Starting XI & Game Preview: LAFC vs Colorado Rapids

It’s Decision Day and who could have predicted that it would all come down to this? It’s the one time when the league will sync their watches and have every match start at the same time, which means things could get a little chaotic. The Colorado Rapids know they have only so much of their fate in their hands.

The Rapids travel to LA to take on LAFC, who is this season’s juggernaut in MLS having already won the Supporters’ Shield with 69 points.

There are two ways LAFC will approach this game:

1. With 69 points already, one more win will set the new MLS record for most points in a season, a record currently held by Atlanta.
2. Rest your big names and/or guys who may be a little knocked up.

Two very different scenarios that Colorado must prepare for. Carlos Vela will probably play, as he is chasing a record of his own (most goals in a single season) with Zlatan Ibrahimovic hot on his tail. It would take a big injury to keep him from suiting up today.

For the Rapids, at the start of the season it was about preparation and how other teams play. Now it’s about themselves and how they play. It’s shown in the results, and their confidence level and momentum have grown. When you are on the kind of run where you have won five of your last six—and no team but your next opponent has scored more points than you since June—you have the force with you.

That also means this could be a low scoring game considering LAFC has the least amount of goals conceded in MLS. Tim Howard could be called upon to help earn one more clean sheet before he turns the page to Memphis.

As if Rapids fans were not already white-knuckled over Decision Day, add to it that it’s not easy to watch them play. C38 has a way and will be getting creative at Celtic on Market, meanwhile the other football will be in full force so be prepared if you are going out.

It’s been one heck of a ride and though we can see the end, it doesn’t feel over, not just yet.

Colorado Rapids Starting XI:

Officials

Referee: Robert Sibiga

Assistant Referees: Eduardo Mariscal, Kevin Klinger

4th Official: Michael Radchuk

VAR: Edvin Jurisevic

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee), Deklan Wynne (foot) Dillon Serna (surgery)

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: none

Suspended after next caution: none

Los Angeles

OUT: Javier Perez (M) - left ACL tear, Josh Perez (F) - left MCL sprain, Danilo Silva (D) - lumbar disc injury

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: Adama Diomande (F)

Suspended after next caution: none

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Sunday, October 6^th at 2 p.m. MST

Venue: Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

TV Information: none

Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 950AM

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required, must be outside of the region)

Watch Party: Celtic on Market