COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Colorado Rapids 2 (1-1-1, 4 pts) is set to face off against Sporting KC II (1-2-0, 3 pts) on Sunday, April 7, for the teams’ first meeting of the 2024 season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT (MLSNEXTPro.com) at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium.
Rapids 2 is coming off a hard fought 2-3 result against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup. The two Colorado-based sides took the field at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday night and clashed to a 2-2 draw during 90 minutes of regulation. Wayne Frederick and Kimani Stewart-Baynes netted the two goals of the match, marking the first goals of their professional careers. As the two sides rounded into extra time, it was Hailstorm FC who came out victorious in the 120th minute of the match.
Colorado is preparing for its fourth MLS NEXT Pro match of the season after drawing to LAFC2 in a 1-1 result during the team’s most recent regular season contest. LAFC2 was first to get on the board after a scoreless first half, but midfielder Marlon Vargas followed up in the 75th minute with an equalizer from the penalty spot. The goal marked Vargas’ third of the season in as many matches. After facing their first MLS NEXT Pro shootout, the Rapids walked away with one point on the night after falling to LAFC2 in a 3-4 shootout loss.
Sporting KC II has struggled to find their rhythm since opening the season with a 2-1 victory over Houston Dynamo 2. In the team’s latest match, Sporting II fell to St. Louis CITY2 in a 2-1 loss. Forward Pau Vidal has been the standout so far this season, scoring two of the team’s four goals across three games.
Kansas City holds the all-time record between the two sides with Colorado having only won one contest in tems’ last four meetings. Rapids 2 has opened its past two seasons with matches against Sporting KC II. In the 2023 season, Rapids began their campaign with three points in a 2-1 win over Kansas City. Later in the season, Rapids 2 fell to Sporting KC II in a 4-0 loss.
Fans can purchase tickets to this weekend’s Rapids 2 match at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium here.
