The Colorado Rapids' already somewhat shallow bench is about to get tested even more. On Friday, it was learned that midfielder Jamie Smith suffered a torn ACL during Thursday's MLS Cup wild card game against the Columbus Crew. Smith, himself, had been playing in place of an injured Pablo Mastroeni, who has missed the Rapids last two games.
The impact of Smith's loss will likely be determined by Mastroeni's ability to come back. If Mastroeni can't start, the responsibility likely falls to Ross LaBauex, who replaced Smith on Thursday. LaBauex made just four starts during MLS play this season, logging 313 minutes and scoring two goals. Smith, by contrast, has made 18 starts and logged 1,519, while contributing three goals and four assists.
Aside from LaBaeux, and to a degree including him, there aren't really a lot of obvious options for Rapids coach Gary Smith. Sanna Nyassi has six starts as a central midfielder, but that doesn't seem to fit into Smith's preferred tactics.
For more on the Rapids, be sure to check out Burgundy Wave.
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