Rapids-Sounders Preview: A Familiar Foe

COMMERCE CITY – The Colorado Rapids are undefeated in the Chris Little era. After going two months without a win, the Rapids defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park. They’ll be looking to carry that momentum into Wednesday’s match against the Seattle Sounders.  

When: Wednesday, September 20 @ 7:30 PM MDT

Where: DICK’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Match Preview:

Colorado is now tied with Toronto FC in the Wooden Spoon race with 22 points, although Toronto does still have a better goal differential, meaning that the Rapids would win the dreaded award if the season were to end today.

Colorado has not yet been mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, but it seems a foregone conclusion that it’ll happen in the coming weeks, as they are 14 points back of the last wildcard spot with only seven games remaining.

Seattle sits third in the West, one point back of second placed LAFC and seven points behind the leaders, St. Louis City.

The Sounders have a tricky run of fixtures to close out the regular season, including crucial trips to Nashville and Vancouver. The 7th placed San Jose Earthquakes are only two points back of Seattle, so three points against the Rapids are an absolute must for Brian Schmetzer’s men in the congested playoff seeding battle.

Colorado Rapids vs Seattle Sounders Head to Head: 

The Rapids and Sounders are familiar foes, having played 40 matches against each other since Seattle’s MLS inception in 2009. The Sounders have been dominant across those games, winning 27 times to Colorado’s nine. Since 2020, however, the rivalry has evened out, with each side winning three times.

Home field advantage has been massive in this fixture, as the home side has not lost since 2018, when a Will Bruin brace saw the Rapids fall 2-1.

The Rapids’ 2023 season opener saw them face off in Seattle, with the Sounders cruising to a 4-0 win. 

A Look at key Sounders Players:

Seattle’s defense is where their success comes from, as they have only allowed 30 goals in MLS, good for second best in the league. Two thirds of those goals have come away from home however, and although that is still a solid record to have on the road, it’s a less daunting task for Colorado than trying to score at Lumen Field. 

Raúl Ruidíaz has long been the figurehead of Seattle’s attack, but injuries and age have slowed down his success in recent seasons. After scoring 13 or more goals in each of his first four seasons with the club, Ruidíaz scored nine goals last season and only has five to his name so far in 2023.

Another known commodity around Seattle is USMNT forward Jordan Morris, who leads the club with 10 goals on the year, marking the 4th MLS season that he’s hit double figures in.

Perhaps their most dangerous offensive player, Brazilian forward Leo Chu, is enjoying somewhat of a breakout season, leading Seattle in G/A with 11.

Sounders’ Recent Form: 

After a strong start to the year, Seattle has struggled to win convincingly, scraping one goal wins and numerous draws throughout the year. The Sounders have not won a game by more than one goal since early April, and have tied seven of their last 15 matches. They are still undefeated in their last four, having drawn 1-1 away to FC Dallas last weekend.  

Rapids Team News:

Colorado should be relatively healthy for this game. Jonathan Lewis and Diego Rubio made the bench on Saturday. Sidnei Tavares was a precautionary sub with cramping in the 30th minute. He trained fully on Tuesday and is available for selection. Luis Díaz has fully participated as well. It should just be the four long-term absences for tonight in William Yarbrough, Jack Price, Alex Gersbach, and Max.

It’s Up to Them:

The Rapids have an opportunity to build on a positive result, which is something that has been said quite sparingly this season. Rafael Navarro’s first goal still awaits, and getting one at home to a Western Conference rival would be a great boost for his confidence and the Rapids’ future with him. C38 and the Rapids’ faithful certainly made themselves heard during the New England game, and it’s up to Colorado’s front office and players to show that there is an actual project in progress, starting with Wednesday night against the Seattle Sounders.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

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