2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group D, Matchday 15
Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Wed., July 22 – 10:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN in Canada
STREAMING: ESPN App in USA; TSN App in Canada
Unbeaten Minnesota United will be looking to claim top spot in Group D when they take on a Colorado Rapids side that has alreayd been eliminated but will be playing for plenty of pride as well as three valuable regular-season points.
With four points from their first two games, the Loons have already secured safe passage to the Knockout Stage but will be looking for a win that will ensure they move on as group winners and book a Round of 16 meeting against one of the four best third-placed teams rather than high-flying Columbus Crew SC. After back-to-back defeats, the Rapids were officially eliminated from the tournament courtesy of Sporting KC's win over Real Salt Lake earlier on Wednesday.
- Minnesota United's Adrian Heath has big decisions to make on forwards, Kevin Molino
- Fraser defiant after Rapids defeat: I'm so impressed and proud of this team
- Minnesota scenarios for matchup vs. Rapids
- Preview: Rapids look to finish MLS is Back Tournament strong
- Fraser, Rapids not concerned about motivation come Wednesday
Colorado Rapids
Robin Fraser said he saw improvement game over game, but the result was the same as the Rapids suffered a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Kansas City in Round 2. They also lost Jack Price and Danny Wilson to red cards in that one, resulting in a hole to fill in the center of the park. Fraser, who said he's got multiple options there, is looking for an aggressive mentality from the opening kick.
In addition to Price and Wilson, defender Kortne Ford will also miss the contest for Colorado with a knee injury.
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Kortne Ford (D) - left knee injury
- Suspended: Danny Wilson (D), Jack Price (M)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Minnesota United
The Loons looked like they had missed out on clinching their berth in Round 2 when playing RSL to a scoreless draw. but other results went their way on Tuesday to leave them assured of at least being one of the four best third-placed teams. A big question for Adrian Heath is who starts up front? Is Luis Amarilla fit enough be in the starting XI? How has Mason Toye recovered from an injury suffered in Round 1? And there's also Aaron Schoenfeld in contention.
There's also the question of whether midfielder Kevin Molino will play, with Heath saying this week he'll be a game-time decision with a hamstring injury.
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Ike Opara (D) - undisclosed
- QUESTIONABLE: Kevin Molino (M) - left hamstring injury
- Suspended: Brent Kallman (D)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- Rapids: 3 wins, 8 goals
- Minnesota United: 2 wins, 6 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.
- Assistant Referees: Michael Barwegen, Kevin Klinger
- 4th Official: Jair Marrufo
- VAR: Rosendo Mendoza
