this weekend - win. Road points have been so scarce that the Bulls can not afford to lose if they intend to take the pitch in the post season.

MY PROJECTED LINEUP

=========Angel===Kandji=========
Rojas======Magee=========Richards
======Pietravallo=Stammler========
====Jimenez==Parke==Cichero=======
===========Conway=============

COMMENTARY

As usual, I would expect a 3-5-2 for this important home confrontation. Goldie is out, and that should present an opening for Jimenez to catch some pitch time. Jeff Parke should be in the area he is most comfortable in - central defense. And Gabe Cichero brings an irreplaceable toughness to the back, so his presence is nearly assured. Add Pietravallo and Stammler to the front of this defensive combo and the Rapids will be feeling the road squeeze offensively (which is imperative this game).

Offensively, I would put the hones on Mike Magee. Lets face it - Magee needs to fill that void that Rojas has left in the midfield while Jorge covers for Vandie. With targets like Angel and Kandji, Magee will have many passing lanes, and open space to create (hopefully). This will be of the utmost importance against the Rapids - not only shutting them down, but drilling goals in bunches. Magee will have the opportunity to do both. A healthy Richards would be nice on the right as well, but if he isnt in form, I would expect a Mbuta debut.

PREDICTION