#COLvSKC: Starting XI and Game Thread

The Colorado Rapids host Sporting Kansas City in their home opener and just the second game of their MLS season. The Rapids lost 2-1 at the New England Revolution on March 10, while SKC, with three games already under their belt, sport a 2-1-0 record (W-L-T) and sit third in the Western Conference.

Two of Sporting Kansas City’s hottest players right now are Felipe Gutierrez and Daniel Salloi. Gutierrez has amassed three goals on the season, while Salloi has delivered three assists. This explains why SKC is tied with Atlanta United FC and Houston Dynamo with seven goals for 2018. They are clearly attack-minded, with 47 shots taken (second most in MLS) and 15 on frame (third most in MLS). Even with this, they are still looking for consistency after the departure of Dom Dwyer to Orlando City SC. Plus, their defense needs shoring up, giving up seven goals in three games as well (2-0 loss to New York City FC, a 4-3 win over the Chicago Fire, and a 3-2 win over San Jose).

The Colorado Rapids hope to bring the fortress mentality of 2016 back into play as they begin their home opener in front of some eager and ready supporters. While the Rapids also need generate the offense that’s been markedly missing over the last few years, their defense will need to stay strong against the aforementioned SKC attack. In essence, supporters do not know what to expect, having seen so little a sample of what this team will look like with twelve new players, a new coaching staff, and a new 3-5-2 philosophy.

Here is the Starting XI for your Colorado Rapids:

Go Rapids!