Colorado Rapids vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Preview and How to Watch

Vancouver Whitecaps FC visit struggling Colorado Rapids on Friday night.

A few months can make a huge difference in Major League Soccer. Last fall, the Vancouver Whitecaps were failing to make the playoffs, while the Colorado Rapids were finishing second in the West and narrowly losing the conference final.

On Friday, the Whitecaps, finally back among the playoff spots after two wins in their last three matches, visit the free-falling Rapids, 11th in the Western Conference with one win from seven matches.

The Colorado Rapids have goalkeeper Tim Howard back from suspension to shore up their defense, but it’s the forward line where the problems really lie. The Rapids have failed to score in their last two games.

Meanwhile, after a shaky start to the season and a host of injuries, Vancouver are starting to find some form. Coach Carl Robinson has landed on a shiny new formation. The 4-1-4-1 served the ‘Caps well against the Montreal Impact last week, and will likely get another outing on Friday.

Colorado Rapids

• Current Record (W-L-D): 1-5-1 (11th in Western Conference)
• Last Time Out: 2-0 Loss away to Orlando City SC
• Player to Watch For: Tim Howard. Back from his three-match suspension, it’ll be up to Howard to keep his defense organized and provide some leadership at the back.
• Why They Win: Colorado are back on home soil after two away matches, and they are far more comfortable in Commerce City than on the road. All four points this season have come at home. Boosted by Howard’s return, Colorado’s defence should be able to shut out Vancouver’s limited attacking options.
• Why They Won’t: Five losses in seven games tell their own story. The Rapids have only scored five goals and were just shut out twice in a row. If Colorado couldn’t score against Minnesota, who have conceded 25 goals this season, they will struggle to get past Kendall Waston, Tim Parker, and David Ousted. And, at risk of stating the obvious, you don’t win if you don’t score.
• Predicted Starting XI:

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

• Current Record (W-L-D): 3-4-1 (6th in Western Conference)
• Last Time Out: 2-1 Win away to Montreal Impact
• Player to Watch For: Cristian Techera. The ‘Bug’ has stood out for Vancouver this season, with fantastic performances against LA Galaxy and last week against Montreal.
• Why They Win: Momentum. Last week’s win in Montreal will have been a huge morale boost, and players like Techera and Andrew Jacobson will be ready to pick up where they left off. The ‘Caps are in their best form of the season, having won two of their last three games after a rocky start to the year.
• Why They Won’t: Fatigue. This is Vancouver’s third away match in a row. They’ve crisscrossed the continent with trips to Portland and Montreal, and will not be used to the altitude. Robinson’s rotation options are limited, particularly up front, with Shea and Hurtado still injured. For a team with a poor away record at the best of times, it’s an uphill task, and not just because the Rockies are so close.
• Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

These two teams are tied for fewest draws in the West with one each. So naturally, it’ll be a draw.

Next: MLS Transfer News: Carlos Vela to Los Angeles?

How to Watch:

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO
When: Friday, May 5, 7 pm PT (8 pm MT)
Channel: MLS LIVE, TSN1/4 (Canada only)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC visit struggling Colorado Rapids on Friday night.

A few months can make a huge difference in Major League Soccer. Last fall, the Vancouver Whitecaps were failing to make the playoffs, while the Colorado Rapids were finishing second in the West and narrowly losing the conference final.