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Colorado Rapids

Preview: Colorado vs. Portland

May 29, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


It has been a busy week of differing emotions for Colorado Rapids.

Victory over Vancouver last weekend ended a long run without a home win. Relief was palpable.

In midweek, a moment of brilliance saw Seattle squeeze out victory on their tricky turf. Frustration was obvious.

On Saturday, Rapids entertain a Portland side who are just above them in the Western Conference. Opportunity is knocking.

Loudly.

For only the third time this season, Pablo Mastroeni's men have to recover from a defeat. At Seattle he unveiled an offensive overhaul, Luis Solignac was up top, new DP Kevin Doyle just behind, Dillon Powers on the left and Gabby Torres on the right.

It took 45 minutes on turf and the introduction of Juan Ramirez to make it gel in any way. By then they were chasing the game and Rapids' road success had been based on taking the lead or at least defending parity.

At Dick's Sporting Goods Park they have shown themselves capable of coming from behind to snatch a result, albeit mostly ties. The Vancouver game was they first time they have lead for a significant period at home this season and, in keeping with the character of the side, they gutsed it out.

With a third of the season gone and a set of upcoming fixtures against those teams around them in the Supporters Shield table the time is now to kick on.

THE OPPONENTS

The Timbers have never won in Colorado. Last season's 2-2 tie is as much as they have every taken home from Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Like Rapids, the Timbers tied their first three games but since then there have been an equal number of Ws and Ls - four apiece. They come into this game three points ahead of their hosts but having played one game more. They difference is that 1-0 win at DC United in midweek when Rapids were suffering in Seattle. Maximillano Urriti got the goal in the fifth minute.

Despite a difficult season, head coach Caleb Porter has been very consistent in his selections. Seven players have started in 12 or the maximum 13 games this season. Fanendo Adi is the top scorer with four goals and their season has been hampered thus far by the absence of Diego Valeri through injury. However the Argentine playermaker has been back in the squad lately. 

PABLO MASTROENI SAYS

"We have had a really good dialogue about this game. We talked about the importance of it and to make sure we come out on the front foot. We need to force the issue against a side who have also played this week. 

"Portland have been steady. They have threats going forward but are solid at the back. I have seen such parity in the League for years. It has been neck and neck between most teams.

"I think our fans are some of the most underrated in the League. The 12th man has always been exceptional in my time here. I know the in the waning moments of this game when we need strength that we'll have the best 12th man in the League."

TEAM NEWS

Rapids: O'Neill, Serna (both international duty), Hairston (hamstring)

Timbers: Chara (suspension)

Ref: Ismail Elfath

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 29, 2015


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