COMMERCE CITY – Hopeful optimism was in abundance prior to the Colorado Rapids’ season opener against the Portland Timbers last Saturday. It’s safe to say that things did not go according to plan. Chris Armas’ men suffered a 4-1 capitulation at Providence Park, with many errors providing an echo of last season’s woes. The Rapids will have a chance to right their wrongs and prove to fans why this team is different, when they host Nashville SC.
When: Saturday, March 2nd @ 7:30 pm MDT
Where: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Nashville Recent Form
Nashville comes into this match having already played three competitive fixtures in 2024, thanks to their 7-0 aggregate win over Moca FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Last weekend saw them draw 0-0 against the New York Red Bulls. Nashville looked outmatched, losing the possession battle and failing to attempt more than five shots throughout. This was in large part due to the absences of former MVP Hany Mukhtar, forward Sam Surridge, and midfielder Randall Leal.
Head coach Gary Smith, who coached the Rapids to their sole MLS Cup win in 2010, appeared satisfied with the draw, considering the circumstances.
Unfortunately for the Rapids, Mukhtar will likely be back this weekend. The 28 year-old German has been a thorn in Colorado’s side since his arrival to MLS, registering six goals in three games against the Burgundy Boys.
Leal and Surridge are both expected to miss out.
Nashville traded for Tyler Boyd from the Los Angeles Galaxy in the offseason, adding another component to their already dynamic attack. The winger notched 34 MLS appearances for the Galaxy in 2023, while chipping in with seven goals and four assists. Boyd is a former USMNT international, with 10 appearances to his name.
24 year-old English midfielder Dru Yearwood arrived via trade from the New York Red Bulls in December, and started last week’s match against his former club. Yearwood is expected to challenge for a starting midfield spot in 2024.
Rapids-Nashville H2H
2024 will mark Nashville’s fifth season in MLS. The Rapids have played Nashville once in the Leagues Cup, and only twice in MLS. They have lost all three games while being outscored 9-3. The only meeting at DSG between the two sides came back in 2022. Diego Rubio scored the lone goal for the Rapids as they fell at home 3-1.
A True Test
Saturday night is a momentous occasion for Armas and his players. Armas has been outspoken about his intent to play attacking soccer, and that certainly did not materialize against Portland. If the Rapids are able to showcase a renewed mindset and offensive game plan in front of a home crowd that has been starved of entertainment for so long, it’ll go a long ways towards gaining the fans’ trust.
Photo Credit: John Babiak
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Matt Pollard 