FC DALLAS VS. COLORADO RAPIDS
Toyota Stadium, Dallas, Texas
U.S. Open Cup, Round of 16
June 29, 8:30 pm ET (Youtube)
After 16 weeks of league action, the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas sit atop the Western Conference and Supportersā Shield standings. On Wednesday night, MLSās current pacemakers will meet in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 16 with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
Will Rapidsā Copa and Euro stars return?
In a word, unlikely. Jermaine Jones appears to be on a well-deserved vacation and Tim Howard, though training with the club, isnāt eligible to take the field for the club until July 4, when he is expected to make his debut against the Timbers (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
At least we know they're already friends...
Shkelzen Gashi is also doubtful after spending the past few days in Tirana following Albaniaās elimination from the Euro 2016.
Could both managers field first-choice lineups?
Even without Jones, Howard and Gashi, there's a good chance Pablo Mastroeni and Oscar Pareja field strong sides on Wednesday, not always a guarantee for Round of 16 games. The reason? Neither team plays again until Monday, with the Rapids hosting Portland (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE) and Dallas welcoming Orlando to Texas (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
Will FC Dallas hold serve at home?
Pareja's squad has yet to lose at home this season, one of six MLS sides without an league defeat in the friendly confines in 2016. Can they keep it that way against a Rapids team that has just two losses in 16 games this season? They certainly have plenty of memorable USOC matches at Toyota Stadium to draw upon.
