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Rapids Vs. Sounders: Colorado's Lopsided 4-3-3 Attack Could Cause Problems For Seattle

The Colorado Rapids (3-2-0) take on the Seattle Sounders (2-1-1) on Saturday afternoon.

March 10, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids Omar Cummings kicks the ball during the second half against the Columbus Crew at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park.  Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
March 10, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids Omar Cummings kicks the ball during the second half against the Columbus Crew at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

The Colorado Rapids (3-2-0) travel to Century Link Field to take on the Seattle Sounders on Saturday afternoon, and they are still looking for their first-ever road win against the Sounders. Omar Cummings leads the Rapids at shots (16) shots on goal (7) and goals (2), but he is still finding his way in the 4-3-3 attack and over at Burgundy Wave they think he can do even more if moved outside.

A wonderful breakdown of the Rapids' 4-3-3 attack and how the Sounders may approach it comes from Dave Clark at SB Nation's Seattle Sounders blog, Sounder At Heart:

As sidereal points out in the Scouting Report, the Colorado Rapids put their own twist on a 4-3-3. It is lopsided to the right offensively with Brian Mullanoccupying the farthest right space. He is more of a defensive winger in this system. On the opposite wing Tony Cascio could start which would help Seattle as there will be a less effective right sided partnership with Sigi Schmid resting Mauro Rosales and Adam Johanssonfor another 14 days.

In light of these shifts we foresee a lineup with more passing creativity and overall speed in the wingers and forwards then we've seen yet this year. But at the same time it should be the more defensive posture along the back four...

Johnson

Montero

Fernandez

Estrada

Evans

Alonso

Gonzalez

Scott

Ianni

Parke

Gspurning

Yes, that's a significant change. But it may be time, and the matchups suit this perfectly.

From the Rapids, per Burgundy Wave

Cummings

Cascio

Mullan

Castrillon

Rivero

Larentowicz

Zapata

Kimura

Moor

Wynne

Pickens

Here is the information you need to find the matchup on Saturday:

Game Time And Day: 2 p.m. MT, Saturday, April 14, 2012

Location: CenturyLink Field

TV: Altitude, Direct Kick

For more, keep tabs on SB Nation Denver. For all things Rapids, check out Burgundy Wave, SB Nation's Colorado Rapids blog.