Colorado Rapids Soccer Club heads north to the British Columbia coastline for a Saturday showdown with Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place, where kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (MT).
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of Saturday night:
1. Badji in the clutch
It has been a terrific two weeks for in-form striker Dominique Badji. After latching on to a stoppage-time cross in Houston to give Steve Cooke’s men their first road win of the season, Badji again played the hero last Saturday night, dispossessing 2016 league MVP David Villa late in the match and single-handedly drawing the Rapids level with a stellar run and finish in front of the burgundy faithful.
Badji, who has publicly stated his desire to reach double-digit goals this season, now sits on a team high of eight with six games remaining.
🔥 @dbadji14 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0bzEOf2BLP
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) September 17, 2017
2. Aigner coming into form
Despite not having a proper pre-season after being out of contract following the dismantling of his hometown club, 1860 Munich, new Rapids signing Stefan Aigner has already shown immense quality in his first month in burgundy. His perfectly-placed stoppage-time cross to Dominique Badji helped secure three points on the road in Houston, followed by another quality display at home against NYCFC where he came on alongside Shkëlzen Gashi in a 65th minute double substitution.
Aigner is no stranger to the bright lights, having made 274 appearances as a professional in Germany - including 25 goals and 25 assists in the Bundesliga.
3. North of the border
The Rapids will be looking to improve their record north-of-the-border on Saturday, having amassed an overall road record of 4-11-5 against Canadian opposition. In Vancouver, the burgundy boys are 2-4-3. The teams have met twice in Commerce City this season, with the Whitecaps bagging a win and a tie.
