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Game preview: Colorado Rapids vs. L.A. Galaxy

Tonight is the first of four games against California teams for the Colorado Rapids.

By Brendan Wyatt
MLS: Colorado Rapids at Los Angeles Galaxy Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

August sees the Rapids play five times, with three games at home and four of them against California teams. Today’s game features the LA Galaxy, who have won three of their last four games at Dicks Sporting goods Park and are 13-18-5 overall in Colorado. The Galaxy will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but that does not mean that LA is without a threat.

Ola Kamara has nine goals this season and has been dangerous every time he has faced the Rapids. The dos Santos brothers are also a threat as well—pretty much everyone in front of their centerbacks can change a game.

Not all is lost for the Rapids though, as glimpses of hope were shown last week with Kellyn Acosta in the lineup. Giles Barnes has added a bit creativity to the attack as well but is listed out for today’s game with his ankle injury, so Sam Nicholson is most likely the next man up here. With his style of play he may draw a defender or three to him which may open some lanes for Acosta or, wait for it… Jack McBean.

Today’s match is the first of the two games against each other, with the second match in two weeks in L.A. Home field advantage, altitude, and the fact that the Rapids are overlooked will weigh heavily in the burgundy’s favor. Even without The Zlatan, who won’t be gifting Colorado with his presence, this game looks like it could sell out. That means the 12th man is in full effect.

Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard, Kortne Ford, Axel Sjoberg, Tommy Smith, Edgar Castillo, Jack Price, Johan Blomberg, Kellyn Acosta, Sam Nicholson, Enzo Martinez, Jack McBean

Colorado

OUT: F- Giles Barnes (ankle), Kip Colvey (concussion protocol)

QUESTIONABLE: Shkelzen Gashi (Achilles)

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: M - Johan Blomberg, D- Danny Wilson

Los Angeles

OUT: Rolf Feltscher (shoulder surgery), F - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (per MLS policy)

QUESTIONABLE: None

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: D - Michael Ciani

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, August 4 at 7 p.m. MT

Venue: Dicks Sporting Goods Park — Commerce City, CO

TV Information: AltitudeTV

Radio: Altitude950

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)

C38 Tailgate: 4pm start

Guest: Kip Colvey

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