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The Colorado Rapids will look to extend their 5 match unbeaten streak against the defending MLS Cup Champions. This is the first of a crucial two-game home stand for the Rapids as Real Salt Lake will come to Dick's Sporting Goods Park on August 3rd. These next two matches could be decisive in the Rapids playoff push as the Rocky Mountain club looks to gain ground on a postseason spot.
Colorado (8-7-7) are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field. Drew Moor found the scoresheet in the second half but DeAndre Yedlin found the equalizer within five minutes as both clubs shared the spoils. Given the fact that Colorado had lost eight straight matches to Seattle, the draw was seen as a positive result.
LA Galaxy (10-8-3) are coming off a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on the weekend. The Galaxy overcame Robbie Keane's hip injury as Jose Villarreal and Gyasi Zardes both tallied as the Los Angeles club came from behind to win. In LA's previous match again the Rapids this season, a Mike Magee penalty proved to be the difference as LA won 1-0. Magee has since transferred to the Chicago Fire
The match will mark the emotional return of longtime Colorado Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni. The former United States veteran of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups is excited to play in front of friends and family, but also noted that a Galaxy win is paramount as the team looks to solidify their grasp on a playoff spot. Mastroeni spent 12 years as a star for the Rapids and was instrumental in helping the club win the 2010 MLS Cup Championship.