Los Angeles, Cali– It’s a midweek trip to a house of horrors for the Colorado Rapids (4-0-4, 8th West) when they make the trip to sunny LA to face off against LAFC (5-1-2, 3rd West). It’s a new brand of Rapids soccer under Matt Wells, and LAFC is flailing after losing 4-1 to San Jose at home at the weekend. Can the Rapids continue their lose-win-lose-win streak and get the win in a stadium they have never won at before? Let’s take a look at the matchup.
When: Wednesday, April 22nd @ 8:30 p.m. MST
Where: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Historic Night Ends in Defeat
Just under 76,000 people showed up for the Rapids vs Miami on Saturday at Mile High. It is the second-highest-attended game in MLS history. The Rapids were a few hundred tickets away from selling out Empower Field, and boasted a number that you would regularly see at Broncos games. It was an impressive turnout and a historic night despite the result.
It was also just nice to see the Rapids top the weekly attendance charts.
The result itself was disappointing. It was good to see two Rapids goals and two well-worked Rapids goals in front of the eyes of 75,000+. It might have been a better result for Colorado soccer than the 0-0 draw Denver Summit played in their home opener at Mile High. The Rapids didn’t walk away with any points, but many got their first look at Rapids soccer under Wells, and they saw a team that dominated the majority of the game.
This domination did not come with goals, at least until the four-minute spell when Rafa Navarro and Darren Yapi both scored. For a majority of the match, Miami were able to defend the Rapids’ possession game, and time-waste effectively to suck the life out of the match. A penalty off a Josh Atencio mistake, a goal right before half, and a classic Messi-type goal gave the Florida side the three goals needed for all three points. But they did not play a brand of soccer to be proud of. Colorado can hold their heads high with how they played, and know that nine times out of ten, they win that game. A historic event, either way.
Lineup Prediction:
Steffen (c) / Thompson, Holding, Herrington, Travis / Frederick, Ojediran, Aaronson / Minoungou, Navarro, Sealy
Only Connor Ronan and Ted Ku-DiPietro are listed on the injury report. Reggie Cannon is available for selection for the first time in over a month. Doubt he plays, really doubt he starts. Miguel Navarro is back after the one-game hamstring injury that kept him out against Miami.
Rapids faithful got their first look at Georgi Minoungou starting against Miami, and the winger did not disappoint. It was as advertised with the winger, as his dangerous one-on-one skill proved to be a lot to handle for the Miami defense. He did not get on the scoresheet, but there is much to be excited about with the Burkina Faso international.
LA could be the first time we see the pairing of the two high-priced wingers, Dante Sealy and Georgi Minoungou. Purely based on investment, this would be the expected duo on the wings. If this is the case, it puts the other wingers in a difficult spot. How does Alexis Manyoma find his way into the team? Where does Alex Harris fit into this? How can you keep Darren Yapi off the field? Depth is good, but a good bench isn’t going to help until you put them into the game.
LAFC Defense Leads the Way in 2026
LAFC is not a team usually known for their defensive record, but it has been an impressive start to life in 2026 for the LA side. They hadn’t conceded a goal in their first six matches in MLS. They have since conceded six in their last two matches. Cracks may be showing in what seemed like an impenetrable defensive line earlier in the year.
An LAFC team that is elite defensively is quite a scary proposition because of who leads the line. An attack bolstered by LAFC’s all-time leading goal scorer, Denis Bouanga, is always scary, but when he is paired up with former Tottenham star Son Heung-min, it makes for a very scary attack. This, alongside a defense that doesn’t regularly leak goals, is why this LAFC side is one of the most dangerous in MLS.
Rotation might play a part in this match for both sides. For the next month, LAFC will play two games a week, on Saturday and Wednesday. Colorado will do the same, but only until May 2nd. There is a chance Colorado won’t have to face the strongest LAFC side. LAFC won’t play in the Concacaf Champions Cup until next Wednesday. They will most likely put everything into that game. Could mean rotation against Minnesota this Saturday or against Colorado. Matt Wells will have to prepare his side for anything on Wednesday.
Prediction: LAFC rotates less than expected, and Colorado continues to have a tough time in LA. LAFC wins it 2-1.
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Matt Pollard 
Eamon Shaw 