PREVIEW – After a much needed 10-day break, the Colorado Rapids will return to action when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday night.
The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a scoreless draw at Vancouver, in which Diego Rubio missed a crucial penalty in the 80th minute. Since Robin Fraser took over in August of 2019, the Rapids have an acceptable record of two wins, two draws, and one defeat against the Whitecaps.
Vancouver’s inconsistency has been their Achilles heel this season, with impressive results such as the 6-2 thrashing of the Houston Dynamo and their 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders, a strong Western Conference contender. Equally unimpressive, however, has been their form away from home.
Although Colorado is the only MLS side without a home victory this season, the Whitecaps enter Wednesday’s match as one of only three teams that have yet to win on the road in 2023. Having lost three of their last five road games, there is some hope for the Rapids to obtain a result tomorrow night.
Forward Brian White leads the club with six goals on the year, but it is Scottish midfield maestro Ryan Gauld who could threaten Colorado the most. Undoubtedly the creative outlet of the team, Gauld’s technical prowess and ability to pick a pass will be key to unlocking a reeling Rapids defense that has only managed to keep a clean sheet twice across their last 10 games.
Injury Reports:
One of the few bright spots of the season, Moïse Bombito, continues his rapid ascent as a professional, as he was selected to represent the Canadian national team at this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Canada will kick off their group stage on June 27th, so Bombito will likely be available against both Vancouver and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Diego Rubio is yet again the main concern on the injury report, as he remains questionable. The only other injury concern is young defender Alex Gersbach, who is listed as out with a lower body injury. Defender Lalas Abubakar and midfielder Braian Galván are both suspended, after they both picked up red cards in the 2-0 defeat at Orlando City.
Ali Ahmed and Alessandro Schöpf are the only expected absentees for the Whitecaps.
Initial Colorado Rapids Player Availability for #COLvVAN tomorrow:
Rubio still questionable. Gersbach has picked up a lower body injury. Galván and Abubakar suspended for their red cards in Orlando. Acosta already on INT duty for Honduras for the Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/nJqKMuQA1v
The Rapids remain bottom of the West, but could leapfrog the Galaxy heading into their matchup this weekend, should results go their way. Vancouver will be looking to consolidate their position amongst the playoff conversation with Portland, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Austin looming behind within striking distance.
The crushing weight of another home loss coupled with the fact that Vancouver has yet to win on the road in 2023 will heap even more pressure on Pádraig Smith and Robin Fraser, as fans wonder when they’ll begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or if there will be any at all under the current management.
Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.
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[…] CITY – The Colorado Rapids were supposed to play Vancouver Whitecaps last night. It was Pride Night. Moments after the national anthems were over, […]
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Matt Pollard 
Brian Jennings
[…] the Colorado Rapids host Vancouver Whitecaps at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park. It is Pride Night. The club is looking to spread awareness […]
[…] CITY – The Colorado Rapids were supposed to play Vancouver Whitecaps last night. It was Pride Night. Moments after the national anthems were over, […]