COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Take each game as it comes, so says the cliché. But that's difficult to do when you have to play last year’s MLS Cup opponents and this year's CONCACAF Champions League finalists in the space of five days — with both games on the road, no less.
Before the unbeaten Colorado Rapids take on rivals Real Salt Lake in Utah next week in the first bout of this year's Rocky Mountain Cup, they face a tricky game against FC Dallas in Texas on Friday night (9 pm ET, Fox Soccer) – a saucy rematch of last year's MLS Cup less than a month into the 2011 season.
With two huge matchups in such a quick turnaround, there will likely be opportunities for every player on the squad as the Rapids' depth will be tested early.
PREVIEW: MLS Cup rematch as Dallas host Rapids on Fox Soccer
“I think, for the first time, we might really see the use of the good squad that we have,” head coach Gary Smith told MLSsoccer.com. “I want to keep my focus and mind firmly on the Dallas game. Getting the right personnel for the Dallas game is going to be more important for me and making sure we get what we are capable of in Dallas, which is a result.”
[inline_node:332812]Fortunately for Smith, most of his entire squad will travel to both Dallas and Salt Lake City as the Rapids reserve team opens its season against those teams in the coming days, too. That gives the head coach a lot of options.
Smith could have four fit forwards in the 18 against FC Dallas. With last year's leading scorer Conor Casey out for at least two weeks due to hamstring problems, Omar Cummings and Caleb Folan will be expected to start with Quincy Amarikwa on the bench. Second-year forward Andre Akpan may also be a substitute.
There are several options for the back line, but there may be some unpredictable moves in midfield where offseason signings Sanna Nyassi (wide) and Joseph Nane (central) could play a significant role.
“One or two of those decisions will be made before the game, and some of them can be made during the game when we see the way things unfold and develop on Friday," Smith said. "That will determine and have an effect on Wednesday, too.”
FC Dallas haven’t gotten off to the best start in 2011, with no wins and some disciplinary issues. However, the Rapids are well aware that there is the small matter of MLS Cup revenge at stake.
Dallas native and former FCD player Drew Moor knows it will be a tough assignment.
“They have a lot to offer; they are a good side,” the central defender told MLSsoccer.com. “I know Schellas [Hyndman] will have them ready for this match. They are a competitive group.”
