The Rapids will face Atlante FC in a closed-door contest on Friday at 11 a.m. MT, marking their final preseason match in the first leg of matches in Mexico before returning to Colorado.
Atlante FC has had a mixed run in recent Liga MX matches, securing a 2-1 win against Celaya on Matchday 1 but facing setbacks with a 0-0 draw against Leones Negros, a 2-0 loss to Cancún F.C, and a 2-1 loss to Alebrijes on subsequent matchdays. As of now, they hold the 5th position out of 14 in the Liga MX standings. Reflecting on the past five seasons, Atlante finished 3rd in 2022, 7th in 2021, 5th in 2020, 8th in 2019, and 9th in 2018, showcasing their varying performances over this period.
Atlante FC, known as an iconic institution in Mexican football, was founded on April 18, 1916, under the name Sinaloa, later rebranding on December 8, 1916, to Atlante. Their home ground is Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. With nicknames like_ Los Potros de Hierro, Los Azulgranas, El Equipo del Pueblo,_ and Los Prietitos, Atlante FC has become a symbol of pride with a storied legacy in Mexican soccer.
The club has a remarkable history of success, winning the Primera Divisón title three times, the Segunda Divisón championship twice, and clinching the Copa MX on three occasions, including the Apertura 2016 edition. Atlante FC has also succeeded internationally, securing the CONCACAF Champions' Cup/Champions League trophy twice. Notable names like Félix de Jesús Fernández, Moisés Muñoz, Rafael Márquez Lugo, Ignacio Ambriz, Miguel Herrera, Jorge Campos, and Fernando Arce have contributed significantly to Atlante's legacy.
Midfielder Alain N’Kong forges a distinct connection between the Colorado Rapids and Atlante FC. After playing for the Rapids from 2005-07, N’Kong transitioned to Atlante in 2007, scoring four goals in 22 appearances.
There are two players with ties to both MLS and Atlante FC, Jonathan Bornstein and Jorge Campos. Bornstein, a midfielder for the US National Team, not only played in MLS but also made three appearances for Atlante in 2014. On the other hand, Campos, a former Mexican International goalkeeper, made a lasting impact at Atlante before transitioning to MLS with the LA Galaxy and the Chicago Fire.
The Rapids enter the preseason scrimmage following a decisive win on Monday afternoon after defeating Querétaro FC 5-1 in their second preseason scrimmage of 2024. Calvin Harris earned a second-half brace in the matchup, while Cole Bassett, Braian Galván and Darren Yapi each scored a goal apiece.
All scrimmages in Mexico will be closed-door contests, but fans of the Burgundy and Blue can keep up with all the action on the official Rapids' social media accounts and coloradorapids.com for postgame coverage.
