Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake
Six-time loser Colorado brace for Real Salt Lake
TEAM NEWS
The Colorado Rapids’ midfielder Joseph Nane has started the last three games in the two-man defensive midfield. Homegrown players Shane O’Neil and Davy Armstrong debuted in the Rapids 2-1 win over EPL Swansea City.
Real Salt Lake’s defender Jamison Olave suffered an injury to his left leg in Wednesday’s CCL match and his availability is uncertain.
Colorado Rapids
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Conor Casey (left hamstring tightness), Omar Cummings (left ankle sprain), Edu (right foot contusion)
Injured/unavailable: Anthony Wallace (left Achilles tear), Pablo Mastroeni (headaches)
Real Salt Lake
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Ned Jamison Olave (left hamstring strain)
Injured/unavailable: Chris Schuler (left foot), Lalo Fernandez (right wrist stress fracture)
MATCH PREVIEW
With the 2-1 home loss to the Seattle Sounders last Sunday, the Rapids have lost a team-record six straight games. “With our run of form these last couple weeks, it’s tough sometimes to remember there are happy parts about being a professional soccer player,” said captain Drew Moor. The Rapids have conceded eight goals on headers, six off corner kicks and one off a throw-in this season.
Real Salt Lake is coming off a Wednesday 1-0 road loss to Herediano playing a man down for 30 minutes after Nat Borchers was sent off in the opening game of the CONCACAF Champions League. Salt Lake finished second in the tournament last year. RSL have three wins in the last four games, stand second in MLS and last blew past Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 in regular season action. Alvaro Saborio is on scoring streak, adding a brace last Saturday for a total of 13 goals and two assists this season.
Real Salt Lake are favored for the win over Colorado, who don’t have the roster to get the job done, although the club neglected to sign proper reinforcements in the transfer window.
HEAD TO HEAD
In their 24 previous match-ups with Real Salt Lake, Colorado won eight, lost nine and drew seven games.
