D.C. United will head out west to face probably their stiffest test of the season against the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids. Denver has never been good to D.C. United, who did defeat the Rapids 1-0 last year. However, that was their first win in Denver since 2000. Also with D.C. United missing several key players to their lineup, it will be a stiff test for this young team.

The biggest story of this match may just be how United copes with a recent string of absences, injuries, and suspensions. Canadian international Dejan Jakovic picked up a red card in last week’s match against New England. Jed Zayner, Clyde Simms, and Charlie Davies are also out with injuries and defender Perry Kitchen is away with the U.S. U-20 National Team. That means reserves like Chris Korb, Daniel Woolard and even forward Blake Brettschneider will have to step up and deliver some heroics in Denver.

Colorado have picked up right where they left off last year by beating the Portland Timbers 3-1 in their home opener and getting a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA. Also against Chivas they were without star strikers Omar Cummings and Conor Casey. They both should still be back for Colorado and D.C. United will have their hands full trying to keep them off the score sheet. With Colorado getting everyone back and D.C. United scrambling to fill their lineup, it appears that the Rapids have the clear upper hand in this game.

With so many missing components especially on defense, I can’t see D.C. United coming out the victors here. Colorado are clearly the stronger team and should be able to handle a weakened D.C. United at home. Unless we see some uncharacteristic performances from D.C. United, I expect Colorado to secure the home win 2-1.