Preview | Rapids carry three-match win streak to San Diego

The Colorado Rapids (9-10-1, 28 pts., 7th West) are set for their first road match in four weeks with a contest against San Diego FC (6-8-6, 24 pts., 13th West) on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff at Snapdragon is set for 8:30 p.m. MT, with coverage available on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio,  ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app. 

The Rapids are entering Saturday’s matchup with plenty of momentum, having won three consecutive matches and four out of their last five. In addition to the club’s success in the attacking end, the impressive play from the group defensively cannot be overlooked. Over the last five matches since returning to play following the FIFA World Cup break, Colorado has posted four clean sheets while only allowing one goal.  

This past Wednesday, the Rapids extended their run of form in a crucial matchup against one of the Western Conference’s top sides, LAFC. Colorado dominated the match early on, creating most of the high-quality chances that the match saw. Making the difference in the match was Rapids midfielder Youssef Maziz, who was making his first career MLS start in the matchup. In the 22nd minute of the match, the Frenchman stepped up to take a free kick and curled the ball into the middle of the box, giving the LAFC defense trouble. The fast-paced pass resulted in an eventual own goal that proved to be the difference in the 1-0 victory at home. 

The clean sheet win at home marked the fourth consecutive shutout at home for the Rapids, marking the second longest streak in club history. Colorado has seen significant success come at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park so far this year, with the club posting a 10-2-0 record there across all competitions. Over those 12 matches at DSGP, the club has posted seven clean sheets. 

On the other end of this Saturday’s matchup is a San Diego side that has been trying to find their footing as of late. After racking up a three matchup unbeaten stretch, the club lost their most recent contest on Wednesday against the Portland Timbers. San Diego lost the match 3-1 on the road, but will look to revert back to their winning ways at home.  

These two sides will be very familiar with each other after facing off just four weeks ago back on July 22. Colorado won the match 1-0 at home thanks to a stoppage time winner from an unlikely scorer. In his club debut, defender Loïc Williams was the hero, scoring the game winning goal with one of the last kicks of the match. With the goal, Williams became the third Rapids defender to record their first club goal in their home debut this season (Kosi Thompson 4/11/26, Lucas Herrington 2/28/26).