Commerce City, CO– The Colorado Rapids (6-1-10, 13th West) return home in desperate need of a result against an equally desperate Austin FC (4-5-8, 13th West). Both teams are in real danger of seeing their seasons and playoff hopes fall out of reach. However, the Rapids are just four points out of a playoff spot. They are two points away from 10th. While 13th place looks dire, it can still be overcome. But with Austin on their heels and needing a win just the same, this is a crucial home matchup for the Rapids. Let’s take a look at the matchup.
When: Saturday, August 1st @ 7:30 p.m. MST
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Déjà Vu Against St. Louis
A 1-0 loss and a Rob Holding red card made the second matchup between the Rapids and St. Louis a case of déjà vu for Colorado. At least Holding made it longer in the first matchup. Holding saw red in the 12th minute as he took down another St. Louis City attacker through on goal. It forced the Rapids to defend for their lives for 78 minutes. They held strong until the 83rd minute, when Tomás Ostrák scored a worldie from outside the box. It was a valiant effort, but Colorado came up short, and Holding again let his team down against St. Louis. Don’t play him in the US Open Cup Semifinal.
The red card also put a hold on a particularly interesting Matt Wells tactic. He looked to start three center backs and opted to play Dante Sealy in a hybrid left-back role. Wells has said he likes to keep the opponent on their toes, sometimes breaking out different tactics for different games. We didn’t get to see much of this tactic. Interesting to see if Wells goes back to this for the US Open Cup Semifinal. If so, St. Louis didn’t really get to see much game film on what the Rapids are trying to do. That’s the one positive from the game.
This game was eerily similar to LAFC away last season. Chris Armas went with an interesting tactic during a rough stretch and had to immediately go into a low block after a quick red card. Not much could be gained tactically from either game, and it will most likely be moved on from quickly in the midweek tactic sessions.
Lineup Predictions:
Hansen / Cannon, Herrington, Williams (c), M. Navarro / Ojediran, Frederick / Sealy, Aaronson, Yapi / R. Navarro
The big news coming this week was the acquisition of Youssef Maziz. The French attacking midfielder will almost certainly slot into the starting eleven as soon as his Visa is accepted and he is clear to join the team. He will bring a balance to the midfield that the Rapids haven’t had in a long time. He could be the key to unlocking Paxten Aaronson, but until he can join the team, Wells will have to make do with what he has. Wayne Frederick is not a shabby replacement in the meantime.
Wells might try his St. Louis tactic again this week, starting three center backs. It might be a doubt due to Rob Holding being suspended and the Rapids having only three natural center backs with the quality to start on the roster. Wells might get creative with Kosi Thompson. Expect the unexpected with Wells.
A Team in Disarray at Austin
There are two teams that are below the Rapids in the Western Conference. Austin is one of them. It is pretty difficult to be below the Rapids at this point, but Austin has done it, and it cost them their head coach. Interim head coach Davy Arnaud is in control after Nico Estevez was fired back in May. Jim Curtin is the guy in Austin for the remainder of this season. It’s a great hire for the Texas side, but in the meantime, they are struggling to stay afloat.
Austin has the second-worst five-game form in the West, having won only against Seattle, who have the worst five-game form in the league. The Texas side has lost its last three away matches, being outscored 11-0. The Rapids have lost three of the six home games against Austin. The statistics say both teams have a good chance of losing. Makes sense that this is a 13th vs 14th place matchup.
Despite the standings, Austin has a dangerous roster. Brandon Vázquez, Ilie Sánchez, and Facundo Torres were elite in MLS at other teams. It hasn’t happened in Austin just yet. Brad Stuver is always a pain to go against. Jayden Nelson might not get the start, but he is such a danger. Both teams have the quality to be in a much better spot in the standings. Neither team has shown it, however. Someone will have to show it in this matchup.
Prediction: Colorado continues the Austin misery away from home. The Rapids win it 2-0.
Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. You can also make a one-time contribution via Tip Jar. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.
Eamon Shaw 
Matt Pollard 