Rapids 2 (4-9-2, 15 pts) will continue its four game homestand on Friday, July 15, against Earthquakes II (7-5-3, 25 pts) at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on mlsnextpro.com.
“It is going to be an exciting one because this is a team that is technically very sound,” said Rapids 2 assistant coach Brian Haynes. “They play really expansive attacking soccer, so it’s going to be a game where we have to be on our toes defensively and then take our chance when and if they make mistakes.”
After three weeks on the road, Colorado returned home last week to face off against Sporting KC II in the team’s first of four matches at home. The Rapids were looking to secure their first win against Kansas City after drawing 1-1 in the team’s home opener back in March.
Even with a season high of seven shots on goal, the Rapids fell short to Sporting KC II in a 2-0 loss at home. Rapids forward Darren Yapi led the team with three shots on target followed by Philip Mayaka who put up two of his own.
After last weekend’s match, Yapi continues to lead the team with four goals while Max Alves, Jackson Travis, Dantouma “Yaya” Toure and Yosuke Hanya lead the team in assists with two apiece.
“Kansas City was playing good soccer before they came to us and they got what they deserved from the standpoint that they took their chances and we didn’t take ours. So, it is something that as young players and as a young team, we let the players know that when you get your chances at the professional level, you have to take them,” said Haynes.
Friday’s matinee match will see Colorado face off against San Jose for the second time this season after a brutal 7-1 loss back in May. The home team will be looking for a bit of revenge after putting up its biggest loss of the season in the last meeting between the two sides. Toure was the lone goal scorer of the night, picking up his second goal of the season.
“I think they are a good team with good young players,” said Rapids 2 captain and goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez. “Obviously, we remember it didn’t go well last time at their house, so I think we need to have a little bit of something about ourselves with them coming to our home. I am trying to get the guys fired up as well.”
On the other end of the pitch, San Jose is coming off of a huge 3-1 win over North Texas SC. As it stands, the Earthquakes sit in a fifth place standing in the Western Conference, placing them just five points below a playoff spot in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro playoffs. This weekend’s match will offer the away side a chance at a crucial three points as the playoffs and end of the season draw closer.
To purchase tickets to this weekend’s match against Earthquakes II, click here.
