With the 2022 regular season fast approaching, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest Rapids matchups for next year. From taking on new conference opponents to attempting to alter rivalry history, the upcoming 2022 Colorado Rapids season has a multitude of games that fans won’t want to miss.
LAFC - Season Opener
February 26
Starting off the 2022 regular season the way we ended 2021 – against Los Angeles FC. Since the Rapids took the dominating 5-2 result on Decision Day at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, LAFC has parted ways with former manager Bob Bradley and are still in search of a head coach in the offseason.
Atlanta United FC - Home Opener
March 5
The Five Stripes will make their way to Colorado for the first time in over two years in 2022 when the Rapids take on Atlanta United FC in their MLS home opener.
Rocky Mountain Cup 
April 2, July 9
To continue a long-standing rivalry, the Rapids and Real Salt Lake will meet twice in the regular season to decide who will claim the Rocky Mountain Cup. The rivals will face off on April 2 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park and July 9 at Rio Tinto Stadium to decide who will keep or take back the Cup.
Taking on Champions - NYCFC at Yankee Stadium
June 19
Colorado will travel to the Bronx on June 19 when they’ll take on defending Audi 2021 MLS Cup Champions, NYCFC at Yankee Stadium. The Rapids have yet to win on the Yankee Stadium pitch in their two previous visits.
Highly-Anticipated Rematches - Portland Timbers FC
April 30, June 25
After falling to the Timbers 1-0 in the Playoffs, the Rapids will be out for revenge in 2022 when they take on Portland at home on April 30 and at Providence Park on June 25. The Rapids went unbeaten against the Timbers in the 2021 regular season, taking a draw and a win in the sides’ series.
Independence Day - Austin FC
July 4
The Rapids will continue their tradition of July 4th firework-worthy matchups when Austin FC travels to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in 2022. After going 2-1-0 in the 2021 regular season, Colorado will attempt to continue its advantage over Austin on Independence Day.
East Coast Trio - Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, DC United 
August Road Trip
August 27, August 31, September 3
Starting in August, the Rapids will take a three-match long trip across the Mississippi when they take on Philadelphia Union (August 27), Nashville SC (August 31), and DC United (September 3). Nashville’s recent move to the Western Conference excludes them from making the away game stretch compiled of solely Eastern Conference teams. The Music City squad will visit the Rapids at home to start the sides' series on May 28.
Last Home Stand - FC Dallas
October 1
Colorado will face off at home for the last time in the 2022 regular season on October 1 against FC Dallas. The Rapids will perform in front of a home crowd at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park for the last time before Decision Day at Austin the following week.
