COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Colorado Rapids 2 (1-4-1, 4 pts) is slated to face Austin FC II (1-2-2, 5 pts) on Friday, May 3, for the teams’ first meeting since the 2023 Western Conference Final. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT ( at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium.
Rapids 2 enters the match off a bye week in the MLS NEXT Pro season. Their last matchup was with North Texas SC, when Colorado fell 2-0 at home. The contest was memorable for many Rapids 2 players, as Academy product Miguel Alvarado made his first professional start with the club and defender Steve Flores made his first appearance of 2024 after returning from injury.
Midfielder Daouda Amadou will be unavailable for the game with Austin FC II after receiving a red card against North Texas SC.
After the bye week, Rapids 2’s fresh legs and conditioning at altitude pose advantages to the home side against a rival that has started strong in 2024.
The 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Champions enter the match off a penalty shootout loss to Ventura County. After tying 2-2 in regulation the two Western Conference sides went head-to-head from the spot, but Ventura County took the advantage in the end to finish at 5-4 on PKs.
Colorado and Austin have not met since the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final held at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Neither side was able to finish its chances in front of goal after a back-and-forth battle for dominance over regulation and overtime periods. The resulting shootout saw Austin take the upper hand and consequently, the Western Conference trophy.
Despite the playoff win, Austin has never been able to best Colorado in the regular season. The Rapids hold the advantage in the two sides’ record (2-2-0). They faced off three times in the regular season last year, with Colorado winning two and drawing one.
Fans can purchase tickets to Friday’s match at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium here.
