Game Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. Orlando City SC

It is time for the Colorado Rapids’ 2020 MLS season home opener as they host Orlando City SC on Saturday. Under new Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who coached the Rapids once upon a time, the Florida drew Real Salt Lake 0-0 at home last week. Orlando’s most notable player Nani is suspended for this match, and forward Dom Dwyer is likely out due to injury, which will put the Lions on their heels even before the kickoff.

On the other hand, the Burgundy Boys are riding a wave of good vibes coming off the stoppage-time win in DC. Then the team kicked off the home opener week with a variety of events at the Dairy Block in downtown. This is the first time the club has put on such a large promotion, which has fans more than ready to get to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to cheer them on this weekend.

The Rapids roster is almost the healthiest it’s been in a handful of years. Kortne Ford, who has been out the longest with knee concerns and recovery issues, trained with the team this week. Assuming there are no setbacks, Ford will be working on getting match fit and fighting for that spot on the bench next. Newcomer Nicolas Benezet also trained at full-strength and without a mask; it could be possible that Benezet might come on in the second half as he works towards becoming fully fit.

(Editor’s Note: The club also announced that they have signed Liga MX goalkeeper William Yarbrough, but he just arrived in town, so no one expects to see him on the pitch this weekend.)

As we get deeper into the season and the Rapids have more time to play together and understand the new pieces that have been added, the more dynamic and entertaining Rapids soccer will become. Rapids fans have been waiting through a long winter in order to see their beloved boys in burgundy play. Today truly kicks off the 2020 campaign.

Predicted Starting XI: Clint Irwin; Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Drew Moor, Sam Vines; Younes Namli, Jack Price, Kellyn Acosta; Sam Nicholson, Andre Shinyashiki, Kei Kamara

Officials

Referee: Joe Dickerson

Assistant Referees: Eric Boria, Kevin Klinger

4th Official: Alejandro Mariscal

VAR: Jorge Gonzalez

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: none

Suspended after next caution: none

Orlando City

OUT: Dom Dwyer

QUESTIONABLE: none

Suspended: Nani

Suspended after next caution: none

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m. MST

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

TV Information: Altitude on DirectTV

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

C38 Tailgate: Starts at 4 p.m.

*Vox Media/Burgundy Wave has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Burgundy Wave may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.