Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers | Roster Notes | March 2, 2019

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper Tim Howardannounced that 2019 will be his final season in his storied playing career. Howard has been a mainstay on the US men's national team and spent more than 10 years in England before rejoining MLS with the Rapids in 2016. Since then, the New Jersey native has featured in 75 games, boasting 18 shutouts, two of which were against Portland.

Defender Keegan Rosenberry will make his first appearance with the Rapids after spending three seasons with the Philadelphia Union. A skilled right-back, Rosenberry will be looking to become a regular in the Rapids lineup after coming off a bounce-back season with the Union in 2018. He made 32 regular season appearances with the Union in 2018, 31 from the start, registering one goal and three assists.

Defender Axel Sjöbergenters his fifth season with the Rapids after being selected in the first round (No. 14 overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The Swede's organization and ability in the air on set pieces will be crucial against the Timbers.

Defender Deklan Wynneenters his second season in Colorado. Wynne made 25 regular season appearances with the Rapids in 2018, 22 from the start.

Defender Dillon Sernabegins hisseventh season with the club after signing on January 14, 2013. The Homegrown is just 9 games away from making his 100th regular season appearance for the club.

Midfielder Benny Feilhaber will make his first appearance with the Rapids after signing as a free agent on January 11. Since his MLS debut in 2011, the US international has scored 37 goals and added 56 assists in over 18,000 minutes of regular season play. 

Midfielder Cole Bassett became the youngest player to sign with the club when he inked his Homegrown contract on August 10. The 17-year-old made an immediate impact, earning three starts in six appearances and scoring his first MLS goal in a 2-1 win over FC Dallas on October 28. The midfielder was named to the MLS Team of the Week twice in 2018.

Midfielder Kellyn Acostawas traded to the Rapids in July after spending his entire MLS career with FC Dallas. The US international started all 12 matches following the trade, scoring two goals and adding three assists. 

Midfielder Nicolás Mezquidawill make his first appearance with the Rapids after spending five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Uruguayan is a positionally versatile attacker, proficient at both setting up teammates and finishing in attack. Since arriving in MLS, he has scored 12 goals and added four assists in over 4,000 minutes of regular season play. Mezquida has scored twice in his career against the Timbers.

Forward Kei Kamarawill make his first appearance with the Rapids after spending 2018 with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The MLS veteran has scored 112 goals in his career, good enough for sixth overall in MLS. He's also added 44 career assists in over 23,000 minutes of regular season play. Kamara has scored twice in his career against the Timbers.

Forward Diego Rubiowill make his first appearance with the Rapids after spending three seasons with Sporting Kansas City. The Chilean averaged 0.92 goals per 90 minutes last season which put him behind only Atlanta’s Josef Martínez and LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimović. He bagged eight goals and six assists in 2018 in just 781 minutes making Rubio one of the most efficient finishers in MLS. Rubio has scored twice against the Timbers in his career.

On the Bench:

Goalkeeper Clint Irwinrejoins the Rapids in 2018 after spending three seasons with Toronto FC. The 'keeper has appeared in 121 regular season games over his six-year MLS career, recording 33 shutouts. 

Defender Danny Wilsonenters his second season with the Rapids. Wilson featured in 23 games in 2018, 22 from the start.

Homegrown defender Sam Vineswill look to make his mark as a professional after making his MLS debut during the Rapids final away game of 2018 against San Jose on October 21. 

Midfielder Johan Blombergenters his second season with the Rapids after making 24 regular season appearances with the club in 2018. The versatile midfielder grabbed three assists last during his first MLS season. 

Midfielder Jack Priceenters his second season with the Rapids after spending his previous seven years with Wolverhampton Wanders FC. The Englishman's vision, passing range and tactical awareness proved successful during his first MLS season that saw him make 31 appearances.

Forward Andre Shinyashikiwas selected fifth overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft after four productive years at the University of Denver. The mature striker has a natural nose for goal, scoring 51 goals and adding 15 assists over his 83 appearances at the NCAA level.

Forward Niki Jacksonenters his second season with the Rapids after being selected No. 73 overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The 23-year-old featured in 15 games in 2018, scoring three goals.

Colorado Rapids Injury Report