Starting XI & Game Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. New York City FC

The Colorado Rapids are at home this week as they host New York City FC. The teams have met up just four times so far, with NYCFC coming out on top by winning two. The Rapids have lost both games in New York on the indoor-sized pitch they call Yankee Stadium, but today the playing field is to our advantage in Colorado. The Burgundy Boys have managed to keep NYCFC to a tie both times that they have hosted the New Yorkers.

NYCFC come to DSGP with a 7-3-8 record, which puts them at 7th in the East, just above the playoff line. As far as form goes, NYCFC have lost their last two games by just one goal. A few injuries and a couple of suspensions may have them shuffling some things around. Keep an eye on Gary Mackay-Steven, as the 29-year-old Scottish midfielder can turn some heads. He arrived in New York at the start of the transfer window after his contract with Aberdeen FC expired. The Rapids missed the boat on that one.

As far as injuries go, Kortne Ford and Deklan Wynne are still out for Colorado. The only other injury to report is Jack Price is also out today.

Two other notable absences from today’s game will be Kellyn Acosta, who must sit one more game for the double yellow and Diego Rubio, for accumulation of yellows. It should be noted that only Jack Price would be suspended if he picked up another yellow, whereas Danny Wilson, Lalas Abubakar, Nicolas Mezquida, and Kei Kamara are two away from sitting one out.

Both squads have guys who can hurt you in various spots on the pitch. Both teams will rely on their midfield to build up the attack as well. Fans would love to see the Rapids go out firing, with play up the wings to Jonathan Lewis and Sam Nicolson. This game could look very much like the Portland game last weekend, but hopefully without the Rapids scoring on themselves.

Starting XI: Tim Howard, Keegan Rosenberry, Tommy Smith, Lalas Abubakar, Sam Vines, Danny Wilson, Jack Price, Jonathan Lewis, Cole Bassett, Sebastian Anderson, Andre Shinyashiki

Officials

Referee: Christopher Penso

Assistant Referees: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho, TJ Zablocki

4th Official: Malik Badawi

VAR: Younes Marrakch

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee), Deklan Wynne (foot)

QUESTIONABLE: Jack Price (foot)

Suspended: Kellyn Acosta, Diego Rubio

Suspended after next caution: Jack Price

New York City

OUT: Joe Scally (hip), Isamael Tajouri-Shradi (ankle)

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: Maxime Chanot (D), Alex Ring (M)

Suspended after next caution: Maxi Moralez (M), Taty Castellanos (F), Ben Sweat (D)

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, July 20th at 7 p.m. MST

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 p.m.