Minnesota United will strive to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches when they travel to Commerce City, Colo., on Saturday to face the Colorado Rapids.
The Loons (7-2-3, 24 points) are second in the Western Conference table, four points behind Real Salt Lake for the top spot, and have not lost since a 2-1 loss to Houston on April 13. They’ve picked up four victories and one draw in the time since.
Minnesota is gearing up for a challenging week with two away matches. Following the match in Colorado is a midweek clash with Los Angeles FC in California.
“Obviously, now playing at altitude is going to be a factor, but the good thing is we have good team camaraderie right now to look to the guy beside you and get that extra little push of communication or push that you’re going to need,” goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair said.
Forward Tani Oluwaseyi has paced Minnesota with five goals in 12 matches, while midfielder Robin Lod has nine assists in 11 matches for the Loons.
The Rapids (6-5-3, 21 points) are sixth in the Western Conference. Colorado has points in just two of its last five (2-3-0) matches entering Saturday after a 5-3 loss at RSL last weekend.
“Each game we’re creating chances — what would I like to see in (our) attacks? More moments of that: the ability to sustain attacks, create even more chances (and) be more ruthless in moments,” Colorado coach Chris Armas said.
“We’re scoring goals, we’d like to continue that (and) we’ve been pretty stingy defensively for the most part.”
Forward Rafael Navarro leads all Rapids players with eight goals in 14 matches this season. Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic is the team leader with five assists in 13 matches.
Saturday is the first of two meetings between the two sides. Colorado travels to Minnesota on Sept. 28 to conclude the season series.
–Field Level Media
