Two months into the season and the surprising Colorado Rapids remain among the top teams in MLS, along with FC Cincinnati, who were expected to be there.
The upstart Rapids eye a third straight victory Saturday night when they visit a Cincinnati club looking to post consecutive victories for just the second time this season.
After finishing last in the Western Conference last season with 27 points, Colorado (4-2-3, 15 points) currently sits fourth in the West, tied with third place Real Salt Lake on points. Since losing 1-0 to Houston at home March 23, the Rapids are 3-0-1, totaling 10 goals during that stretch.
“I love that our players can bask in victories and points,” Colorado coach Chris Armas said. “It validates how much work they do. We ask a lot of them. Physically, mentally, emotionally.
“We don’t waste a day trying to get better.”
Colorado benefited from an early second-half own goal and Calvin Harris’ first of the season, then held on for a 2-1 home triumph over FC Dallas last weekend.
The Rapids have conceded just nine goals since opening the season with a 4-1 loss at Portland.
Since that defeat, Colorado also is 2-0-2 on the road, where it will be against a Cincinnati side that’s just 1-1-2 at home. However, FCC (4-2-3, 15 points) sit third in the East, sporting the same record as Colorado.
Cincinnati halted an 0-2-1 rut with last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Atlanta United. After falling behind just before the hour mark, Luciano Acosta assisted on Luca Orellano’s 62nd-minute equalizer, then scored the eventual winner himself two minutes later.
“We’ve suffered a bit, but we stick together,” Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga said. “We all kind of realized we are a top team. With big personalities, big characters and it’s time to show up in big moments.”
Acosta has three goals and five assists in nine matches this season. He’s recorded one of each in six career matches versus Colorado.
Meanwhile, each of Rafael Navarro’s team-leading four goals for Colorado has come in the five road contests.
-Field Level Media
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