Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: Prediction, Preview, H2H, Team News, Lineups. MLS – November 2, 2024.
The MLS playoffs are heating up as the Colorado Rapids prepare to host the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on November 2, 2024. With elimination on the line, Colorado is hoping for a major comeback in the second game of this best-of-three series. Game one saw the Galaxy dominate with a 5-0 victory, and they’re one step closer to advancing. The Rapids, on the other hand, are looking to rally and overcome a poor record against Los Angeles.
Below, we provide a comprehensive preview, team news, and lineups for this high-stakes encounter.
Match Preview
Colorado Rapids: Striving for a Comeback
The Colorado Rapids returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 but faced a difficult start, suffering their heaviest defeat since August 2022. Their 5-0 loss to the Galaxy extended their current losing streak to five games, with a struggling defense that has conceded three or more goals in four of these matches.
Key Facts for Colorado Rapids:
- Head coach Chris Armas has managed only one victory in four meetings against the Galaxy, a 3-2 win with the New York Red Bulls in 2019.
- The Rapids won 10 home games during the regular season but dropped their last two matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
- Colorado has yet to win a playoff game since 2016, a year in which they eliminated the Galaxy on penalties after drawing the series 1-1.
A critical part of their strategy will be leveraging their home-field advantage and rallying around a passionate fan base to mount a comeback against a strong Galaxy squad.
Los Angeles Galaxy: One Win Away from the Semifinals
The Los Angeles Galaxy took full advantage in game one, dominating the Rapids and cruising to a comfortable 5-0 win. LA is now a single win away from reaching the Western Conference semifinals, where they haven’t advanced since 2022. They’ll be aiming for their first back-to-back playoff wins since 2016.
Key Facts for Los Angeles Galaxy:
- The Galaxy recorded eight straight wins at home but have struggled on the road, losing three of their last four away matches in the regular season.
- LA boasted the highest-scoring offense in the Western Conference with 69 goals and scored in 11 consecutive matches.
- The Galaxy’s last away playoff win was in 2019 against Minnesota United, where they clinched a 2-1 victory.
The Galaxy’s potent attacking lineup, including stars like Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljic, gives them a significant advantage as they seek to close out the series.
Team News
Colorado Rapids Football Club
Colorado has struggled with injuries, missing several key players in the first game of the series:
- Djordje Mihailovic is out due to a sprained ankle.
- Michael Edwards missed game one due to a back injury.
- Cole Bassett is still sidelined with a quad injury.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen returned to the starting lineup for game one, replacing Adam Beaudry, while Kevin Cabral, a former Galaxy player, took Mihailovic’s place. Colorado will need strong performances from these players to counter the Galaxy’s attack.
Colorado Rapids Potential Starting Lineup:
Steffen; Vines, Abubakar, Maxso, Rosenberry; Larraz, Ronan; Cabral, Harris, Lewis; Navarro
Los Angeles Galaxy Football Club
LA Galaxy will be without Martin Caceres, who is nursing an Achilles issue and is unlikely to play. Otherwise, the team remains in strong form, with Puig and Joveljic both scoring in game one.
Los Angeles Galaxy Potential Starting Lineup:
McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Brugman, Puig, Cerrillo; Pec, Joveljic, Paintsil
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
The Galaxy and the Rapids have a longstanding rivalry, and their playoff history adds extra intensity to their matchup:
- The Rapids’ last playoff victory over the Galaxy was in 2016.
- Colorado has generally struggled in recent meetings, losing four of their last five games against the Galaxy.
Key Players to Watch
- Riqui Puig (Los Angeles Galaxy): Known for his vision and creativity, Puig orchestrated the Galaxy’s offense in game one and contributed with a goal.
- Kevin Cabral (Colorado Rapids): The former Galaxy winger will have added motivation against his former club and could be pivotal in Colorado’s attack.
Prediction
Given the Galaxy’s impressive offensive capabilities and the Rapids’ defensive vulnerabilities, the Galaxy are favorites to win this second game and close out the series.
Soccer Baba Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1-3 Los Angeles Galaxy
Where to Watch Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles Galaxy
| Country | Channel |
|---|---|
| USA | NBC Sports |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| India | Star Sports/Hotstar |
| Nigeria | SuperSport |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Ghana | SuperSport |
| Ivory Coast | Canal+ |
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FAQs
1. When and where is the Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy match?
- The match will take place on November 2, 2024, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
2. How did the first game between the Rapids and Galaxy end?
- The Galaxy won the first game decisively with a 5-0 scoreline.
3. Who is the Rapids’ head coach?
- Chris Armas is the head coach of the Colorado Rapids.
4. Which players are unavailable for Colorado Rapids?
- Djordje Mihailovic, Michael Edwards, and Cole Bassett are all sidelined due to injuries.
5. Who are the key players for Los Angeles Galaxy?
- Riqui Puig and Dejan Joveljic are crucial players for the Galaxy, especially in the attack.
6. What is the Galaxy’s playoff record on the road?
- The Galaxy’s last road playoff win was in 2019, a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United.
7. How have the Rapids performed at home in 2024?
- Colorado won 10 home matches during the regular season but lost their last two home games.
8. When did Colorado last win a playoff game?
- Colorado’s last playoff win was in 2016 against the Galaxy.
9. What was LA Galaxy’s standing in the regular season?
- LA Galaxy had the highest-scoring offense in the Western Conference, netting 69 goals.
10. Where can I watch the Rapids vs Galaxy match in Nigeria?
- In Nigeria, you can watch the match live on SuperSport.