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Colorado Rapids

Saturday's Matchup vs RSL to Serve as Opening Match of the Rocky Mountain Cup

August 18, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


On Saturday, August 22, the Rapids return to play against rival Real Salt Lake for Colorado's first matchup in DICK'S Sports Goods Park since March. This matchup will also serve as the first competition of this season's Rocky Mountain Cup.

Classically, any regular season matchup against RSL has meant that the Rocky Mountain Cup is on the line. This season, with the MLS is Back Tournament and ongoing schedule adjustments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, things have adjusted.

While the teams did face off previously in Orlando, only the next two matchups, with both clubs defending their home turf, will count toward the Cup. There is one caveat; this is only if the matches go on as scheduled. If one of the matches is cancelled or relocated, then the Cup will not be awarded this year.

It is possible that the teams could face off additional times this season, but those matchups will not count toward the Cup, which will be decided based on the aggregate score of the matchups on August 22 and September 12.

The Rocky Mountain Cup is organized by the Committee of 10, which is composed of five fans of the Rapids and five from Salt Lake. The Committee formed in 2004, just prior to RSL's inaugural season in 2005, and is responsible for all decisions surrounding the RMC.

Jason Maxwell, former chairman and current member of the Committee of 10, is excited that the group was able to find a solution that was fair for both teams when it came to competing for the honors.

"Even if we can't be in the stands, we're all still fans, and the results of these games mean as much to us seeing them on TV as they do in person," Maxwell said. "It's bragging rights to the region for a year, and, while we may not be able to brag face to face with our rivals from the other side of the mountains, it still gives us something to remember from this year."

Another aspect that will be a little different this year is how the trophy will travel. Normally, it is brought back and forth by traveling supporters for the matches. This season, the Committee worked with the front offices for the Rapids and Real Salt Lake to organize the transportation for the trophy.

"We're pretty happy with the cooperation we've received from everyone involved," Maxwell said. "With fans not being able to be in the stadium it's been very helpful to have the teams be willing to handle taking the Cup with them for the games."

The Rapids will have no shortage of things to fight for on Saturday night. They will look to not only regain the Rocky Mountain Cup with a strong performance in the first leg, but they will also look to put their best foot forward after falling to RSL 2-0 in their opening matchup of the MLS is Back Tournament.

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