Starting XI:
William Yarbrough, Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Danny Wilson, Auston Trusty, Sam Vines, Kellyn Acosta, Jack Price, Cole Bassett, Michael Barrios, Diego Rubio
Bench: Nicolas Benezet, Braian Galvan, Clint Irwin, Oliver Larraz, Jonathan Lewis, Nicolas Mezquida, Drew Moor, Andre Shinyashiki, Collen Warner
Player Availability Report:
Out – Steven Beitashour (injury)
Out – Younes Namli (injury)
Notes:
GOAL-ORADO
The Rapids have scored 12 goals in seven matches this season, which is the fourth-highest clip in MLS (1.71 goals per game). Since the beginning of 2019, Colorado has scored 102 goals in 59 MLS matches, the third-highest rate in the league (1.73 goals per game). Colorado has also proven dangerous on the break this season, producing .371 xG (expected goals) off counter attacks, which is second-most in MLS behind San Jose (per MLSsoccer.com).
VINI, VIDI, VICI
Since Robin Fraser’s first game as Rapids head coach on Aug. 31, 2019, the Rapids are 8-6-2 (W-L-D) on the road. Colorado’s eight road wins are tied for the most in MLS in that span (NYCFC), while their 1.63 points per game as the visitors are the most in MLS since then.
KELLYN RETURNS WITH SILVERWARE
Kellyn Acosta rejoined the Rapids after appearing in four matches for the U.S. Men’s National Team in May and June, including the Concacaf Nations League Final. Acosta was the only MLS player to play all 120 minutes as the United States defeated Mexico, 3-2, to capture the inaugural Nations League title at Empower Field at Mile High. Acosta featured in the USMNT’s friendly against Switzerland on May 30 and in the CNL semifinal win over Honduras. The 25-year-old Texan also came on in the U.S.’ 4-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on June 9 in Sandy, Utah.
WE MEET AGAIN
This is the second-ever meeting between these two clubs. In June 2019, Andre Shinyashiki opened the scoring before Cincinnati Kekutah Manneh equalized. Diego Rubio entered the match in the 68th minute and assisted Nico Mezquida’s eventual game-winner five minutes later. Rubio added a third goal, assisted by Jack Price, in the 82nd minute as Colorado cruised to a 3-1 win and extended its unbeaten run to four games.
JUNETEENTH
Throughout the weekend, Major League Soccer and its clubs will recognize Juneteenth – the effective end of slavery in the United States – with a series of initiatives to celebrate freedom, including the playing of the Black National Anthem. In collaboration with Black Players for Change (BPC), clubs will auction limited-edition, game-worn jerseys, with proceeds benefiting organizations supporting and uplifting Black communities in MLS markets.
