Storylines to Watch
Sporting Kansas City have brushed themselves off and found their early-season form following a 2-0 season-opening loss to New York City FC. Following that loss, SKC dispatched the Chicago Fire on the road in a wild seven-goal encounter, and most recently took care of the San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 at Children's Mercy Park.
On the flip side, SKC have already conceded seven goals over three matches. A year ago, it took them 11 games to reach the same total. This is the first time since Aug. 27-Sept.18, 2016 that they have conceded multiple goals in three consecutive games. There's no doubt the new-look Rapids' attack hope to take advantage of Sporting KC's recent struggles on defense.
Player to Watch
Although Felipe Gutierrez has only played in three MLS games, he's already become a force in Sporting Kansas City's midfield. The Chilean international signed a three-year Designated Player contract with the club on February 6, 2018 and made an immediate impact in SKC's second match of the season scoring two goals against the Chicago Fire, including the winner just four minutes from full time. The performance against the Fire earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi.
Gutierrez shined again against San Jose adding a goal in the 68th minute that ended up being the game-winner.
The 27-year-old will most likely start against the Rapids alongside Roger Espinoza and Ilie Sanchez in midfield.
Rapids vs Sporting KC - Recent Form
The last time the I-70 neighbors met the Rapids blanked Sporting Kansas City 1-0 behind Kortne Ford's first professional goal on May 27, 2017 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Although a MCL sprain will keep the defender sidelined this weekend, head coach Anthony Hudson is looking for a bounce-back performance to rebound from a 2-1 season-opening loss to New England Revolution.
Sporting KC have the edge in the head-to-head series overall but have lost all four previous trips to Colorado, their last win at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park coming on March 29, 2014.
- Overall: Colorado 23 wins, 80 goals | Sporting KC 24 wins, 97 goals | 13 ties
- At Colorado: Colorado 18 wins, 50 goals | Sporting KC 5 wins, 36 goals | 8 ties
- Last meeting: Colorado 1, Sporting KC 0 (May 27, 2017)
