Storylines to Watch:
Michael Boxall takes the armband with Francisco Calvo away in Russia
The Loons will be without their captain and key defender Francisco Calvo this weekend, as the 25-year-old is playing in his first FIFA World Cup with Costa Rica. Calvo played a full 90 minutes in Costa Rica's opening match against Serbia which the Ticos lost 1-0.
With Calvo away, Minnesota has handed off the armband to defender Michael Boxall who head coach Adrian Heath thinks is most fit for the job.
“Some people are very vocal and get after people that way and others lead by example by the way they play, the way they tackle and the way they defend,” Heath said. “Boxy is one of those guys.”
Boxall first stepped into his new role during the match against Sporting Kansas City on June 3, and has led his squad in three games resulting in one win and two loses.
Player to Watch: Miguel Ibarra
In 14 matches, the midfielder has 12 starts, two goals and three assists. Ibarra has been the difference maker for the Loons, as all of his assists and goals have been game-winners.
“Training and offseason training were really big for me," Ibarra said. "I was making sure I was fit, making sure I was eating healthy and making sure my body was healthy. I think my confidence right now is really high."
Ibarra scored in the most recent meetings between the two sides and is always a threat on goal. Keep an eye out for #10 in Minnesota's attack on Saturday.
Colorado Rapids vs Minnesota United FC - Head-to-Head
Saturday marks only the third meeting between these two teams with this being Minnesota United's second year in MLS.
The Loons are coming off a 1-0 loss to Houston in the U.S. Open Cup and have a record of 5-8-1in MLS play. Meanwhile, the Rapids previous match was a 2-2 draw against Chicago which sees their record sit at 2-9-3 overall.
The last time the two sides met was in April 2017, which saw Minnesota claim a 1-0 victoryat TCF Bank Stadium.
- Head-to-Head Overall: Colorado Rapids 0 wins, 2 goals | Minnesota United FC 1 win, 2 goals | 1 ties
- Head-to-Head in Colorado: Colorado Rapids 0 wins, 2 goals | Minnesota United FC 3 wins, 21 goals | 7 ties
- Previous Meeting: Minnesota United FC 1, Colorado Rapids 0 (April 23, 2017)
