A third of the way into the 2024 season, the Colorado Rapids are in fifth place in the Western Conference with as many wins as the entire 2023 campaign yielded.
Most recent was a commanding 2-0 win at a formidable NYCFC team in the rain at Citi Field last Sunday, earned thanks to one of the team’s most complete defensive performances in recent memory.
To secure three more points this Saturday at home against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Rapids would like to be as good or even better on both sides of the ball to emulate the reverse fixture less than a month ago, which ended in a 3-0 win for the Burgundy and Blue.
Here are three notes from the Rapids’ media availability to preview a short week of preparation and why you shouldn’t count this weekend’s match against the West’s worst team as an easy win:
Mihailovic heel progressing, other injury updates
Several factors played into the impressive nature of the win at NYCFC — one of them being the quality of play despite Djordje Mihailovic having to miss the game due to a heel injury.
Mihailovic was a participant in Tuesday’s short practice, but coach Chris Armas isn’t ready to say he will or will not play this weekend.
“It’s one of those things with Djordje,” Armas said. “It’s not how he’s getting through the training. It’s now after training, how does he recuperate? Does it linger around? Does it need more time?”
Connor Ronan and Jonathan Lewis are also nearing their return to play. Ronan has been out since the beginning of March with a hairline fracture in his knee while Lewis has been out since late March with a knee injury of his own.
Both were seen last week training in no-contact jerseys. Tuesday, they were both full participants and looked quick and comfortable.
Harris buying into role, whatever that may be
Winger Calvin Harris has started just seven of the Rapids’ 11 games this season, but has continued to find ways to contribute, whether it’s tracking back defensively or finding a goal and two assists on the year so far.
Omir Fernandez got the start over Harris at left wing opposite Kévin Cabral last Sunday, but Harris came in late and got an assist to Cole Bassett which put the game away in the 86th minute.
“Every player wants to start the game and play as many minutes as possible. But whatever the job is, you do your best,” Harris said. “Whether I’ve (started) or come off the bench, I’ve been able to contribute to the team and that’s all I want to do.
“You just want to prove yourself every day whether you’re starting or not. I think there’s also a team buy-in; everyone wants to produce for the team when they step on the field, so that’s really been the mentality for me.”
Don’t write off San Jose
The San Jose Earthquakes just came off of a massive 3-1 win over LAFC at Levi’s Stadium this past weekend, just their second of the season. In the match, former Rapid William Yarbrough shined with six saves while Amahl Pellegrino scored his second goal of the season.
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Since the Rapids’ win over San Jose, the Earthquakes signed a Designated Player in Hernán López Muñoz, an Argentinian No. 10 with a lot of upside. He has played just one half since signing two weeks ago.
The 3-0 scoreline from a month ago was a bit contradictory of how the match actually went. San Jose often found themselves in very favorable spots and created plenty of chances. In fact, according to the MLS, the Earthquakes amassed 2.2 expected goals.
The Earthquakes have now proven they can actually put some of those opportunities away, no less against the reigning MLS runner-up. That result was not a surprise to Armas, who said he and the Rapids are “very, very aware” of how good the Earthquakes can be when they find their stride.
“I think (San Jose) is going to win a bunch of games. They’re dynamic in their attack, they have weapons up the pitch, they’re organized and they’re well-coached,” Armas said. “We cannot let anything slip in our bodies, in our minds and in our preparation.”
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