Following a three-week lay-off, the Colorado Rapids return to MLS duties this Sunday when they travel to Children's Mercy Park to face Sporting Kansas City (FS1, 5:00 p.m. MT).
Last time out, Dominique Badji was among the scorers as the Rapids were held 2-2 at home by Minnesota United FC. That was Badji's second goal in three games. This weekend, expect him to go up against US international Matt Besler, one of the most competent and established defenders in MLS.
The Rapids are 1-1-1 through three games, while Sporting KC are 1-0-3. In those four games, Sporting has netted just twice, but conceded only once.
In what could be a tense, tight affair this Sunday, the winner from this particular 'battle' may heavily influence the outcome of the contest as a whole.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Badji.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;"> |
<strong>v.</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Besler-Matt_SKCPrimary2017.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 250px;"> |
<p align="center">Dominique Badji</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Matt Besler</p> |
<p align="center">14</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">5</p> |
<p align="center">Forward</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Defender</p> |
<p align="center">24</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">30</p> |
<p align="center">6’0”</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">6’0”</p> |
<p align="center">175lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">170lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/senegalflagimage1.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 53px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USAflag.png" style="opacity: 0.9; width: 100px; height: 53px;"> |
<p align="center">2015</p> |
<strong>Joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2009</p> |
<p align="center">3rd season</p> |
<strong>MLS experience</strong> |
<p align="center">8th season</p> |
<p align="center">45</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">204</p> |
<p align="center">10</p> |
<strong>Goals</strong> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p align="center">Badji is a young striker who showed considerable promise in his first two MLS season. His speed and goal instincts has led to him being a contributor in Colorado's forward corps.</p> |
<strong>What they say:</strong> |
<p align="center">A club captain who grew up attending Sporting Kansas City games, Besler is one of the best defenders in MLS. Since the beginning of the 2013 season, no defender in the league has completed more passes.</p> |
