The MLS Eastern Conference final will be played on Saturday night and the participants in the game somewhat guarantee excitement and unpredictability.
In a situation of geographical madness, Colorado and San Jose will go head to head to decide the title of Eastern Conference Champion in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes were the 7th and 8th seeds overall in the MLS Regular Season, and that is why the two teams were shifted over to be the lower seeds in the Eastern Conference bracket.
Rather than acting as sacrificial lambs for the Eastern Conference powers, both teams have turned out to be dangerous opponents in good form with a number of dangerous goal scoring options. The Rapids have never met San Jose in the playoffs before, and it is likely that they will never again meet in the Eastern playoffs. Colorado advanced after a penalty shootout in a close fought semi-final with the higher seeded Columbus Crew.
Colorado will come into this game with a seemingly clean bill of health. Brian Mullan will play despite having 12 stitches in a leg wound, and Jamie Smith came through the Columbus game healthy after returning from injury.
The impressive front pair of powerful Conor Casey and speedy Omar Cummings will be key for Colorado. Casey and Cummings finished the regular season with 13 and 14 goals respectively.
San Jose will practice in Colorado on Friday in an attempt to acclimatize with the game being played at altitude a mile above sea level.
The Earthquakes advanced to the Eastern Conference final by virtue of an outstanding 3-1 upset win at the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls had achieved a 1-0 win the San Jose first leg, but the Earthquakes responded with a 3-1 win at Red Bull Arena to end the MLS Cup hopes of Thierry Henry and co.
Coach Frank Yallop has won praise for the free flowing formation he was used with this season with great success. The Earthquake forwards make dangerous runs to occupy central defenders while the wide players look to find space or isolate one on one opportunities on the weak side or far post. He system has allowed Chris Wondolowski to win the MLS Golden Boot while playing often from a wide right position.
San Jose do have some injury concerns, the biggest of which being the injury suffered by Captain Ramiro Corrales in the win over New York. Yallop told the MLS website it would be a “miracle” if Corrales was to play in this game. Center back Jason Hernandez also received a knock but is expected to be ready to go come game time.
Rather than acting as sacrificial lambs for the Eastern Conference powers, both teams have turned out to be dangerous opponents in good form with a number of dangerous goal scoring options. The Rapids have never met San Jose in the playoffs before, and it is likely that they will never again meet in the Eastern playoffs. Colorado advanced after a penalty shootout in a close fought semi-final with the higher seeded Columbus Crew.
Colorado will come into this game with a seemingly clean bill of health. Brian Mullan will play despite having 12 stitches in a leg wound, and Jamie Smith came through the Columbus game healthy after returning from injury.
The impressive front pair of powerful Conor Casey and speedy Omar Cummings will be key for Colorado. Casey and Cummings finished the regular season with 13 and 14 goals respectively.
San Jose will practice in Colorado on Friday in an attempt to acclimatize with the game being played at altitude a mile above sea level.
The Earthquakes advanced to the Eastern Conference final by virtue of an outstanding 3-1 upset win at the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls had achieved a 1-0 win the San Jose first leg, but the Earthquakes responded with a 3-1 win at Red Bull Arena to end the MLS Cup hopes of Thierry Henry and co.
Coach Frank Yallop has won praise for the free flowing formation he was used with this season with great success. The Earthquake forwards make dangerous runs to occupy central defenders while the wide players look to find space or isolate one on one opportunities on the weak side or far post. He system has allowed Chris Wondolowski to win the MLS Golden Boot while playing often from a wide right position.
San Jose do have some injury concerns, the biggest of which being the injury suffered by Captain Ramiro Corrales in the win over New York. Yallop told the MLS website it would be a “miracle” if Corrales was to play in this game. Center back Jason Hernandez also received a knock but is expected to be ready to go come game time.
