Just about everyone who saw the first leg of the Crew-Rapids series agreed on two things: the Rapids were the better team and the Crew should be ecstatic to be down only one goal.
Major League Soccer Playoffs, Leg 2: Rapids Look To Make It A “Western” Conference Final
As the Earthquakes showed on Thursday, a one-goal deficit really isn’t that big of a deal. Considering the Crew are playing at home where they’ve been a very good team, that is doubly true.
The big change for Columbus is Andres Mendoza starting in place of Steven Lenart at forward and Eric Brunner replacing Andy Iro as the second centerback.
The only significant change for the Rapids is Jamie Smith getting the nod at midfield in place of Wells Thompson.
Crew Starters: GK: Andy Gruenebaum; DF: Frankie Hejduk, Eric Brunner, Chad Marshall, Shaun Francis; MF: Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven, Robbie Rogers, Emmanuel Ekpo; FW: Andres Mendoza, Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Rapids Starters: GK: Matt Pickens; DF Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Drew Moor, Anthony Wallace; MF: Brian Mullan, Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith; FW: Omar Cummings, Conor Casey. Subs: Joyce, Palguta, Baudet, Lopez, Thompson, Amarikwa, Kandji
Burgundy Wave will have the gamethread.
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