8 p.m. at Colorado Rapids Ch. 29, 1500-AM
Gameday preview: Minnesota United at Colorado Rapids
March 18, 2017 at 5:40AM
Goals might be hard to come by
Preview: United (0-2-0) will look to upset Colorado (1-1-0) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where the Rapids have not lost in 18 consecutive regular-season matches, since 2015. Colorado tied for second-to-last in the league in scoring last season with 39 goals, but the Rapids conceded the fewest goals in MLS, 32. They finished second in the Western Conference and overall. United has let in 11 goals in two matches this season
Notes: While United had to find a temporary backup goalkeeper to the backup-turned-starter, Colorado has a solid presence in U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard. After several years with Manchester United and Everton in the English Premier League, Howard came back to MLS last season. He made seven saves in last week's 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls after an own goal and made the MLS Team of the Week. … After playing its home opener in 19 degrees, United will take the pitch in Colorado to a forecast 80 degrees.
Injuries: Goalkeepers John Alvbage (knee laceration) and Patrick McLain (concussion), defender Joe Greenspan (concussion) and midfielder Bernardo Anor (leg) are out for United.
Megan Ryan
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Center Dawson Garcia played despite a groin injury, and starting guard Mike Mitchell Jr. and four others were absent for the Gophers. Among the results: a 14-point first half.
