NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Colorado Rapids

Preview: #SEAvCOL

May 27, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


In many ways, the trip to Seattle is the first test of the new Colorado Rapids. The roster is now full with the addition of strikers Luis Solignac and Kevin Doyle. The latter was a second-half substitute in the win over Vancouver on Saturday but head coach Pablo Mastroeni described his new DP as "available to start" at Seattle after being in the country for 10 days. Will he begin the game? And, if so, how will the Rapids accommodate him? All will be revealed.

The game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park perhaps summed up the season so far for Rapids. Full of decent approach play but there was an inability to finish the chances created. That and a Goal of the Week strike from Obafemi Martins made it look like a regulation win for the Sounders. It wasn't.

Still, the truth will be told in the table at the end of the regular season. Seattle are second in the Western Conference while Rapids are bottom. But the difference is just seven points.

At 6-3-2, the home side have lost more times that their visitors on Wednesday. Hopefully, with two new strikers, Rapids now have the tools to convert their plentiful ties into wins.

THE OPPONENTS

Seattle were shut out for only the third time this season in the draw with Sporting KC on Saturday. However the threats remain familiar. Clint Dempsey (seven goals, five assists) and Martins (six goals, two assists) remain the men most likely to worry the visitors.

The Rapids have never won in Seattle and MLS veteran Sigi Schmid is 26-11-8 against the team overall. But then, with 213, the wily head coach as 33 more regular season wins than any man alive.

However both teams have conceded only nine goals this season - the lowest in MLS.

PABLO MASTROENI SAYS

"Saturday was a big boost for the group. We were waiting for things to go our way and it was nice to have a result validated. We are now going to Seattle where we have had a difficult time of late. But we have had good road form this season.

"The game at the weekend will give confidence. When you can add the kind of depth we have added in the last week it is a big help. To have players like Kevin Doyle and Luis Solignac is a catalyst for the group.

"We have played in difficult places like LA and New York this season. Seattle is another one of those but if we can sty organized then I think we can get a result."

Team news:

Sounders: Martins (questionable - leg), Pineda (ankle), Hairston (hamstring), LaBrocca (concussion)

Rapids: Sarvas (knee), O'Neill, Serna (both international duty)

Referee: Ricardo Salazar.

Check out the Colorado Rapids Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from May 27, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central