Colorado returns home for a matchup against Seattle Sounders FC, and in the booth for the Spanish broadcast will be Jose Bauz. From North, to Central, to South America, the play-by-play man has seen it all when it comes to global soccer. Bauz will be joined by Eduardo Biscayart on the Spanish broadcast for Apple TV and MLS Season Pass this weekend.
What have your thoughts been on the Rapids season so far?
So far, with only two losses, the one against Portland and the one against the Western Conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps, I've still seen a strong side that knows how to score goals. To score three against San Diego, two last weekend against Houston, and recording a clean sheet against Austin and Charlotte. So, I think it's different from how they ended last season to now. They're fifth in the table with 15 points and only five away from Vancouver. They're going in the right direction.
Rafael Navarro has been one of the best strikers in MLS this season. What is your assessment of his season so far?
For him, coming from Palmeiras three years ago and seeing how last season went where he scored 17 goals in 43 games. In this season so far, he has five goals in 11 games. He's been great. I think he's the one actually leading the way for Colorado to be in the in the position that they are right now in the standings. At this rate, he's scoring about a goal at least every two games which is great for a striker. Overall, he's been amazing.
Having previously called Liga MX matches, what is your excitement level for this year’s edition of Leagues Cup? Do you think Colorado can repeat their impressive run from last season?
What we’ve learned and seen from the previous League Cup tournaments is that anything can happen. Anyone can beat anyone. It is not like the Mexican teams are always on top and always playing in the semifinals or the finals and winning everything. There is a lot of competition now and I've seen what MLS teams are capable of doing. So, yeah, definitely excited. Colorado is a top team, and they're going to put up great battles against whoever they face. As long as they keep on advancing, why can't they make it to the semifinals again?
Colorado has posted back-to-back wins at home, how important is it for the club to have consistency in their home games?
In soccer, there's always been the saying that when you're solid at home, and you grab few points on the road, then you're going to make it to the playoffs, right? When you fortify your home presence, get points in front of your crowd, and make the teams that come visit you afraid a little bit because you're solid at home, that’s a great thing. Also scoring goals. You saw against Charlotte, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet and then the 3-2 result against San Diego. Scoring three goals at home is a great sign. It means that they have the attacking power to create damage. You can also say this about the club’s road games, defeating Austin, keeping a clean sheet, defeating San Jose away, it's great. Always scoring goals is very important. In every single game except the ones against Portland and Vancouver, Colorado has scored goals.
Are there any Rapids players that you believe will have added impact against Seattle?
I like number eight, Oliver Larraz. A young player that is only 23 years old and is from Colorado. I think he's going to be a top performer.
How do you see Saturday’s match playing out?
Last time they faced each other was in October and Seattle took the three points. Playing away against Colorado, it's not going to be easy. However, the Sounders have won three games and they're just three points behind Colorado. I think there are going to be a lot of battles in the in the midfield. That's where the game is going to be won by either side. I will give Colorado a 60% chance of winning since they're home. We just talked about them being solid on their own turf. But Colorado should be careful, because, like I said, the Sounders can create some damage as well.
