While Vancouver will be entering tonight's game playing for pride, their opponents will be trying to tie up all their loose ends as they head back into the playoffs. Fans will wait with baited breath to see if Homegrown Prospect Phil Davies will finally get a run out before the season ends. And maybe, just maybe, the Caps finish the season winning their last 3 games at BC Place.
Colorado are an interesting lot to look at on paper. They are incredibly dangerous on set pieces and struggle to score from open play (Reminiscent of last years Whitecaps???). They are especially deadly on corners though. Sanna Nyassi will tend to take all the corner kicks and most free kicks in the oppositions half. The Gambian international has found the heads of Jeff Larentewicz, Drew Moor, and Caleb Folan for goals as of late. Nyassi is the most electric player on the field for Colorado and it is a real shame to think that he could have been a Whitecap. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
As of late The Rapids have been making a habit of turning things up a notch around the 70th minute of most of their matches. Head Coach Gary Smith tends to make an offensive sub shortly after the hour mark if he can. If Nyassi is lining up the ball for a corner anywhere between the 68th and 73rd minute hold your breath, close your eyes, cross your fingers, pray to whatever God you do, because it could be bad news for the Blue and White.
Do not come in to today's game expecting a barn burner. Colorado are quite sound defensively. With Tyronne Marshall and Marvell Wynne anchoring their back line they are both strong and fast. Though athletically gifted, positionally they are able to be beaten. They play a very high offside trap and will be caught flat footed by a ball hungry attacker. Shea Salinas or Nizar Khalfan good easily disrupt the Rapids back line as they will look to retain possession for as much of the game as possible.
Thank God Season One is Done!
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver BC
4pm Kickoff
Watch on Sportsnet One
Listen on Team 1040