Starting XI
Striker Dominique Badji, who has scored five goals in seven games, three of which came from a hat trick against Philadelphia on March 21, enters his fourth season after being drafted by the Rapids in 2015. He topped the club in goals (9) during the 2017 campaign. Badji has 22 goals in 5,532 minutes of play for the Rapids - firing 140 shots over that time.
Wingback Edgar Castillo, who will make his eight-consecutive start for the Rapids, enters his first season with the club after being acquired on January 9, 2018 via a one-year loan from Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey. Castillo is one of only two players to have featured on the international stage for both the United States and Mexico. Castillo has played every minute of this season.
Wingback Kip Colvey makes his third start this season since being picked third overall in the 2017 MLS Waiver Draft on December 13, 2017. Colvey featured in four of six 2018 World Cup qualification matches for New Zealand against Fiji, Solomon Islands and Peru in 2017. He has played a total of 129 minutes this season.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is making his seventh start for the Rapids in 2018, currently has 470 minutes and 19 saves this season. The 'keeper enters his third season in burgundy on the heels of a 2017 campaign that saw the United States Men's National Team legend feature in 25 matches - all from the start. In eight Major League Soccer seasons - Howard also played for the New Jersey MetroStars from 1998-2003 - he's notched 27 shutouts. Howard was the 2017 Rapids Player of the Year.
Midfielder Enzo Martinez is making his seventh start of the season. The two-time USL MVP finalist and member of the 2012 Generation Adidas class currently has played 507 minutes and taken ten shots since joining the Rapids.
Striker Jack McBean is back in the starting lineup this week for the Rapids. McBean enters his eighth MLS season - first with the Rapids - after being acquired from the LA Galaxy on December 14, 2017. He’s played a total of 162 minutes for the Rapids this season and has six shots on goal.
Midfielder Sam Nicholson arrived in Colorado mid-week from Minnesota United FC after a trade that saw Eric Miller to the other direction. Nicholson is making his debut with the Rapids and will be looking to make an immediate impact against Sporting KC. He featured in all eight games for MNUFC, picking up a goal and an assist in 526 minutes this season before joining Colorado.
Midfielder Jack Price will be making his eighth consecutive start at the center of the field for the Rapids. He scored his first MLS goal for the on April 14 against Toronto FC. Price joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers using Targeted Allocation Money on January 9, 2018. He appeared 97 times for Wolves and has been impressive for the Rapids at the centerfield position.
Defender Tommy Smith makes his eighth Major League Soccer start on Saturday since joining the club from Ipswich Town of the English Championship on January 22, 2018. The New Zealand international featured for his country at the 2010 World Cup and last summer's Confederations Cup in Russia. Smith has played every minute (630) this season and has two assists and seven shots.
Defender Danny Wilson is back in the Rapids Starting XI again this week after missing two weeks due to injury. He joined the club from Rangers FC of the Scottish Premier League. The 26-year-old comes to MLS in the prime of his career after stints with Hearts and Liverpool, as well as 31 caps for the Scottish National Team (at all levels). Wilson comes into this game with 315 minutes played.
Defender Deklan Wynne will make his eighth consecutive Major League Soccer start after joining the Rapids from Vancouver Whitecaps on December 21, 2017. A versatile defender, Wynne played internationally with New Zealand under Rapids' head coach Anthony Hudson and started all four matches of his country's trip to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
On the Bench:
Midfielder Micheal Azira, who came on as a substitute for an injured Nana Boateng against Orlando City SC in the 71st minute, enters his third season with the club, and his fifth in Major League Soccer. In 2017, he finished with a career high in minutes for a single season with 2,569. The Ugandan international featured in two of three matches for his country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Striker Yannick Boli, came on in the 54th minute for the Rapids last weekend against Orlando City SC and appears in the Rapids' 18 for the fourth time since his arrival from China last month. The Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France native enters his first season with the Rapids after accumulating 16 goals in 24 games and winning the China League One with his former club Dàlián Yīfāng. Boli is eligible to play internationally for both France and Ivory Coast.
Midfielder Sam Hamilton appears on the bench this week this week against Sporting KC. The Denver native joined the Rapids on March 4, 2017 as the 15th overall draft pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He has not yet featured in a game for the Rapids this MLS season.
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath appears on the bench this week after starting last weekend against Orlando City SC. He enters his fourth season in Colorado with 158 minutes played and nine saves.
Striker Joe Mason appears on the bench this week for Colorado. Mason, who is coming off a leg injury, has scored two goals for the Rapids this season. His first goal came during his MLS debut against Sporting Kansas City and his second in the 1-1 tie against FC Dallas. So far, this season Mason has started four games and played 273 minutes.
Midfielder Dillon Serna is coming off a great performance as he came off the bench and tormented Orlando City SC last weekend. The Homegrown product from Brighton, Colorado, enters his sixth season with the club. Serna has made 75 appearances for the Rapids, scoring eight goals in 3,632 minutes.
Defender Axel Sjöberg has been solid this for the Rapids this season when his named is called to the Starting XI. This week he appears on the bench in lieu of Danny Wilson's return to the Starting XI. Sjöberg is entering his fourth season with the club after being selected 13th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. He has made 68 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
Injury Report:
