Starting XI: The Colorado Rapids host the New York Red Bulls (5.12.2018)

The Colorado Rapids host the New York Red Bulls on this Mother’s Day weekend in Commerce City. Rapids supporters hope that their boys in burgundy can obtain three points and obtain some momentum as they head into summer.

The Rapids (2-4-2, 8 points, 10th in the Western Conference) come off a 1-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City. They are struggling with injuries and a lot of questions from supporters over lineup selections from new head coach Anthony Hudson. What the Rapids must watch is the fact that both Jack Price and Dominique Badji will face suspensions with their next yellow card. Defender Kortne Ford and midfielder Marlon Hairston are unavailable due to injuries. The Rapids have not given up a win against NYRB since 2007 and hope to continue that streak tonight.

The Red Bulls (5-3-0, 15 points, 5th in the Eastern Conference) are after their third straight win after an impressive 4-0 shellacking over New York City FC last Saturday. NYRB are up one goal per match over last season, averaging 2.6 goals per match (21 goals total, 3rd in the conference), making a solid case for them as one of the most improved teams in 2018. Though Bradley Wright-Phillips is now 33, he is still a formidable goal scoring foe, tied for second in the east with six goals.

The last time the Red Bulls came to Colorado was on April 16, 2016, where the Rapids emerged victorious in a winter wonderland, 2-1. The weather for today is a 30% chance of rain with a forecast of 61 degrees at kickoff. Will the Red Bulls feel a letdown after such an impressive win over their crosstown foes? Can the Rapids stick with the plan and face the high press of NYRB?

Starting XI:

Officials:

Referee: Ismail Elfath

Assistant Referees: Eduardo Mariscal, Chris Wattam

4th Official: Nima Saghafi

VAR: Baldomero Toledo