Rising Rapids Seek More from Themselves vs. Red Bulls
Match Overview
The Colorado Rapids, buoyed by a new 4-1 triumph over St. Louis City, will hope to convey a much more complete exhibition when they host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in Commerce City, Colorado. The two teams currently occupy fourth spot in their respective conferences, setting the stage for a serious showdown.
Colorado Rapids’ New Exhibition
While the Rapids’ 4-1 win over St. Louis City was praised by many as their best execution of the season, lead trainer Chris Armas has an alternate point of view.
“I have to strongly disagree. I think we’ve played better,” Armas said. “I love the reality we scored goals but can we just be look at things objectively for a minute … at the point when you discuss a total exhibition, start to finish, I believe there’s been something more.”
Colorado (11-8-4, 37 points) has been strong at home, boasting a 7-2-2 record, including a 5-0-1 imprint in their last six home matches. During this span, the Rapids have outscored their opponents 16-6, showcasing their prowess as first-class finishers.
In the success over St. Louis City, Cole Bassett, Kevin Cabral, and Jonathan Lewis each contributed an objective and an assist. The Rapids, tied for fifth in the league in scoring, will require continued contributions from players like Bassett, especially with Djordje Mihailovic being named to the U.S. Olympic Team.
“Shocked and excited,” Mihailovic said of the news. “It has always been a goal of mine to play in the Olympics.”
New York Red Bulls’ Challenges
The New York Red Bulls (9-4-9, 36 points) are coming off a scoreless draw against the Philadelphia Union on July 6. Despite putting five shots on target, the Red Bulls were unable to find the back of the net.
This match was their first without midfielder Emil Forsberg, who was placed on the injured list with a lower leg injury and will miss at least five more matches.
“I think what we have to improve, especially with our ball position, is the structure which we have lost in some moments,” New York coach Sandro Schwarz said.
Historical Context
This is the first meeting between the teams since 2022. The Rapids hold a slight edge in the all-time series with a 20-17-7 record against the Red Bulls.
Key Players to Watch
Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids): Bassett’s performance will be crucial for the Rapids, especially in Mihailovic’s absence. His goal and assist in the win over St. Louis City highlight his offensive capabilities.
Be Part of the Winning Team! Sign Up with SportsHub to access unparalleled sports analysis, insider tips, and exclusive benefits.
Kevin Cabral and Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids): The two players contributed significantly in the new triumph and will be critical to keeping up with the Rapids’ offensive momentum.
Red Bulls’ Forwards: With Emil Forsberg sidelined, the Red Bulls’ forwards should step up and switch their chances over completely to secure a positive result.
Conclusion
As the Colorado Rapids expect to build on their new success and convey a more complete presentation, the New York Red Bulls will hope to defeat their new scoring struggles and adjust to the absence of Emil Forsberg. With the two teams competing for higher positions in their respective conferences, this matchup promises to be a serious and intriguing contest. The Rapids’ strong home structure and the Red Bulls’ requirement for structural improvement will be key factors to watch in this clash.