The Colorado Rapids return to MLS action on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park where they will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a Western Conference clash.
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of Saturday night’s showdown:
1) Tim Howard returns
It’s been a busy month for Colorado Rapids' star goalkeeper Tim Howard. After starting for the burgundy boys in their July 4th matchup against Seattle, Howard was called up to the United States men’s national team by head coach Bruce Arena for the knockout stages of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. After posting back-to-back clean sheets against El Salvador and Costa Rica, Howard was terrific again in the final, helping guide the United States to a 2-1 victory over Jamaica to lift the trophy in front of 63,000 fans in Santa Clara, California.
Fresh off his Gold Cup success, Howard was then selected to represent the Rapids in Wednesday night’s MLS All-Star game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, where the best players in North America squared off against Champions League victors Real Madrid. Playing the opening 45 minutes, Howard was one of the best players on the field, denying Zinedine Zidane’s men on numerous occasions – including a sensational save on Spanish starlet Marco Asencio. Rapids faithful will welcome back Howard, who has once again proven himself among the world’s best.
2) Fighting for a playoff berth
With 14 games remaining on the Rapids regular-season schedule, there is plenty of belief in Commerce City that a playoff spot is still within reach. With games in hand over Minnesota, LA, Salt Lake and San Jose – the four teams directly ahead of the Rapids in the Western Conference standings – Pablo Mastroeni’s men will need to make the most of their remaining contests if they’re to climb the table and secure a spot in postseason play.
“We feel like we’re one or two wins away from really pushing for a playoff spot,” said Rapids goalkeeper Howard. “It might take us 'til the last weekend of the season, but we feel as if we have the ability to continue to push. I know that’s hard for some people to believe, but we believe.”
3) Military appreciation night
The Rapids and Coca-Cola are proud to welcome and recognize past, present, and future service members at our annual Military Appreciation Night.
Throughout the game, there will be several tributes to the U.S. Armed Forces, including representation of each military branch in the Honor Guard, a halftime enlistment ceremony, Heroes recognition, and a $10,000 donation to the USO on behalf of the Rapids and Coca-Cola. In addition, Air Force Academy all-male a cappella, In the Stairwell will be singing the U.S. National Anthem following their recent performance on America's Got Talent.
