Starting XI & Game Preview: Colorado Rapids vs Minnesota United FC

The Colorado Rapids host Minnesota United FC tonight as the Burgundy Boys look to extend their unbeaten streak to five games. The Rapids have won two in a row at home and are hoping to make Dick’s Sporting Goods Park the fortress was back in 2016.

MNUFC come to Commerce city on the back of two losses in a row, including losing their first home game of the season to the Philadelphia Union. A week prior on a Wednesday, the Rapids practically took their B-squad to Philly and went toe-to-toe with the Union in a 1-1 draw.

These two teams have a little history on the pitch, but many players have been moved between the two teams: Marc Burch and Sam Cronin went to the Loons for Mohammed Saied and Josh Gatt in 2017, a trade that left a bad taste in many fans’ mouths. Then last year, Eric Miller (and his family) went back home to Minnesota in exchange for Sam Nicholson, which took another year for that trade to finally be of value.

With an overall record of 2-1-1, the Rapids have an edge on Adrian Heath’s men, even more so at DSGP where the Loons have yet to earn three points. Despite having a tough season last year, the Rapids did pull the double, bagging six points from Minnesota and look to do the same again this season.

On the injury front, there is little to talk about when it comes to the Rapids. Kortne Ford remains on the out list as he recovers from his knee surgery. Diego Rubio and Deklan Wynne are listed as questionable with foot concerns. Wynne was subbed off early last week with the foot injury so it is likely that he may be out this week. As for Minnesota, goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth is out with a knee injury and Carter Manley is questionable with a leg injury. Both teams have international absences for the Gold Cup, the most notable of course being Jonathan Lewis for Colorado, who has been impressive since donning burgundy.

The Rapids as a team have been impressive recently and have shown improvement with each passing week. The attacking soccer that Rapids fans have heard about from General Manager after General Manager is finally starting to show. Games are fun to watch once more, and there is an overall feeling as if we are living the soccer version of Major League; there is a sense of something special brewing.

Starting XI: Tim Howard, Keegan Rosenberry, Tommy Smith, Lalas Abubakar, Sam Vines, Jack Price, Kellyn Acosta, Sam Nicholson, Cole Bassett, Andre Shinyashiki, Kei Kamara

Officials:

Referee: Ramy Touchan

Assistant Referees: Adam Garner, Claudiu Badea

4th Official: Nima Saghafi

VAR: Victor Rivas

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Deklan Wynne (foot), Diego Rubio (foot)

Suspended: None

Suspended after next caution: Diego Rubio (F)

International duty: Jonathan Lewis (M)

Minnesota

OUT: Bobby Shuttleworth (GK) - right knee injury

QUESTIONABLE: Carter Manley (D) - left leg injury

Suspended: none

Suspended after next caution: none

International duty: Rasmus Schüller (M), Romain Métanire (D), Jan Gregus (M), Kevin Molino (M)

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, June 8th at 7:00 p.m. MT

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO

TV Information: AltitudeTV

Radio: 92.5 FM

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)

C38 Tailgate: Starts at 4:00 p.m.