Colorado Rapids will aim to close the gap to the top of the table when they take on Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake.
Two MLS powerhouses collide this weekend as Real Salt Lake host the Colorado Rapids at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake, currently leading the Western Conference, seek to maintain their momentum after a convincing 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders in their recent outing. The team has undergone a remarkable transformation since the start of the season, rebounding from two initial losses and a draw to an impressive unbeaten streak of nine MLS games, with six wins in that span.
Despite stumbling in the US Open Cup against New Mexico United and a disappointing draw with the LA Galaxy after surrendering a two-goal lead, Real Salt Lake delivered a dominant performance against Seattle, signalling a return to their formidable form. Their clash with the Colorado Rapids offers a chance for redemption following a 2-1 defeat earlier in the season. Real Salt Lake has historically fared well against their opponents, emerging victorious in four of the last five encounters.
In contrast, the Colorado Rapids have experienced a mixed bag of results recently, with two wins and two draws in their last four matches. Following a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Portland Timbers at the start of the campaign, the Rapids struggled to find consistency, managing just one win in their opening five matches. However, a resurgence in form saw them secure five victories in their subsequent eight games, propelling them to fourth place in the Western Conference.
Despite a setback against the San Jose Earthquakes, where they squandered a 2-0 lead to suffer a 3-2 defeat, the Rapids bounced back with a commanding 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. With their sights set on closing the gap to Real Salt Lake, the Rapids aim to secure their second victory over their rivals this season and further solidify their position in the standings. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake will be without six key players who were absent during their recent 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. Erik Holt and Zavier Gozo are nearing their return, while Bode Hidalgo, Marcelo Silva, and Pablo Ruiz are expected to be back in contention early next month.
However, Kevin Bonilla remains sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury, with his expected return in late October. The home side are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gavin Beavers in goal. He should be protected by the backline of Andrew Brody, Justen Glad, Brayan Vera, and Philip Quinton.
Emeka Eneli and Braian Ojeda should form the midfield defensive pivot, with the trio of Andres Gomez, Matt Crooks, and Diego Luna donning the attacking roles. Cristian Arango should be the furthermost attacker on the night.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Beavers; Quinton, Glad, Vera, Brody; Eneli, Ojeda; Gomez, Crooks, Luna; Arango
Colorado Rapids
The Rapids will be missing Daniel Chacon (knee) and Kimani Stewart (groin) until early June due to their respective injuries. Dorde Mihailovic, who returned from a heel injury for the previous two matches, was forced off during the victory over the Whitecaps and remains a doubt for the upcoming game.
The visitors are expected to lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation themselves with Zack Steffen in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Keegan Rosenberry, Moise Bombito, Andreas Maxso and Sam Vines.
Oliver Larraz and Cole Bassett should act as the double pivot with the trio of Omir Fernandez, Jasper Loffelsend and Kevin Cabral the freedom to push forward. Rafael Navarro should lead the line on the night. The striker scored the winner against the Vancouver Whitecaps last time around and will hope for another difference-making performance on the night.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steffen; Rosenberry, Bombito, Maxso, Vines; Larraz, Bassett; Cabral, Loffelsend, Fernandez; Navarro
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Colorado Rapids have won four out of the last five meetings against Real Salt Lake.
- Colorado Rapids squandered a 2-0 lead in their recent match against bottom-placed San Jose Earthquakes, resulting in a 3-2 loss, which was their first loss when scoring the opening goal this season.
- Real Salt Lake has been unbeaten in their last nine MLS games, with six wins in that period.
- Real Salt Lake have conceded 11 goals this season, the lowest in the Western Conference and second overall in MLS.
Player to Watch
Christian Arango
With 11 goals and three assists in 13 games, the Colombian attacker is the difference maker for the Western Conference leaders. His ability to prove clinical in the final third is a decisive factor that could influence the result against Colorado Rapids.
Her scored twice in the 2-2 draw away to LA Galaxy but was shut out in the 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders. He will be keen to get back to scoring ways and should feature prominently in the home side’s forward forays.
Prediction
Real Salt Lake 2-1 Colorado Rapids
While both sides have good attacks, the home side’s robust defence gives them the edge in the tie. Both Cristian Arango and Rafael Navarro are in good form, but the former has better support, giving Real Salt Lake the advantage on the night.
