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Every year I get asked if I feel like the schedule makers at MLS HQ had it in for the Colorado Rapids. This year is no different, having two bye weeks in the first month of the season. Having to wait to play your first game at home until the fourth week of the season doesn’t help either. Playing just one game so far this season is also a bit of a gut punch when the opponent has had three more games to find their feet.
The Rapids will take on Sporting KC today and while the Burgundy Boys have had SKC’s number the last few times at home, Sporting has bagged seven—seven I say—goals in the last two games. Sporting did drop their first game though, so on the flip side, it would be a great time for the Rapids to show us some of that attack we’ve been hearing about.
By the numbers, the Rapids have the edge on Sporting at home going 18-5-8 with an overall record of 23-24-13. For those looking for more reasons to call this match-up a rivalry, the win/loss record between them is just one game. Colorado is 1-1-1 when playing Sporting KC in March, and tonight’s game could be another epic finish—between the 76-90th minutes both teams have scored more than 25 goals against each other (Colorado with 26, Sporting with 29).
The Rapids will be without the services of Shkelzen Gashi and Stefan Aigner for one more week. Both were training, but Gashi tweeted that he wouldn’t be playing tonight and Aigner is “expected” to be available, but a lot can happen in a day or two.
Joe Mason is expected to make his debut. The newly-acquired striker also chose to don #10, making some of us fear the curse of El Pibe. Will Mason be the next #10 that dazzles us with glorious goals, or will he be like many of the others past and slowly drain us of hope? Wearing the number 10 is a big responsibility that comes with huge expectations. Joe has to know what’s expected of him and to take that on takes a pair.
No matter how you plan on watching the game I expect a good show. Sporting KC is firing on all cylinders and Colorado is amped up and ready to get the season going like a wind-up toy ready to be let go.
Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard; Deklan Wynne, Danny Wilson, Jared Watts; Marlon Hairston, Johan Blomberg, Jack Price, Enzo Martinez, Edgar Castillo; Joe Mason, Dominique Badji
Injuries/Suspensions
Colorado
QUESTIONABLE: none
OUT: Kortne Ford (left MCL sprain), Shkelzen Gashi (calf strain)
Sporting KC
QUESTIONABLE: none
OUT: Gianluca Busio (eye), D/M - Brad Evans (back)
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Saturday, March 24 at 7:00 pm MT
Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park - Commerce City
TV Information: AltitudeTV
Radio: Altitude950
Live Stream: MLS Live (blackouts apply)
C38 Tailgate (Starts at 4 pm)
Guest Player: Kort Ford
With this game being the season opener for the Rapids, not only will the game itself be big, but so will the tailgate. What C38 has done organically over the years to enhance the tailgate experience can’t be replicated and it is an experience I highly recommend. Not only that, but the $7 donation that costs less than a drink at 1876 will get you unlimited craft beer and really good food—today’s BBQ took two days to smoke.