Editorial (June 13, 2017) – The Colorado Rapids have won three straight home games. They have two homes games this week, a double game week. It starts tonight against Oklahoma City Energy FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They will then host the Portland Timbers this weekend.
USOC 2017: Colorado Rapids Look To Continue Home Form With DGW
The Rapids are looking to continue their good home form starting with their first USOC match of 2017. OKC Energy come in having won 5 of their last 7 games in all competition. They won their first USOC match against Moreno Valley FC 5-1.
Colorado does have a big advantage like most MLS teams. Only six MLS teams played this weekend while the USL and NASL had full weekend schedules. The Rapids will have a big advantage in this match having a week of rest. They’ll also be playing at home against a team that normally trains at 1200 feet above Sea Level.
Tim Howard is expected to be available for both matches this week coming off International Duty. Full back Mekeil Williams will not be avaiable as Trinidad & Tobago will be playing at Costa Rica today.
On the MLS front, the Rapids will be hosting the Portland Timbers this weekend. The Timbers will be playing tonight at Seattle Sounders FC in the USOC. This will also give the Rapids as an advantage. The Timbers will have to travel (albeit a short distance in the context of MLS) to Seattle. They’ll be playing an MLS team and big rival while the Rapids get to play a second division team. Portland will then have to travel to Colorado and play at altitude.
The Timbers are also walking wounded right now. Liam Ridgewell came out of the game this past weekend against FC Dallas. Portland also has several other injuries they are dealing with.
These are two very much winnable games. Pablo Mastroeni’s side is near full strength. If they execute the game plan, they should come out with two wins.
