Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. On Wednesday, the Portland Timbers return to Providence Park to host the Colorado Rapids (7pm PT, TICKETS, ROOT SPORTS).
Team Form
The Colorado Rapids have a record of 12-4-6 and currently sit in third place in the Western Conference on 42 points. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches and their six road wins on the season are tied for second best in MLS. Most recently, Colorado drew 1-1 with the LA Galaxy this past Saturday.
Portland has not played the Rapids this year having last faced them on Nov. 4, 2020, a 1-0 loss at Providence Park.
The Rapids are helmed by head coach Robin Fraser who is in his third season – second full – with the club with a record of 25-13-10.
In Attack
Colombian Michael Barrios, who came over to Colorado in an offseason trade, leads the team with six goals and four assists while fellow forward Diego Rubin has four goals and four assists. Often coming off the bench, Andre Shinyashiki has four goals and an assist on the season.
In the midfield, Jack Price leads the team with seven assists. Since arriving in a midseason trade from LAFC, Canadian international Mark-Anthony Kaye has a goal and an assist in six games as a midfielder.
In Defense
The Rapids defense has been solid, only allowing 21 goals on the year which is good for second fewest in the league. During this eight-game unbeaten stretch, they've allowed just five goals.
Helping lead the backline is centerback Kegan Rosenberry who has played every minute of the campaign so far and leads the team with 39 interceptions. Austin Trusty has appeared in all but one of the games alongside Rosenberry with defender Lalas Abubakar also appearing in 14 matches.
That backline consistency also continues in goal with William Yarbrough playing every match of 2021 and earning nine clean sheets – second most in MLS.
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