What's at stake? (Buy Tickets Here)
Early conference poll position. Colorado is off to its strong start through two games with a road victory against Chivas USA and a draw in its home opener against the Fire. A victory would give Kansas City a maximum six points to start the season and two all important home victories. Whoever wins this one will also have the momentum heading into their U.S. Open Cup meeting in Kansas City on Tuesday as well.
Last meeting
These two sides couldn’t muster a goal when they played last September at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Kansas City was in the midst of limping to a disappointing finish, and the Rapids ended up on the outside of the playoffs looking in, tied with RSL for the final spot but left out because of goal differential. Odds are this one won’t end scoreless considering the Wizard’s fast home start and the Rapids on-form strike force.
Heroes & Villains
Wizard’s midfield vs. Rapid’s midfield: Kansas City’s focus defensively will be to keep the Rapids from providing any decent service to their lighting and thunder duo of Omar Cummings and Conor Casey. To accomplish this the Wizards will apply pressure all the way up the field at CAB. If Colorado’s midfield can possess the ball enough to keep the Wizards from forcing too many long hoofs forward, Casey and Cummings will see enough of the ball to get their chances. D.C. United couldn’t do that two weeks ago on the small field, but the Rapids midfield is much better at this point in the season.
Ryan Smith vs. Kosuke Kimura: Smith terrorized United to the tune of one goal and one assist in his MLS debut, but spent the past two weeks working his way back in after injuring his right ankle. has established himself as a solid outside back entering his fourth year and should be able to match Smith’s speed, especially if the Englishman is still feeling any aftereffects from the knock. If Kimura can keep Smith in front of him and not commit early fouls, Kansas City will be far less dynamic that what it showed in week one.
Stat that makes you go “Hmm ...”
Colorado’s last victory in Kansas City was on September 14, 2002. The Wizards are 6-0-3 at home against the Rapids since that match.
He said it
“They are a good tandem. They did really well for Colorado last year and started out no different this year. Conor is a big, strong guy, a target guy that they look to knock balls into, and Omar runs well off the ball. If you give those guys any kinds of chances, both are good finishers.” — Wizards midfielder Davy Arnaud
