Next up is an all-Western Conference clash between Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and although Colorado sit bottom of the Conference, recent results suggest that things are starting to look up for the hosts.
Up until mid-March, Colorado Rapids had had to negotiate some choppy waters of their own as they started their new MLS campaign in wretched fashion, after their first 11 matches of the season saw them without a win, and they’d also lost 9 of these 11 which had left them marooned at the bottom of the table.
However, they’ve recently clicked into gear as Colorado have recorded three wins from their last four matches overall including wins against LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew and Cincinnati along with a point against Philadelphia Union.
Whilst the wins may have eluded them up until recent times, goals have never been far away where Colorado have been concerned as 7 of their 8 home matches to date this term have resulted in over 2.5 goals.
Colorado forwards Kamara (7 goals) along with Shinyashiki and Mezquida (3 goals apiece) have got amongst the bulk of the goals to date.
Onto Minnesota United and the visitors have enjoyed a more successful and stable start to their MLS campaign as they occupy 6th place and a place in the play-off pack ahead of their trip to Colorado on Saturday evening.
However, much of their success so far this season has been achieved at their Allianz Field as they’ve lost just 1 of their 7 matches on home turf, while away from home, the results have been less convincing.
Along with having lost their last two matches on the trot with defeats to Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union, the visitors have lost their last three on the trot on their travels as well.
Indeed, Minnesota have lost 5 of their last 6 on their travels with defeats at LA Galaxy 3-2, New England Revolution 2-1, Toronto 4-3, Chicago Fire 2-0 and 3-0 at Atlanta United. As you can see, although they’ve lost, the goals have also flowed, and their one success during this slump in form saw Minnesota register a 2-1 win away at New York Red Bulls - again, covering the over 2.5 goals mark.
From Minnesota’s 8 away matches, 7 have resulted in over 2.5 goals, so we should be in for a goal-glut in Colorado on Saturday night!