Colorado Rapids 2 (3-15-8, 18 pts., 14th West) head north this weekend to take on Minnesota United FC 2 (9-10-5, 34 pts., 10th West) on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff at National Sports Center Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m. MT with coverage available on OneFootball.com and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Following a narrow battle with Ventura County FC last Friday, Rapids 2 will look to keep their heads high and turn their attention to the next challenge. Although Rapids 2 got on the board first when Sydney Wathuta dismantled the defense and slipped one past the goalkeeper, VCFC responded with a successful penalty kick conversion before the end of the half. The visitors would then add another two goals to take the lead, but Colorado's Josh Copeland fired a shot in off a drop pass by Wathuta to bring their side within one. Unable to find the late equalizer, Rapids 2 would fall 3-2.
Despite the loss, the Rapids Academy pathway was back on display with two more players, Jordan Camacho and Kellen Lowery, making their Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro debuts. With 15 Academy players taking the field in Burgundy & Blue this year, Colorado continues to highlight their developmental success.
Awaiting Rapids 2 on Saturday is a MNUFC2 side that has proven home success, with only two losses on home soil this season. The hosts will look for a win as they fight for a playoff position, sitting just two points below a play-in playoff position. In their latest match, MNUFC2 shutout Houston Dynamo 2, putting up two goals in the second half to secure the win.
This weekend's matchup marks the third and final time this season that Rapids 2 and MNUFC2 have faced off in this year's campaign. Meeting for the first time in April, Colorado took the early lead, but the team was dealt an unlucky hand when they received a red card at the start of the second half and they ultimately fell 2-1. In their second face off in May, Rapids 2 struggled to battle back from a two-goal deficit and faced defeat on the road. More than three months after their last clash, Colorado will look to finish the season series with a victory.