LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2021
12:30 p.m. PT
TV: Univision, TUDN, Twitter
RADIO: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), KFWB 980 AM
Year 5. The first game of a big year for LAFC. The Black & Gold kick off their fifth season at the Banc on Saturday against the team that officially ended their worst campaign just a few months ago. The Rapids handed LAFC a 5-2 defeat on Decision Day 2021, which ensured that the Black & Gold would not make the Playoffs for the first time in their history.
Colorado is coming off a surprising season that saw them clinch the top seed in the Western Conference last year, and they return the core of that team including leading scorers Michael Barrios and Jonathan Lewis and solid defenders Auston Trusty and Keegan Rosenberry.
The Rapids were almost unbeatable at home last season – but so far in 2022 they lost their first official match at Dick’s Sporting Good Park – falling to Guatemala’s Comunicaciones on penalty kicks on Feb. 23 on a freezing, snowy night that saw them playing most of the match with a man advantage. After two games, the Rapids have been bounced from Concacaf Champions League.
The Rapids bring two familiar faces with them to the Banc – and actually have the same amount of players who were on LAFC’s original 2018 roster as the Black & Gold currently do. Steven Beitashour (who joined Colorado in 2020) and Mark Anthony Kaye (who was traded to the Rapids in 2021) were both key members of LAFC’s record-setting expansion roster in 2018 and the Supporter’s Shield winning 2019 team.
LAFC’s newest midfielder, Kellyn Acosta, arrived via a blockbuster trade in the off-season and will be squaring off against his former teammates after three seasons in the Mile High City.
Colorado head coach Robin Fraser was a teammate of LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo with the U.S. National Team.
LAFC is undefeated in season-opening games in its history so far, holding a perfect 4-0-0 record.
2018 – LAFC defeated Seattle 1-0 on a Diego Rossi goal in the inaugural match in Club history.
2019 – LAFC beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in a dramatic win at the Banc.
2020 – The Black & Gold downed Inter Miami 1-0 at home.
2021 – LAFC beat Austin FC 2-0 in Austin’s first-ever match.
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COLORADO RAPIDS IN-DEPTH
The Rapids are a strong and solid team. Very sound defensively, the Rapids allowed just 35 goals in 2021, and are difficult to break down while playing in a low block. The Rapids were also one of the best teams in MLS in defending set pieces last season, giving up only one goal off a restart, and they have recently proven to be adept at finishing off of corner kicks.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can control the midfield with Acosta and Cifuentes and break down the Rapids defensively. Carlos Vela is returning to action and looking to team up with Chicho Arango and Brian RodrÃguez for an extended period of time. LAFC must defend well on Rapids set pieces, and new defender Franco Escobar and goalkeeper Max Crépeau could be put to the test early.
COLORADO RAPIDS CAN WIN IF
They can overcome the affects of playing a difficult, hard match just three days earlier and then traveling to California. If the Rapids play their game and can absorb LAFC pressure while maintaining their dangerous ability on quick counterattacks and set pieces – Colorado could ruin LAFC’s Opening Day.
Inspired by Castlevania from Konami (1986).
