TUCSON, Ariz. – The Colorado Rapids will play two 40-minute scrimmages on Wednesday, March 31, first against USL League One side FC Tucson, followed by USL Championship side LA Galaxy II. Fans can follow the action on the Live Blog, with the first scrimmage kicking off at 2 PM MT at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz.
“We’re pleased [with the performances this preseason]. Preseason is a tough time for the players. Physically it’s really tough and this is a great bunch of boys,” Rapids assistant coach Neil Emblen said. “They get on with their work every day, they try to improve and as coaches that’s what we want. It goes from being about fitness to seeing the combinations, being more fluid as a team and in our tempo, our pace, our pressing, just going up a notch. The lads know the position they’re in now, they know where they need to be.”
Colorado has played four scrimmages so far this preseason, outscoring opponents 6-0 through 270 minutes of action. In the Rapids’ most recent scrimmage against USL Championship side New Mexico United on Saturday, forward Andre Shinyashiki scored the game’s only goal off a corner delivery from captain Jack Price that was headed across the face of goal by defender Lalas Abubakar.
The Saturday before, Colorado defeated Sporting Kansas City, 1-0, in a closely contested affair. Defender Drew Moor’s header, off a curling corner kick delivery from Nicolás Mezquida, proved to be the game-winner. Earlier in the month, the Rapids kicked off preseason with two, 45-minute split-squad scrimmages against Portland Timbers and USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC, both 2-0 wins.
Robin Fraser’s side will play three more opponents this preseason as part of the Visit Tucson Sun Cup, beginning on April 3 with Real Salt Lake, which will be streamed live on ColoradoRapids.com. On April 7, the Rapids will face LA Galaxy, and end the preseason against Phoenix Rising on April 10.
The Rapids will kick off the 2021 MLS regular season on Saturday, April 17 at FC Dallas, before returning to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park to host league newcomer Austin FC on Saturday, April 24. Both matches will be broadcast locally on Altitude Sports. Click here for the full 2021 regular season schedule.
