After a one-match tactical shift, the Colorado Rapids expect to return to their normal formation when they visit Real Salt Lake on Saturday in Sandy, Utah.
The Rapids shook up their approach in a 1-0 road win over Minnesota United on Wednesday. Colorado (5-7-1, 16 points) turned to a 5-3-2 formation and a 4-2-2-2 in attack.
Rafael Navarro’s team-leading eighth goal on a Paxten Aaronson assist in the 26th minute led to the Rapids’ first win since a 6-2 decision over the Houston Dynamo on April 11. Colorado was 0-4-1 in its previous five league matches.
The adjustment gave defenders Jackson Travis and Miguel Navarro an opportunity to share time on the pitch, a move Rapids coach Matt Wells had been considering.
“Both those guys have a mentality that mirrors me,” Wells said. “They are both very adventurous, positive; they radiate the right energy.”
Connor Ronan (leg), Wayne Frederick (leg) and Travis (ankle) returned from injury against Minnesota. Even if Colorado reverts to a more conventional approach in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup, the annual rivalry trophy between the Rapids and Salt Lake, Wells wants the intensity to remain.
“On Saturday, maybe when the system changes back and the football reappears, it’s not what will win us the game,” Wells said. “It’s a combination of the football plus the (right) mentality.”
Salt Lake is also headed into the rivalry match on short rest after it earned a 3-0 home win over the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday.
Real Salt Lake (7-4-1, 22 points) took advantage of a first-half own goal, and Zavier Gozo added a second-half brace. RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni emphasized attitude over strategy.
“We can talk about structure all we want,” Mastroeni said. “But structure doesn’t win you games. It’s about the mentality, with the structure, with the commitment and with making plays.”
Sergi Solans has five goals and two assists, while Gozo has five goals and four assists to lead RSL.
Salt Lake holds a 14-7 edge in the all-time series, yet the Rapids have won the Rocky Mountain Cup the past two seasons.
“We have an unbelievable week coming up,” Wells said. “A game against our rivals, away from home, with a chance to build even more momentum.”
–Field Level Media
