MLS resumes in home markets: Scouting the Colorado Rapids

Major League Soccer's highly anticipated return to home markets will see Sporting Kansas City play six regular season matches against four different regional rivals between Aug. 21 and Sept. 13. This six-game stretch represents phase one of the league's return to play, with all clubs expected to play an additional 12 fixtures from mid-September until Nov. 8 to complete the 23-game regular season.

From Aug. 15-18, SportingKC.com will provide scouting reports on the four opponents that comprise Sporting's schedule in phase one: the Houston Dynamo (Aug. 25 and Sept. 5), the Colorado Rapids (Aug. 29), FC Dallas (Sept. 2) and Minnesota United FC (Aug. 21 and Sept. 13).

The highs of Colorado's 2010 MLS Cup triumph were followed by several seasons of disappointment in the Rocky Mountains. However, the latter half of 2019 and early returns this year have the Rapids believing that better times are ahead. Head coach Robin Fraser took over last August and orchestrated an impressive late-season surge, which included a stunning 3-2 win at Children's Mercy Park 11 months ago. Colorado carried that momentum into 2020, only for their hot start to be halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Season

Colorado began brightly by posting their first 2-0-0 start since 2012. The Rapids left it late in both victories to kick off the campaign, earning a 2-1 road win at D.C. United on Feb. 29 before ousting Orlando City SC by the same scoreline seven days later at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

In the nation's capital, Kei Kamara headed home a 67th-minute equalizer before Jonathan Lewis notched a dramatic winner in the second minute of stoppage time. On March 7, veteran defender Drew Moor scored in the 90th minute after Colorado's Younes Namli and Orlando's Chris Mueller traded goals near the hour-mark.

MLS is Back Tournament

The Rapids finished at the bottom of Group D, falling 2-0 to Real Salt Lake and 3-2 to Sporting prior to claiming a 2-2 draw with Minnesota United FC. The five-goal slugfest against Sporting proved to be one of the wildest games in the tournament. Kellyn Acosta gave Colorado a deserved 1-0 halftime lead with a brilliant early strike, but a pair of second-half red cards to defender Danny Wilson and captain Jack Price turned the game on its head. Khiry Shelton and Alan Pulido scored to give Sporting a 2-1 advantage, and although Lewis equalized in the 84th mintue, Graham Zusi broke Colorado hearts by slotting home a deflected strike in the 91st minute.

The Rapids were unfortunate not to take all three points against Minnesota, although goals from Kamara and Lewis were a positive sign as the club now casts an eye on a busy slate of upcoming fixtures.

Three Players to Watch

Jonathan Lewis: The 23-year-old U.S. international was unable to carve out a regular starting role at New York City FC from 2017-2019, but his mid-season trade to Colorado last year has paved the way for several excellent performances. He has eight goals and three assists in 21 MLS appearances for the Rapids, including three goals from off the bench this season. Colorado boasts solid depth in the attacking positions, and Lewis is very much a part of that picture.

Kei Kamara: The evergreen forward has bagged at least 12 goals in each of the last five seasons. Kamara turns 36 in September and has aged like a fine wine, scoring goals at an eye-catching clip despite several changes in scenery. He has played for four different MLS clubs since 2016, but he appears to have found a suitable landing spot to finish his long, prolific career.

Kellyn Acosta: The high-energy midfielder reminded Sporting of his undeniable quality with a terrific long-range goal on July 17. After breaking into the U.S. national team as an FC Dallas standout in 2017, he was traded to Colorado the following year and has since become one of the team's most consistent performers. With eight seasons of MLS experience under his belt, Acosta is still only 25 years old.

Head-to-Head

The Colorado Rapids are Sporting's most frequent opponent in club history, as the contest on Aug. 29 will mark the 80th all-time meeting in all competitions. Sporting holds a narrow 26-24-15 edge in regular season play and a 32-29-18 record in the overall series. Manager Peter Vermes' men went 6-0-5 against Colorado from 2009-2015, but the Rapids have gone 7-3-2 in the series since then.

• Regular season record vs. Colorado: 26-24-15
• All-competitions record vs. Colorado: 32-29-18

Recent regular season meetings

Sporting's Next Six Matches