MLS Playoffs: Columbus Crew vs. Colorado Rapids (Match Night Commentary)
The road to Toronto begins tonight, as the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs get underway out in Colorado with the Rapids hosting the Columbus Crew (9 p.m., ESPN2/ESPN3.com).
Colorado will look to take advantage of playing at home at altitude, as the Crew visit Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Prolific strike duo Conor Casey and Omar Cummings will test the Crew's defense frequently, in the aims of providing a cushion heading into next weekend's second leg.
Columbus will be missing starting goalie Will Hesmer, who is out for the duration of the playoffs after getting injured in the Crew's 3-1 win over Philadelphia during the final weekend of the regular season. Backup goalie Andy Gruenebaum gets the nod -- the 'keeper started every U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League match for the Crew this year -- and will have to anchor the defense.
I will be providing commentary through out tonight's game. If you haven't already be sure to have a read over SBI's preview of tonight's game. As usual, feel free to leave any thoughts and comments after the jump. Enjoy the action:
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PRE-GAME- It appears Robert Warzycha has learned his lesson from last year, when he benched Guillermo Barros Schelotto in last year's playoff first leg. The Argentine starts, likely as a withdrawn forward with Steven Lenhart.
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PRE-GAME- Columbus has a chance to make last year's playoff disappointment a distant memory, and a tie or win at Colorado would be a massive step in that direction.
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PRE-GAME- Share any predictions for tonight's game in the comments section below.! p>
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PRE-GAME- Welcome to tonight's commentary. Straight forward lineups from both sides, with Wallace getting the nod at left back for the Rapids, while rookie Shaun Francis gets the nod at the same spot for Columbus.
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Here are tonight's lineups:
COLUMBUS CREW
----------Schelotto------------Lenhart--------------
Rogers-------------Gaven---------------Ekpo
----------------------Carroll----------------------------
Francis--------Iro------------Marshall-----------Hejduk
---------------------Gruenebaum---------------------------
COLORADO RAPIDS-
----------Cummings----------------Casey---------
Thompson------------------------------------Mullan
--------Larentowicz---------Mastroeni-----------
Wallace-------Moor-------Wynne---------Kimura
----------------------Pickens---------------------------
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