The Colorado Rapids (5-4-3, 18 pts) welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps (5-3-3, 18 pts) on Wednesday night for a midweek Western conference showdown, as both sides battle for redemptive three points after falling short in their last respective games. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT (Apple TV— MLS Season Pass, Altitude Sports Radio 950AM).
The Rapids look to bounce back from a home loss against San Jose Earthquakes over the weekend, as the Bay Area opponent answered Colorado’s two first-half goals with three of their own, toppling the home side in the 66th minute with a Cristian Espinoza game-winner. Rafael Navarro opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a slight-of-touch finish on a Djordje Mihailovic corner, the first set piece goal scored for the Brazilian striker outside of his converted three penalty kicks earlier this season.
Winger Omir Fernández secured his first goal in Burgundy in the contest, as well, taking his chance from the top of the box after being distributed around the 18 for the perfect opportunity. His low shot to the left corner in the 42nd minute caught a deflection into the net past former Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Andreas Maxsø’s layoff to Fernández marked his first assist of the season.
Michael Edwards reached his own milestone with the club on Saturday night as he made his official MLS debut since joining the club on a Homegrown deal acquired from D.C. United in 2021. The defender subbed on for Rapids captain Keegan Rosenberry in the 81st minute against San Jose.
Wednesday’s matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps is the first meeting between the two sides in 2024. The two last faced off in September 2023 to a 2-2 draw at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park.
Vancouver enters the match after a 3-0 loss to LAFC for their first road loss this season. Despite outshooting and being awarded more set pieces than the 2023 MLS Cup runners-up, Vancouver was unable to convert its chances in front of goal over the 90 minutes.
Colorado will look to take advantage of their home environment and the ‘Caps recent road form in the midweek contest. The two sides both currently hold 18 points in the Western Conference standings, although Colorado stands at No. 6 with 12 games played and Vancouver holds the No. 4 spot with 11 games played.
Wednesday’s matchup will see multiple reunions between Rapids and Whitecaps players and staff. Vancouver midfielder Ralph Priso returns to DSGP for the first time since being acquired by the Canadian side in March from Colorado. Jasper Löffelsend and Whitecaps forward Damir Kreilach were teammates in Salt Lake from 2022-23, making 19 appearances together, and coach and player reunite as Chris Armas and Brian White reconnect after time spent together at Red Bulls from 2018-2020. White also shares a connection with Fernández, who he was teammates with at Red Bulls from 2021-2022.
