MLS Team of the Week Honors
Rapids midfielder Felipe Gutiérrez earned a spot in the MLS Team of the Week (bench) for his efforts in Week 29. In the 67th minute of the match against D.C., Gutiérrez headed the ball off the line to help preserve the clean sheet and prevent newly acquired United forward Christian Benteke from scoring his first goal in MLS. The Chilean midfielder recorded 85 touches, 50 successful passes, gained possession 10 times, delivered five crosses and made three tackles, all were the highest of any Rapids player on the pitch.
""I've been really impressed with his unselfishness and by that I mean he's willing to go and work in places that probably won't lead to goals, and he does it without ever asking questions," said head coach Robin Fraser after Gutiérrez's game at Audi Field. "Whenever we need him to play and however we need him to play he's so willing to do it and I think his defensive work rate and diligence has been huge for us."
Historic Yarbrough
William Yarbrough saved a penalty kick from Christian Benteke to help the Rapids secure a point against D.C. United as they closed a three-game road stand on Sunday night. The shutout marked his 25th in Burgundy and tied Joe Cannon for third-most clean sheets in club history. The two-time Liga MX champion tied the record during his 76th appearance for the Rapids, while Joe Cannon set the record on his 82nd appearance with Colorado.
Beitashour Keeps It 100
In helping the Rapids earn a clean sheet on the road against D.C. United, defender Steven Beitashour recorded his 100th clean sheet in MLS. A native of San Jose, California, Beitashour, began his career with his hometown club after being drafted by the Earthquakes in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft (30th overall). Since then, the veteran defender has won the Supporters’ Shield (2012, 2017, 2019), Canadian Championship (2015, 2016, 2017) and MLS Cup (2017). Beitashour has also gone on to make six appearances for the Iranian national team, including being part of Iran’s 2014 World Cup squad.
Home, Sweet Home
The Rapids' meeting with the Whitecaps on Saturday will be their first game at home since August 20th.
"The trip was only 10 days, but it seemed like a couple of weeks for sure.," said Fraser. "Our feeling is we have to win every game. And so the only game that really matters right now is Saturday. So it'll be good to be back here, play in front of our fans and play with the the sort of swagger when we play confidently at home, I'd certainly love to see that this weekend."
Kickoff at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT. Find a complete Gameday Guide here.
