Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy – Three Keys to the Game

Here's three keys to taking three points from the defending MLS Cup champs.

Larentowicz vs. Juninho – Ben covered this one on the Thugcast this week, and it's probably going to be the biggest battle in the midfield. Larentowicz is the only real defensive player other than the back four any more, and he touches the ball more often than anyone else on the team does being in that oh so important pivot position. It will be up to him to keep the ball away from LA's secret weapon Juninho, as well as keeping him without space. When the Brazillian has space, we all know what he can do with his devastating shot from 20-30 yards out. We saw it first hand last season when a wonder goal by Juninho doomed the Rapids in an eventual 3-1 loss at DSGP.

Keep Doing What You're Doing – Yes, the game in Seattle was a loss. It was still one of the more impressive displays of the possession and passing game that this 4-3-3 is supposed to bring the team so far this season. Sure, there is work to be done in the final third but I'll feel good about the Rapids chances if they can hold 65% possession against the Galaxy while getting a few extra shots on net.