With a new head coach, the Colorado Rapids are about to begin their 2014 journey. While the preseason has not been fruitful in the win category, Colorado looks to get the real season started in a much different way. The players are obviously excited, the C38 SG is excited, and Pablo is ready to lead this team to victory. The question is, will he?
I am not so sure that the Rapids can go into Red Bull Arena on Saturday and come out with a win, and here’s why: the Rapids are going to a stadium that is already difficult to win in (Red Bulls went 11-2-4 last season there); Red Bulls have a game under their belts; in that game, they were destroyed, so, they are going to want to play better for the home fans, as well. Yes, they would want to win even it were away, but there is just something about playing for the home crowd that makes the game come easier to a player. Whether it is the lack of pressure or the home cooked meals, it just feels better to play at home.
With Red Bulls only losing two games at Red Bull Arena last year, the odds are against the Rapids. I am normally not one to care about odds, but in this case, I think it will be a 2-1 loss for the Rapids. New manager, first match, and with the match being away at Red Bull Arena tells me that this one will be difficult for the Rapids. If Colorado’s defense can hold, they could squeak out a draw at 1-1, but I just don’t see a win for the Rapids this week, sadly.
Here’s the history of the two teams’ last three meetings:
Colorado Rapids 2-0 New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls 4-1 Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids 4-1 New York Red Bulls
My prediction: Rapids to start the season 0-1-0
(image courtesy of coloradorapids.com)
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