Colorado Rapids vs Vancouver Whitecaps - Game Preview

On Wednesday, July 4th, the Colorado Rapids will welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The match will be at 7:30 MST and will be broadcast on Altitude. The Rapids are 11-2-3 all-time at home on Independence Day and will be looking to put more pressure on Vancouver, which are currently 4 points higher in the standings.

Colorado (7-8-1) are buzzing after a solid 3-0 win over the visiting Portland Timbers on the weekend. Jaime Castrillon, Conor Casey, and Jamie Smith all found the back of the net. For Smith, it was a dream return to the Rocky Mountain club as the Scotsman has finally recovered from a serious knee injury in 2011. Vancouver (7-4-5) have started well under head coach Martin Rennie and boast the attacking duo of Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Hassli.

The State of Colorado has recently suffered from massive wildfires that have forced the evacuations of tens of thousands while fire bans have been in effect. Rapids fans can rest assured that there will be the annual 4th of July fireworks show after the match against the Whitecaps. Recent wildfires have devastated northern Colorado near Fort Collins, the mountains near Boulder, and the western metro area of Colorado Springs, the second largest city in the state.

Thankfully, most of the fires have been largely contained in recent days while many evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes. However, fans from across the state are expected to make their way to Commerce City in what is traditionally a sellout and one of the best fireworks displays in Colorado. Rapids fans will also be hoping of a repeat of the weekend win over Portland, where fireworks were on display in the form of Jaime Castrillon, Conor Casey, and Jamie Smith.