Rapids 2 (5-9-5, 24 pts) will face off against North Texas SC (11-5-4, 38 pts) in the MLS NEXT Pro Game of the Week on Sunday evening at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on mlsnextpro.com.
“I have been talking a lot the past few weeks about our second and third games against certain opponents and how it is an opportunity for us to show progress,” said Erik Bushey, Rapids 2 head coach. “North Texas is a very good team. They have proven to be a very difficult opponent in our first two outings, so once again we know it will be an excellent challenge, but one that we are certainly excited about and are feeling positive about.”
Colorado will take the pitch at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park for the final time this season on Sunday after pulling the upset over Dynamo 2 last week at AVEVA Stadium. The team’s fourth shootout victory of the year saw goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez make a crucial save to give the team the extra point over the Houston side. Meanwhile, Robinson Aguirre led Colorado with its first successful penalty followed by defenders Omar Gomez and Blake Malone and forwards Maclovio Swett and Michael Harris.
“I am just confident in my ability to get in the player’s mind and make that save. That is my goal when I step into penalty kicks,” said Rodriguez. “Also, just giving the confidence to the guys that I am going to make the save and they just need to hit the target and score.”
With its most recent win over Dynamo 2, the Rapids now extend their win streak to five matches, including the team’s three point win over Premier League 2 side Wolves U-21 in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational. The team has accumulated nine points in its last four regular season matches and continues to close the gap in the Western Conference standings as the season draws to a close.
Sunday’s match is a crucial one for the Colorado side who is at risk of seeing their playoff chances come to an end if North Texas manages to clinch a win or a draw during the match. The last two times these sides met, North Texas beat out the Rapids in a 2-1 victory on both occasions. This time around, the Rapids will look to build off their recent momentum to keep their playoff chances alive and secure the three point win in their last meeting with the Dallas side.
“No matter the result, no matter what happens at the end whistle, as long as we gave it our all for 90 minutes and played our hearts out, I think I would be really happy with the team,” said Rodriguez.
To purchase tickets to this weekend’s MLS NEXT Pro Game of the Week, click here. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
