FINDING FOUR FOR THE FORTRESS
The Rapids host Los Angeles Football Club this weekend looking to keep their home form against \The Black & Gold. \Colorado has only lost to LAFC once at DSGP—their first encounter there in 2018— going on to record three-straight home victories since in the series (3-1-0). In their most recent home match, the Rapids claimed three points after scoring a pair of goals and keeping a clean sheet against the Californian side. In that match, Diego Rubio tallied his 40th MLS regular-season goal, while then-Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes scored his first goal in Burgundy. The match also saw the Rapids extend their club-record unbeaten run at home to 22 games at the time, which tied the sixth-longest in MLS history (the club would go on reach 23 games unbeaten at home, tying the fifth-longest such streak in league history).
BUT CAN THEY DO IT ON A COLD, RAINY NIGHT AT ALTITUDE?
The Rapids currently hold one of the best run of forms at home in MLS over recent years: since 2021, Colorado is tied for the fewest home losses in the league (4).
Fewest losses at home in MLS since 2021:
- Colorado Rapids - 4
- Philadelphia Union - 4
- Los Angeles Football Club - 5
- Three teams tied - 6
HISTORIC YARBROUGH
Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough is just two shutouts away from matching the club’s all-time record, currently held by Matt Pickens (29). With his appearance last weekend against Austin FC, the two-time Liga MX champion recorded his 86th appearance for Colorado, which tied him with Joe Cannon for fourth-most appearances by a goalkeeper in club history. Yarbrough has also recorded 34 wins with the Rapids, one away from tying Clint Irwin for third-most wins by a goalkeeper in club history.
LALAS KEEPS IT 100
Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar recorded his 100th regular-season appearance for Colorado during last week’s match against Austin FC, becoming just the 10th defender in club history to achieve this feat. Teammates Jack Price (123), Keegan Rosenberry (119) and Danny Wilson (111) are the only other active players on the roster with more appearances in Burgundy.
*Â REACHES 5,000-MINUTE MARK*
Against Austin FC, homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett surpassed 5,000 minutes with the Rapids (5,003), becoming the second homegrown in club history to accomplish this feat. Only midfielder Dillon Serna (5,302) has recorded more minutes.
INTERNATIONALS RETURN
Rapids striker Diego Rubio was called up to the Chilean national team ahead of their friendly against Paraguay on March 27. Rubio earned the start, registering 45 minutes in Chile’s 3-2 victory over its regional rival. Rubio made his first appearance of the season during the Rapids’ loss against Minnesota United FC after undergoing arthroscopic surgery last month. The Chilean forward enjoyed a career year in 2022 in which he equaled the Rapids’ all-time, single-season scoring record (16 goals) and set a new record for most goal contributions in a season in club history (16 goals, 7 assists). Rubio is currently fifth in club history with 34 regular season goals scored all-time, which is just four away from surpassing John Spencer for fourth-most.
Rapids striker Darren Yapi also missed the weekend match against Austin FC after being call-up to the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team ahead of friendlies with France, England and Serbia’s U-21 teams in preparation for this summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup. Yapi started against England and Serbia, while substituting into the match in the second half against France.
