Starting XI
Keegan Rosenberry, Danny Wilson, Lalas Abubakar, Jonathan Lewis, Max, Diego Rubio, Sam Nicholson, Bryan Acosta, William Yarbrough (C), Gyasi Zardes, Steven Beitashour
Substitutions
Clint Irwin, Drew Moor, Michael Barrios, Philip Mayaka, Anthony Markanich, Drew Moor, Collen Warner, Dantouma Toure, Lucas Esteves, Darren Yapi
Player Availability Report
OUT - Braian Galvan (R knee)
OUT - Aboubacar Keita (R knee)
OUT - Oliver Larraz (R leg)
OUT - Jack Price (L calf)
OUT - Gustavo Vallecilla (health & safety protocols)
Notes
- Since 2005, the Rapids and Real Salt Lake have taken part in one of the most heated rivalries in MLS. The two clubs compete for the Rocky Mountain Cup, a trophy awarded to the winner of the regular season series by a bipartisan committee of supporters from the two teams. The regional rivalry added a new layer in 2021, with Rapids legend Pablo Mastroeni joining the RSL technical staff as an assistant coach ahead of the season, and later, being named head coach of the Utah side.
- Saturday’s match will mark the second leg of the Cup this year after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw during the first leg in April. The Rapids must win on Saturday in order to claim the Cup for a second time in three years; a draw or loss would see RSL retain the trophy.
- Saturday’s match will be the first time Rapids winger Sam Nicholson is available for selection following his recent return to Colorado. The Scotsman previously spent three seasons with the Rapids (2018-2020) and rejoins the club after spending the past two seasons with England’s Bristol Rovers.
- The Rapids will be without defender Auston Trusty for the first time since he joined the club in November of 2019. Trusty departs to English Premier League side Arsenal FC as his loan with the Rapids has expired; the 23-year-old signed with the Gunners this past offseason, but was immediately reacquired by the Rapids on a six-month loan.
- Rapids Head Coach Robin Fraser earned his very first assistant coaching opportunity in MLS in 2007 with Real Salt Lake and won the MLS Cup with the club in 2009. Fraser served on the the RSL coaching staff until 2011 when he was hired as the head coach of Chivas USA.
