Rapids 2 (1-6-1, 5 pts) will return home this week to face off against North Texas SC (6-1-2, 21 pts) on Saturday, June 4 at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on www.mlsnextpro.com.
“It is good to be home,” said Rapids 2 head coach Erik Bushey. “It is a little bit less stress on the guys in what is a busy period. Our two best results have come at DU (University of Denver), so there is some confidence from just returning there. Logistically speaking, it allows us to really put 100% of what we are doing into the game, into the training and into the preparation. It is an advantage in general I think to play here in Colorado. So, we certainly want to make the most of that home field and home state advantage.”
Saturday’s match versus North Texas SC will kick off the team’s first three-game homestand. The Rapids 2 squad is coming off of a 5-1 defeat to MNUFC2 after facing off against the Minnesota side for the second time this season. The match saw Darren Yapi bag his second goal of the season in the 27th minute of the match, tying him for the lead in Rapids 2 goals beside forward Yaya Toure and midfielder Yosuke Hanya. The Rapids’ offense had a notable performance during the team’s fifth road game of the season, putting up a season-high of 13 shots with six on goal.
This week, Rapids 2 squad will take on North Texas SC for the second time this season, following a previous 3-1 loss in the team’s first road match of the season. The first meeting between the two sides saw forward Yaya Toure record his first goal of the season in the 35th minute of the match. However, the Texas side ultimately defeated Colorado after scoring one goal in the final minutes of the first half and two in the second.
“Last time we played against North Texas SC, we had a very good first half,” said midfielder Yosuke Hanya. “In the second half, it was a little bit unlucky. We got scored on three goals, but we have gotten so much better from there as a team and as individuals. So, I am really excited to get a win this time and hopefully this time I will score against them.”
North Texas SC will travel to Colorado for the first time this season after recording its fourth shutout win of the season against Real Monarchs. The Dallas side, which has only recorded one loss this season to league leaders Houston Dynamo 2, currency sits in a second place standing in the Western Conference. North Texas has been recognized for its presence in the defensive half having conceded the least amount of goals in the league with only seven goals scored against the team. The away side is also the home to the league leader in assists, Hope Avayevu, who has added five assists this season.
To purchase tickets to this Saturday’s Rapids 2 match versus North Texas SC, click here.
