Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids - Game Preview

The first edition of the Rocky Mountain Cup is upon us for the 2016 campaign as the Colorado Rapids will travel to Rio Tinto Stadium to face off against rivals Real Salt Lake. While both Rocky Mountain sides are coming off impressive wins, they'll both be eager to add another three points to the standings in a season that has seen Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers struggle out of the gates.

Colorado (2-1-1, 7 points) are coming off a surprising 1-0 victory over Toronto FC on the weekend. Luis Solignac scored his first goal for the Rapids and the home supporters at Dick's Sporting Goods Park witnessed the second consecutive shutout at home. Zac MacMath has been raising eyebrows while Colorado's defense kept Sebastian Giovinco and Michael Bradley at bay.

Real Salt Lake (2-0-2, 8 points) have remained unbeaten in four matches and will look to keep that trend going as traditionally the Colorado Rapids have struggled to get results in Sandy, Utah. The Claret and Cobalt won 2-1 over Sporting Kansas City at a hostile Children's Mercy Park on Saturday. Justin Glad and Luke Mulholland both found the scoresheet and held off SKC for a win on the road.

Since RSL opened Rio Tinto Stadium, the Colorado Rapids are winless in 10 matches and hold a 0-6-4 record in Sandy. Despite the horrid away record in the back of their minds, the Rapids are playing with confidence as Marco Pappa has been absolutely brilliant. The Guatemala international has been directly involved in all three of the Rapids goals this season. A win in enemy territory would be another boost for the Rapids who will welcome Jermaine Jones back from suspension the following week at home against New York Red Bulls.