COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Colorado Rapids 2 (8-0-2, 27 pts) will face off against Earthquakes II (4-5-1, 14 pts) for the second time this season in this weekend’s match at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. The MLS NEXT Pro sides will take the field on Sunday, June 4, following a match between the two MLS sides on Saturday, June 3. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on MLSNEXTPro.com.
As the Rapids head into Week 11 of the 2023 season, the team is looking to secure the all-time MLS NEXT Pro record for an unbeaten run, which currently stands at 10 matches. In Colorado’s 4-1 win over MNUFC2 last week, the team tied Houston Dynamo 2 and Toronto FC 2 for the current record of 10 games unbeaten. A win in the upcoming game against Earthquakes II will give Colorado sole ownership of the title and help the team secure its standing at the top of the Western Conference table.
Matchweek 10 was one to be remembered as Colorado competed in two back-to-back road matches against North Texas SC and MNUFC2. Over the course of the two games, Rapids 2 managed to put away seven total goals and collect five points on the road in the process.
The two road matches were highlighted by standout performances from forward Rémi Cabral. The French international netted three goals and added one assist during the two matches, earning himself a brace in the most recent match against MNUFC2 and the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchday 10 award.
Coming off of a successful run of play with Rapids 2, Cabral joined the Rapids first team in their most recent road match versus Columbus Crew. The Rapids 2 forward made his MLS debut alongside fellow teammate Marlon Vargas. The pair subbed on in the 79th minute of the match and each recorded 11 minutes of play during their first-ever MLS match.
The Rapids 2 squad continues to show promise as they head into this weekend’s match as the MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month for May. Joining the team in its monthly accomplishments is Rapids Academy goalkeeper Adam Beaudry. The 17-year-old keeper was named the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month for his four starts across the month of May, which included two consecutive clean sheets against LA Galaxy II and Austin FC II.
As the team prepares to take on Earthquakes II for the second time this season, they will look to emulate the first meeting between the two sides.
The first match at PayPal Park saw Academy goalkeeper Diego Gurrola lead Rapids 2 to its first clean sheet of the season after first team goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez was subbed out of the match due to injury. Colorado’s 2-0 win marked forward Pariss Mitchell’s first-ever professional goal while Yosuke Hanya added his fourth of the season in stoppage time of the second half.
Earthquakes II currently sits in the bottom half of the Western Conference table with a 4-5-1 record and only nine goals to their name.
