Colorado Rapids 2 (2-14-7, 15 pts., 14th West) are set for a Western Conference clash against rivals Real Monarchs (6-12-4, 26 pts., 11th West) on Sunday, August 23. Kickoff at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park is set for 6:00 p.m. MT with coverage available on OneFootball.com and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Rapids 2 head into this weekend's matchup fresh off their successful late rally against Sporting KC II last Saturday on the road. After going down 2-0 in the first half, Colorado came out of the halftime break locked in on mounting a comeback as they rattled off a run of chances at goal.
Colorado's efforts were rewarded in the 87th minute, when Grant Gilmore capitalized on a loose ball from a corner kick to pull them within reach. A foul in the box on Rapids 2's Bryce Jamison during stoppage time gave the visitors the chance to level the match as Chris Aquino fired in the penalty kick. Forced to a shootout, strong strikes and a key save from goalkeeper Bryan Dowd gave Rapids 2 both points from the draw.
Coming to Colorado on Sunday is Rocky Mountain rival Real Monarchs, who will look to break their difficult streak after entering the match with four consecutive losses, three of which came by way of a shutout. Prior to their recent week off, the Salt Lake City team came up short against Houston Dynamo 2 in Texas after going down a man in the opening minutes of the match. Trying to fight back from a two-goal deficit, their fate was sealed when they received another red card late in the second half, and Houston added another goal to its lead shortly after.
Rapids 2 will look to rewrite the script after facing their familiar foe on the road earlier this season in May. Real Monarchs struck early, finding the back of the net in the third and 20th minutes to build a 2-0 advantage that was held until the end. Colorado will set their sights on turning the tables in this rivalry rematch and continuing their run of form at home. In their last three matches on home soil, Rapids 2 have posted three consecutive shutouts while remaining unbeaten.