Flair and fancy football may take a back seat this Sunday, as the Rapids and Real Salt Lake meet inside Dick's Sporting Goods Park (TICKETS).
Instead, with RSL's playoff hopes on the line, expect a desperate side to do whatever it takes to leave with three points. With that in mind, the Rapids will need to get their hands dirty, and Nana Boateng's performance in the last game suggests his presence will be vital.
RSL, of course, have the ageless Kyle Beckerman. His dramatic late leveler at LA Galaxy two weeks ago highlighted his importance to the Utah team, and he has proved himself time and again to be the man for when the pressure is on.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/Nana Boateng.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 200px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/Beckerman_Headshot.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 201px;"> |
<p align="center">Nana Boateng</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Kyle Beckerman</p> |
<p align="center">21</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">5</p> |
<p align="center">Midfielder</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Midfielder</p> |
<p align="center">23</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">35</p> |
<p align="center">5'11"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">5'11"</p> |
<p align="center">160lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">170lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/GhanaFlagImage.jpg" 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">2017</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2000</p> |
<p align="center">1st season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">18th season</p> |
<p align="center">16</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">430</p> |
<p align="center">Strømsgodset, Manchester City</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">Colorado Rapids, Miami Fusion</p> |
<p align="center">Boateng is a powerful player with the drive and energy to be an effective box-to-box midfielder. He possesses great technique and vision and influences the game on both sides of the ball.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">A hardnosed tackler with excellent positional sense, Beckerman has been RSL’s metronome for years, setting the tempo and starting many attacks by with his smart, accurate passing. </p> |
