Danny O'Rourke was announced as the starter at a defensive midfield spot for the Columbus Crew, but he didn't take the field. He was a late scratch, but for what exactly, it's not totally clear. Hopefully he didn't pick up an injury in warm-ups and Robert Warzycha just decided to pop a few crazy pills and start rookie Rich Balchan instead.
Colorado Rapids Vs. Columbus Crew Live, MLS Cup Playoffs 2011: Danny O’Rourke Is Not Actually Starting
That’s not to say Rich Balchan is a bad player, he’s actually pretty effective for a rookie and should go on to have an effective MLS career. It’s just that Warzycha’s nuts if he made a last minute switch based on anything other than an injury. We’re forced to assume he’s picked up a knock.
This probably won't have much effect on the game, as the Colorado Rapids don't really do any attacking through the center of midfield anyway. It's actually kind of amazing that Danny O'Redcard was ever selected, and it's more amazing that his picking up a knock didn't cause Warzycha to re-consider whether or not he was needed. If you're wondering, yes, Emmanuel Ekpo is injured.
For more on the two teams playing in tonight’s Wild Card match, check out Colorado Rapids blog Burgundy Wave and Columbus Crew blog Massive Report. For more on the rest of the MLS Cup Playoffs and the entire world of soccer, check out SB Nation Soccer.
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