For the first time in over two years, DC United and the Colorado Rapids will face each other on the MLS stage Saturday, at Audi Field.
A 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union last weekend dropped the Black and Red to 13th in the Eastern Conference table, while the Rapids are fifth in the West following a 1-1 draw versus the Seattle Sounders.
Match preview
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The good times in the US capital were short-lived, as DC followed up a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls with another defeat last weekend.
It was the fifth loss for Troy Lesesne's men in their last six MLS affairs, putting them five points below the playoff line in the East.
DC United have given up 22 goals in a mere 10 league fixtures so far this year, the joint-most in MLS alongside the Chicago Fire.
With just nine points accumulated after 10 league games, DC have picked up four fewer points than they had at this stage a year ago.
In two of their last three domestic home outings, the Black and Red have failed to score, while winning just one of their previous nine matches played at Audi Field in this competition.
On Saturday they can win consecutive home games in the same season versus Western Conference opposition for the first time since 2019.
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Colorado ground out points the hard way down the stretch of last month, claiming back-to-back draws despite conceding first both times.
Chris Armas's side have been especially strong away from home in 2025, with points in four of their five road encounters, including two triumphs.
Three of their four league victories this year occurred when scoring in the opening 45 minutes, and they have yet to lose an MLS match this season after netting in the first half.
Last year, they began the season well, losing just three of their opening 10 outings, and they have been even better in 2025, collecting one more point (16) than they had at this stage in 2024.
The Burgundy Boys are unbeaten in 2025 when netting multiple times in a single game, doing so on five occasions so far this year.
They have claimed at least a point in two of their previous three visits to Audi Field versus DC, with their last away victory against them occurring in 2020 (2-1).
Team News
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In their loss to the Union, DC were without Jackson Hopkins due to an ankle issue, Christian Benteke sat out because of a quad strain and Joao Peglow was sidelined with a thigh injury.
This weekend, they will be without Kye Rowles, who picked up another yellow card in their previous encounter and will be suspended for this match.
As for the Rapids, Sam Vines missed their game versus the Sounders with a groin strain, Ali Fadal was unavailable because of a sore knee and Adam Beaudry was out of the lineup due to an ankle problem.
Djordje Mihailovic scored their equaliser last week, his fifth of the campaign, Nicolas Hansen made his MLS debut in goal with Zack Steffen suspended, while Josh Atencio collected his 100th MLS cap.
DC United possible starting lineup:
Barraza; Bartlett, MacNaughton, Antley; Herrera, Servania, Pirani, Schnegg; Stroud, Karamoko, Murrell
Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Cannon, Maxso, Awaziem, Travis; Larraz, Atencio; Bassett, Mihailovic; Cabral, Navarro
We say: DC United 0-2 Colorado Rapids
Even if Benteke is available, there are far too many holes in the DC backline and more than enough weapons on the Rapids side to expose that.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joel Lefevre
