Colorado Rapids will hope to close the gap on MLS Western Conference leaders Los Angeles Galaxy this midweek.
Colorado Rapids will look to reduce the gap on Western Conference leaders Los Angeles Galaxy when they face off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Thursday. Currently sitting in fourth place with 50 points from 31 matches, the Rapids are eight points behind LA Galaxy, who top the conference standings after an identical number of games.
The Rapids find themselves just two points behind second-placed LAFC, who have played one fewer game, and they also trail third-placed Real Salt Lake. However, they have three matches left to secure their standing, and inconsistency has plagued Colorado in recent weeks. They have lost two of their last three MLS matches, most recently suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Minnesota.
In addition to their lack of momentum, Chris Armas’s side has been defensively vulnerable, conceding seven goals while scoring just three over their last three matches. Their position in the top four is under threat, with the teams in eighth and ninth place trailing by only five points.
Fortunately for Colorado Rapids, they return to home turf on Thursday, where they have been unbeaten in their last ten games, securing eight wins and two draws. The Rapids will hope that their home form, combined with a potent attack, will help them secure a critical victory.
LA Galaxy have been involved in some high-scoring affairs lately, with their last three matches all ending in identical 4-2 scorelines. The Galaxy won two of those games, including their latest victory over Vancouver Whitecaps. However, inconsistency has also been an issue for Greg Vanney’s side, as they have alternated between wins and losses over their last six matches in all competitions.
A win for LA Galaxy on Thursday would not only give them a firm grip on the top spot but would also see them reach 61 points, the first time they have done so since 2014, the year they last won the MLS Cup. However, their recent away form has been shaky, as they have lost their last three road matches across all competitions, two of which were in the MLS. They’ll need to correct that trend to stay on track for silverware this season. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids will be missing several key players for this crucial match, as Adam Beaudry (upper body), Kevin Cabral (elbow), and Sam Vines (hamstring) are all unavailable. Despite these absences, the team will look to their top scorer Rafael Navarro, who has netted 14 MLS goals this season, to lead their attacking efforts and add to his tally on Thursday.
The Rapids are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Zack Steffen expected to start in goal. The back four will likely consist of Sebastian Anderson at right-back, Andreas Maxso and Michael Edwards as the central defenders, and Reggie Cannon at left-back.
In midfield, Connor Ronan and Oliver Larraz could form the double pivot, while Darren Yapi, Djordje Mihailovic, and Cole Bassett will provide support to the attack from advanced positions. Leading the line will be Rafael Navarro, spearheading the Rapids’ offense.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steffen; Anderson, Edwards, Maxso, Cannon; Ronan, Larraz; Yapi, Mihailovic, Bassett; Navarro
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy will only have one absentee for this match, with Martin Caceres sidelined due to an Achilles injury, and he is not expected to return until late in the year. Meanwhile, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have been in good form, finding the net in consecutive matches, and both attackers will aim to continue their streak and make a significant impact for the visitors.
The Galaxy are likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with John McCarthy in goal. The defensive line is expected to feature Miki Yamane at right-back, Carlos Garces and Maya Yoshida as the central defensive pairing, and John Nelson at left-back.
In midfield, Edwin Cerrillo will anchor the setup, with Riqui Puig and Marco Reus providing support and creativity from central roles. Up front, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec will operate as wingers, with Dejan Joveljic leading the line as the central striker.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Cerrillo, Puig, Reus; Paintsil, Joveljic, Pec
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Colorado Rapids are unbeaten in their last 10 home matches, having won eight and drawn two, including their last three consecutive home victories.
- The Rapids have conceded seven goals in their last three MLS matches, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities, while only scoring three times in the same period.
- LA Galaxy have lost their last three away matches across all competitions, making it a challenge to secure points on the road in this matchup.
- LA Galaxy have played out an identical 4-2 scoreline in their last three matches, winning two of those games. This highlights their attacking threat, but also their defensive fragility.
Player to Watch
Riqui Puig
Riqui Puig has been a vital component of LA Galaxy’s midfield this season, pulling the strings with his vision, passing range, and creative flair. Known for his ability to dictate the pace of the game, the Spanish midfielder has consistently provided attacking impetus for his team, helping to break down opposition defences with incisive passes and sharp movements.
In this crucial matchup, Puig’s ability to control the midfield and supply the forwards, such as Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic, will be pivotal to LA Galaxy’s success. His technical quality and composure on the ball make him a key figure who could unlock the Colorado Rapids’ defence, and his leadership will be crucial if LA Galaxy are to improve their away form. With the visitors needing a solid performance, Puig’s influence will be central to their chances of securing a positive result.
Prediction
Colorado Rapids 2-1 LA Galaxy
Given Colorado Rapids’ strong home form, where they are unbeaten in 10 matches, and LA Galaxy’s recent struggles on the road, the hosts are well-positioned to come out on top in this encounter. While LA Galaxy have shown attacking strength in their recent games, Colorado’s home advantage and solid performances at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park should see them narrowly edge out the visitors with a 2-1 victory.