It’s a busy week as the Rapids are preparing for their first home game of 2021 – and their first game in front of their home fans since March 7, 2020. Here’s the latest news and notes around the club ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Austin FC.
Welcome Home!
At the top of our minds this week is how excited we are to welcome you, the fans, home to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. To say the players are ready to play in front of their favorite fans is a bit of an understatement.
Above all else, safety is our top priority for Saturday. Things will be a little different this weekend, so if you are joining us, make sure you know what to expect before you arrive at the stadium.
Stay tuned to ColoradoRapids.com all week long for the latest details and information on our stadium protocols.
Thank You, Frontline Workers
This Saturday, we are honored to welcome frontline workers from our home state who have been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us as we celebrate these workers prior to the match, and remember to stay safe and socially distanced all game long in their honor!
Rapids Academy Dominantes vs SKC
The Rapids Academy went 4-0-1 this weekend in an undefeated showing against the Sporting Kansas City Academy teams in Fort Hays, Kansas. The U-19s, who won 2-0, were led by Sam Bassett, who netted the second goal thanks to a pass in from Yaya Toure. Toure signed a Homegrown Player contract with the club last month and played the full 90 minutes with the U-19s this weekend. Bassett, who recently turned 18, joined his brother Cole and the Rapids at preseason this year in Tucson, Ariz.
Results and goal scorers for all matches:
- U-13: 3-0 win – Soltero, Malick, Aguirre
- U-14: 4-0 win – Simpson, De Luna Villalpando, Luna
- U-15: 2-2 draw – Mena, Zuniga Aceves
- U-17: 2-0 win – Aguirre Ortega, Cisneros
- U-19: 2-0 win – Legendre, Bassett
U.S. Open Cup Postponed
Last week, U.S. Soccer’s Open Cup Committee announced that the U.S. Open Cup will not take place this spring due to difficult COVID-19 protocols and logistics. The tournament is now postponed with hopes that it can take place later in the year. Previously, qualification for MLS clubs was to be determined by their results over the first three games of the 2021 MLS regular season. The new qualification format will also be announced at a later date.
Five Years Ago: SnowClasico 2
While it does feel like this is an abnormally long winter, it may make you feel better – or maybe worse – to know that this late-season snow isn’t very unusual for the crazy state of Colorado. On April 16, 2016, the Rapids defeated New York Red Bulls in a grueling 2-1 victory with a kickoff temperature of 31 degrees that would soon be known as SnowClasico 2. This wet spring blizzard was one to remember as USMNT staple Jermaine Jones led the squad in his Rapids debut and scored the opening goal of the game. Dominique Badji slotted home the game-winner in what became an instant classic.
