Omar Bravo is still listed as questionable for the second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals, but it’s looking more and more likely that the he will play a part in proceedings tonight at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.
Bravo missed Sunday’s 2-0 victory against the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park after experiencing some tightness in his groin in training and was diagnosed with a strained abductor muscle.
He went through the paces with his teammates on Tuesday as Sporting conducted a light training session in the lead up to tonight’s match, but manager Peter Vermes said a final decision on the Mexican’s status wouldn’t occur until closer to game time.
“As of right now, he looks pretty good,” Vermes said. “I can’t tell you that it’s 100 percent yet, and that’s not because I’m trying to hold anything back. He would have played last Sunday if he was available.”
Bravo was in good spirits on Tuesday, although he admitted it was difficult to be ruled out of such an important game through injury in the first leg. Still, he said he has faith in his teammates to finish the job tonight even if he is unavailable again.
“I was a little bit frustrated,” Bravo said with the help of a translator. “I felt a little impotent about that. I want to play, but my teammates are 100 percent and can get the job done as well. The proof of that was the last game.”
With Bravo watching from the bench, Vermes inserted the versatile C.J. Sapong on the left flank, and Kansas City didn’t miss a beat. And no matter who is involved tonight, the tactics employed aren’t likely to change drastically.
Although he expects Gary Smith to take plenty of chances to pull his side even, Vermes said he wouldn’t instruct his players to be cautious, especially when a goal could finish off the Rapids.
“Whether they come in the first five or 10 minutes of the game, at some point they’re going to come,” he said. “We’re going to play the game. This isn’t a conservative nature where you pack all your guys in 35 yards out [from goal]. We’re coming to play.”
Of course, Colorado will be without three starters from Sunday’s game through injury, putting even more pressure on the defending MLS Cup champions. One player Kansas City will certainly focus on is midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, who was given extra attention in the first leg.
“They like to play through [Larentowicz] so we blocked him,” Aurelien Collin said. “He’s the one who makes the game. We were very disciplined in defense, and it worked out for us.”
Up two goals, that focus on discipline should carry over to tonight’s match, and, barring a collapse, it would seem Sporting are in perfect position to advance to next Sunday’s Eastern Conference final.
They aren’t thinking that way, though. Not when everything could conceivably change in the course of 90 minutes.
“It’s a good lead,” Bravo said, “but nothing is written yet.”