June 22, 2024; Commerce City, Colo., USA; Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro (9) dribbles the ball during the second half against CF Montreal at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Expect a blowout victory when the Colorado Rapids host Sporting Kansas City on Thursday in Commerce City, Colorado.
And it has nothing to do with the post-match fireworks that will mark Independence Day.
Colorado’s last three games have been decided by three goals. After victories at St. Louis (3-0) and at home against Montreal (4-1), the Rapids (9-8-4, 31 points) saw their three-game winning streak end with a 3-0 loss Saturday at Los Angeles FC.
The loss was due in part to winger Kevin Cabral’s second yellow card in the 62nd minute, leaving Colorado shorthanded for the remainder of the game.
“We were happy to play at the level we did (Saturday) at times,” Rapids coach Chris Armas said. “We didn’t play our best, but we’re 1-1 (against LAFC) and we’re still tied for fourth place (in the Western Conference).”
The Rapids are undefeated in their last four home games, with Rafael Navarro scoring in each of his last five home games. Navarro has scored a team-best 11 goals, followed closely by Djordje Mihailovic with a team-best nine goals and eight assists.
Sporting KC (4-12-5, 17 points) is coming off a 2-0 win over Austin FC. They snapped a three-game losing streak and earned their second win in 16 league games (2-11-2). Goalkeeper Tim Melia recorded his second shutout of the season.
Despite entering the week 11 points behind the playoff line in the Western Conference, Peter Vermes’ club did not give up hope of making a comeback in the second half.
“We are looking forward to it. We have a lot of important games coming up,” Vermes said. “Every game has its own importance. It all started last week, but we have to keep going.”
SKC holds a 35-31-22 lead in the all-time series among MLS inaugural clubs but is winless in its last 10 trips to Colorado (0-5-5).
–Field level media
