As the Colorado Rapids gear up to face Sporting Kansas City, fans eagerly anticipate an exciting clash.
This Major League Soccer (MLS) match promises intense action, with both teams striving for victory at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Colorado Rapids
The Colorado Rapids enter this match following a mixed bag of recent results. Despite a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC last weekend, the Rapids had previously enjoyed a three-match domestic winning streak.
Under the guidance of first-year manager Chris Armas, the team has shown significant improvement, especially in their attacking prowess. With 38 goals scored in 21 league fixtures, the Rapids are seventh in the league for goals per game (1.81) and third in expected goals per match (1.69).
The Rapids are also formidable from set pieces, having scored 10 goals in such situations, second only to Philadelphia Union. Defensively, they have maintained their advantage well, winning seven matches when leading at halftime this season.
At home, Colorado has been particularly strong, with five domestic home victories in 2024, already surpassing their tally from the previous season.
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, has had a challenging season. Currently second from bottom in the Western Conference, they have struggled with consistency.
However, they managed to break a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Austin FC last weekend.
Long-time manager Peter Vermes is on the verge of his 200th regular season win, but the team’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, having conceded 44 goals this season.
Sporting KC has not won an away match against the Rapids in their last 10 attempts, with their last victory at Dick's Sporting Goods Park dating back to March 2014.
Team News and Lineups
Colorado Rapids
The Rapids will be without Jackson Travis due to a stress fracture, Daniel Chacon (knee injury), and Kevin Cabral (suspended).
Moise Bombito is on international duty with Canada, and Lamine Diack has returned to Nantes. Captain Keegan Rosenberry, an MLS All-Star, will lead the team.
Predicted lineup: Steffen; Rosenberry, Abubakar, Maxso, Vines; Ronan, Bassett, Fernandez, Mihailovic, Larraz; Navarro.
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting KC will miss Robert Castellanos (ankle), Remi Walter (knee), Daniel Salloi (ankle), and Logan Ndenbe (torn ACL). Felipe Hernandez is on administrative leave.
Tim Melia, who secured a clean sheet last weekend, will be key in goal.
Predicted lineup: Melia; Pierre, Rosero, Voloder, Leibold; Rodriguez, Radoja, Thommy; Russell, Pulido, Agada.
Prediction
Given their recent form and home advantage, the Colorado Rapids are favoured to win this encounter.
Sporting KC's defensive issues and poor away record against the Rapids further tilt the odds in favour of the home side.
Our Prediction: Colorado Rapids 3-0 Sporting Kansas City
Colorado 
Sporting KC 
