Starting XI:
Forward Dominique Badji is back in the Starting XI for the Rapids after serving his one-game suspension (yellow card accumulation) last weekend against Houston. The Dakar, Senegal native leads the Rapids with 5 goals this season. He’ll be looking to partner up with Jack McBean tonight.
Midfielder Johan Blomberg is starting for the Rapids for the ninth time this season. Blomberg missed five consecutive games due to a knee injury that occurred against Real Salt Lake back on April 21. He has played a total of 639 minutes in six MLS starts and has three assists this season. Blomberg played 69 minutes on Saturday against Houston.
Wingback Edgar Castillo returns to the Starting XI tonight against Chicago after missing last weekend’s game due to injury. The talented wingback scored his first goal of the season against Vancouver back on June 1. Castillo has notched 12 starts, one goal and one assist this season.
Wingback Marlon Hairston is in the Rapids Starting XI for the third time since getting injured back on March 31 against the Philadelphia Union. The Jackson, Mississippi native has missed most of this season after undergoing knee surgery in early April. Hairston has made four starts this season and has played a total of 319 minutes. He played 78 minutes against Houston.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard enters his third season in burgundy on the heels of a 2017 campaign that saw the United States Men's National Team legend feature in 25 matches - all from the start. Howard has 36 saves and two clean sheets this season. He has started in twelve games this season.
Striker Jack McBean scored his first goal of the season in the 85th minute against the Red Bulls on May 12. McBean enters his eighth MLS season - first with the Rapids - after being acquired from the LA Galaxy on December 14, 2017. He’s played a total of 259 minutes for the Rapids this season and has eight shots. His last start was back on May 5th against Sporting Kansas City.
Midfielder Sam Nicholson is making his seventh consecutive MLS start since joining Colorado back on May 2. Before joining the Rapids, Nicholson featured in all eight games for MNUFC this MLS season, picking up a goal and an assist in 526 minutes. He was named Man on the Match for his performance against New York Red Bulls back on May 12. Nicholson is second behind Blomberg (25) with 22 attempted crosses attempts this season.
Midfielder Jack Price is making his 12th MLS start of season for the Rapids. Price led the Rapids last weekend in successful passes (28), and in total touches (21) against Houston.
Defender Tommy Smith is in the Starting XI for the 14th time this MLS season. Smith has played every minute (1170) this season. He’s notched two assists,15 shots and 607 touches in 2018.
Defender Deklan Wynne will make his 14th consecutive MLS start since joining the Rapids from Vancouver Whitecaps FC on December 21, 2017. Wynne recorded 19 successful passes last weekend against Houston, which ranked as the third best on the night behind Prices’ 28, and Azira’s 25.
Defender Danny Wilson is in the Starting XI for the Rapids today. The Scottish centerback will be making his 10th MLS start against Houston tonight. This season Wilson has played a combined 765 minutes. Wilson played all 90 minutes against Houston Dynamo.
On the Bench:
Midfielder Nana Boateng appears on the bench today against Chicago. This season Boateng has appeared in eight matches, six from the start, and has played a total of 522 minutes.
Midfielder Micheal Azira made his second MLS start of the season last weekend against Houston. His first start of the season back on May 12th against NYCFC. Azira enters his third season with the club, and his fifth in Major League Soccer. In 2017, he finished with a career high in minutes for a single season with 2,569. The Ugandan international featured in two of three matches for his country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Azira played all 90 minutes against Houston.
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath has featured in two games this season. MacMath’s first start of the season was against Orlando City SC on April 29th. He enters his fourth season in Colorado with 158 minutes played and nine saves in 2018.
Midfielder Enzo Martinez came on the against Houston last weekend in the 62nd minute for Joe Mason.. He has played a total of 965 minutes with 595 touches and one assist this season.
Forward Joe Mason is on the bench for tonight’s game. He featured in last weekend’s game against Houston and played 62 minutes. Mason has notched two goals and played 553 minutes this season. He has seven MLS starts this season.
Wingback Dillon Serna was an unused substitute against Houston. The Homegrown product from Brighton, Colorado, enters his sixth season with the club. Serna has made seven appearances and played a total of 187 minutes this season.
Injury Report:
- Ford – Day to Day
- Sjöberg – Out
