Starting XI:
William Yarbrough, Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Danny Wilson, Auston Trusty, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Jack Price (C), Kellyn Acosta, Jonathan Lewis, Andre Shinyashiki, Braian Galvan
Bench: Clint Irwin, Drew Moor, Dominique Badji, Michael Barrios, Nico Mezquida, Cole Bassett, Collen Warner, Steven Beitashour, Lucas Esteves
Player Availability Report:
Out – Younes Namli (injury)
Out – Diego Rubio (injury)
Notes:
FOUR OF A KIND
This is Colorado’s fourth three-game winning streak under HC Robin Fraser. This is also the first time under Fraser that the Rapids pickeD up 13 of 15 possible points in five games. The Rapids have not won four consecutive MLS matches since they won five straight from July to August of 2003.
The Rapids are one of four teams in MLS to build at least two winning streaks of three or more games this season (NE SKC, SEA).
IN STRIDE
Colorado is 6-1-3 (W-L-D) in its last 10 matches, which is the second-best clip in MLS and the best in the Western Conference. The Rapids average 2.1 points per game over their last 10 matches, second only to New England (2.5 ppg).
The Rapids won each of their last three road matches, marking the first three-game road winning streak under HC Robin Fraser. Colorado had previously won consecutive matches as the visitor once under Fraser – Nov. 4 and 8, 2020, at Portland and Houston, respectively, as the Rapids won three straight to close the regular season and clinch a playoff berth.
At 5-3-1 (W-L-D), the Rapids have the fourth-best road record in MLS this season. Colorado went 5-3-1 on the road in 2020, as well. The Rapids are 12-8-2 as the visitors under Fraser; their 12 wins and 1.73 points per game on the road are both the most in MLS in that time.
MOUNTAIN DEFENSE
Colorado has conceded six second-half goals and just one in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, both the fewest in MLS. The Rapids’ eight clean sheets are tied for the most in MLS.
The Rapids boast the second-highest team save percentage in MLS at 76.5 percent (Austin, 78.6). GK William Yarbrough has played every minute in goal for Colorado this season; his 76.5 SV% is the fifth-best in MLS among goalkeepers with at least 10 games played.
"MAK" THE MOST OF IT
M Mark-Anthony Kaye’s game-winning goal last week against RSL was his first since joining the club in August. Since then, Kaye leads the Rapids with nine chances created, while completing over 83 percent of his passes and adding one assist. Colorado is 3-0-1 (W-L-D) with Kaye in the lineup.
ROAD TO QATAR 2022
M Kellyn Acosta and M Mark-Anthony Kaye were named to their respective national teams for September’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Acosta was named to the 26-player USMNT and will join the squad in Nashville on Sunday, Sept. 5. Acosta has played in all 13 matches for the USMNT in 2021, capturing the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup titles this summer. Kaye has played in 10 matches for Canada in 2021, helping Canada reach the Gold Cup semifinal for the first time since 2007.
USMNT: Sept. 2 vS El Salvador; Sept. 5 vs Canada; Sept. 8 at Honduras
CanMNT: Sept. 2 vs Honduras; Sept. 5 at USA; Sept. 8 vs El Salvador
NOTES & MILESTONES
- This matchup features two of the best second-half teams in MLS. Colorado and Sporting KC both boast +11 goal differentials in the second half this season. SKC’s 22 second-half goals are second-most in MLS, while Colorado’s six second-half goals conceded are the fewest in the league.
- Colorado’s last win at Children’s Mercy Park came three visits ago in September 2019. The Rapids won, 3-2, in HC Robin Fraser’s fifth game in charge.
- D Keegan Rosenberry has 37 interceptions this season, which is tied for seventh in MLS.
- M Kellyn Acosta’s next assist will be the 20th of his MLS career.
- D Danny Wilson makes his 70th MLS appearance with Colorado.
- F Michael Barrios’ next appearance will be his 20th with Colorado and his 199th in MLS.
- M Cole Bassett’s next appearance will be his 20th of the season, matching a career-high set in 2019.
