Colorado Rapids vs Seattle Sounders FC
MLS Regular Season, Week 7
April 13, 2019 - 7:00 PM
DICK'S Sporting Goods Park - Commerce City, CO
From the Premier League to MLS...
Two English Premier League veterans, Tim Howard and Wayne Rooney, have a history that spans over a decade. It began back in 2004 when Rooney joined Manchester United, Tim Howard's club at the time. The young players were teammates from 2004 to 2006. Now as they prepare to face each other in the latter years of their careers, the mutual respect is tangible.
"Wayne Rooney is world class," said Howard recently. "I think we throw that label around too often. He actually is world class. The records that he set playing for England, captaining England and being at Manchester United for over ten years – it’s so incredibly special. Wayne is a special player. A once in a generation type of player."
Rooney echoed Howard's sentiment when asked about the American goalkeeper earlier this year.
"Tim has had a fantastic career, both in England and here in the States," said Rooney. "He is a fantastic person. I played with him for a couple of years back in England and he was a very nice guy."
Saturday will mark the second time the two will play against one another in MLS. Their first meeting was on July 28, 2018 at Audi Field, and Rooney scored his first MLS goal against Howard.
"He’s that talented and clearly, he found a spot right between my legs to put the ball," said Howard. "Anytime you face someone that good it’s daunting, but I knew what he’d bring to D.C. United. He’s going to bring it every single game and I think his displays for them at the back half of last year prove that."
The Rapids are honoring Howard's career with Manchester United with the second Tim Howard Commemorative Series night this Saturday. During the match the club will honor and celebrate Howard's time with exclusive interviews, content and more!
Click HERE to learn more about the Tim Howard Commemorative Series, including a special 4-game ticket package that includes a limited-edition bobblehead!
Rewind: Acosta's classy chip sees him open account with Rapids...
The last time the Colorado Rapids played D.C. United, Kellyn Acostamade his MLS debut with the Rapids. The new #10 capped off a busy week that included his 23rd birthday and playing 45 minutes in a friendly against Boca Juniors with a stellar performance on the road against D.C. United. Acosta reminded fans of his talents with a goal-of-the-year candidate in the second half as he calmly chipped it past David Ousted in the 82nd minute.
What to watch for...
Connor Cape, Radio Play-by-Play Announcer
It's not often an early season matchup between teams in different conferences holds so many storylines. As D.C. United comes to the Mile High City, narratives abound. We all know Tim Howard will be hanging up his boots at the conclusion of the 2019 season and this could very well be his final match against former teammate Wayne Rooney. Recall last season, Rooney's first MLS goal came at the expense of Howard and the Rapids. It goes without saying Howard will want to even up the series on Saturday.
Also, in last season's match between these two sides, Rapids midfielder Kellyn Acosta scored his first goal in burgundy on a beautiful chip from almost the same spot on the pitch as Rooney's goal. And speaking of scoring goals, midfielder Cole Bassett did that in Orlando last weekend. He's had a short professional career to this point, but I think that goal (and assist) is the kind of thing that can jumpstart his confidence and we'll see him put together a quality run of form.
Jordan Angeli, Radio Analyst
This past Saturday in Orlando, I was especially pleased with Kofi Opare's club debut as he stepped in to contribute 90 minutes. It helps to have depth on the back line and I think consistency will be key moving forward. For defenders, familiarity and communication are crucial when passing off players and coverage between teammates, especially against teams like D.C..
Another takeaway from last Saturday is that the Rapids can score goals - not just that - but beautiful goals. I loved the build-up and the number of players who got a touch on the ball during the sequences leading to each of the three goals. The movement in the midfield off the ball was the best we’ve seen this season and it payed off. I thought having Feilhaber higher up the field was a great move and he looked more comfortable in that spot. He was able to impact the game substantially more in that position, including the a great assist on Cole Bassett’s goal.
The Rapids ability to control possession in the game will be important playing a team like D.C. who are off to a great start this season. I would presume D.C. will come into Colorado eager for a result, but I also expect them to potentially play a little different since they had a mid-week game at home against Montreal. Like most visiting teams in Colorado, I think D.C. may sit back a little at first, then break on the counter with Rooney and Acosta leading the charge. The midfield will want to dictate the pace of the game and connect with Rooney up top, so the responsibility of preventing the entry ball to Rooney’s feet during build up will fall on the Rapids defensive midfielders. Finally, I think focus on defensive set pieces needs to be heightened as D.C. is a team who not only has great service but quality targets in the box.
