Colorado Rapids were aggressive and positive going forward in their last home game, which resulted in a 3-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes. They may look to Kevin Doyle to deliver the goods this weekend, though he will face a defensive challenge in the form of Ike Opara, as the Rapids take on Sporting Kansas City (TICKETS).
Opara’s career in recent times has been hampered by injuries, but on his day he is one of the most solid and assured central defenders. Doyle is vastly experienced, and he will need all of that and more if he is to add to his two goals in 2017.
These two players match up well physically. It may be a case of the player who thinks best will emerge on top in this particular battle.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/Kevin%20Doyle.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 199px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/Opara-Ike_SKCPrimary2017_smile.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center">Kevin Doyle</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Ike Opara</p> |
<p align="center">9</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p align="center">Forward</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Defender</p> |
<p align="center">33</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">28</p> |
<p align="center">6'0"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">6'2"</p> |
<p align="center">179lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">180lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/download.png" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USA flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<p align="center">2015</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2010</p> |
<p align="center">3rd season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">8th season</p> |
<p align="center">56</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">98</p> |
<p align="center">Wolverhampton Wanderers, QPR, Crystal Palace, Reading, Cork City, St. Patrick’s Athletic</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">San Jose Earthquakes</p> |
<p align="center">Doyle is a striker who has proven himself in short order in MLS. The Irish international joined the league in 2015 after playing extensively in Ireland and England. An intelligent striker who thrives on solid service and is an aerial threat. May not have the speed, but makes up for that in anticipation.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">Injuries, including severe ones, have prevented him from making more than 16 starts for Sporting KC in any of his previous seasons. But if Opara can remain healthy for the whole season, he is a player many tab as one of the elite center backs in the league and a potential USMNT candidate.</p> |
