One last time before the rapidly approaching FIFA World Cup break Minnesota United hosts a midweek showdown, this time against a struggling Colorado Rapids side. While Minnesota has lost two of their last five matches in all competitions, the Rapids are in a much more precarious state.
Colorado has gone six straight matches without a win across both MLS and the US Open Cup and have only scored three goals in those matches. Two of those goals came in their US Open Cup match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks, leaving the Rapids having scored just a single goal in their last four MLS matches. MNUFC have only lost at home to Colorado three times in the previous nine seasons, with the last one coming during the Loons struggling 2023 campaign that saw Adrian Heath sacked as manager before seasons end.
Minnesota is also on the mend injury wise, with all players not out due to long term injury being available for selection tonight. Though with three matches in the week and Cameron Knowles stating the team is managing minutes due to fixture congestion, there could be a heavily rotated side tonight. Though the biggest question on everyone's mind is whether or not James Rodríguez will play in the Loons third to last match before the World Cup break.
Colorado on the other hand are missing quite a few key players, with midfielder Hamzat Ojediran and veteran centre back Rob Holding both being suspended. Forwards Darren Yapi and Rafael Navarro are the players the Loons will need to shut down to keep Colorado away from getting any points. Navarro is the leader in assists and goals, as well as being the only player on the squad with double digit points and more than three goals.
Matt Pollard of Burgundy Wave said about Yapi, "Expect him to play off of Rafa Navarro. He'll run the channels, be physical, and take players on. Really excited to see what he does against the Loons defense."
News & Notes
Tonight just 30 minutes before MNUFC kicks off at Allianz Field, MNUFC2 kicks off an away match in Portland, OR against Timbers 2.
Kyle Duncan is available for selection once again after missing the previous few matches due to injury.
Tonight is expected to be James Rodríguez final match with the club. Reporting is stating that James will retire after the World Cup and that the Loons would not be picking up the option, should he choose not to retire.
You can read more about Colorado Rapids in this rounds Opponent Insight, where we talked to independent Colorado outlet the Burgundy Wave.
Supporters march to the match starts at 5pm at the Loon Statue near Snelling & University.
TV time is set for 7:30pm tonight with kickoff happening at approximately 7:39pm. You can watch on Apple TV and listen on 1500ESPN.
Availability
MIN | Out: Peter Stroud (quad), Julian Gressel (broken toe), Carlos Harvey (lower body) ; Questionable: None
COL | Out: Josh Atencio (head), Rob Holding (suspended), Ted Ku-DiPietro (shoulder), Hamzat Ojediran (suspended), Zack Steffen (upper body) ; Questionable: None
Staff Predictions
- Tim McLaughlin: 1–0 Loons, James scores his only goal for the club
- Seth Steffenhagen: 2–0 Loons
- Michael Lake: 2–0 Loons
- Ashle Paige: 1–0 Rapids on a cheap goal
