Juárez vs Colorado Rapids Prediction: Colorado Rapids are expected to edge out FC Juárez with a predicted score of 2-1 in this tightly contested Leagues Cup round of 32 match.
The Leagues Cup round of 32 heats up as FC Juárez takes on the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Thursday night. Both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the round of 16 of this exciting competition that brings together MLS and Liga MX sides.
Match Preview
FC Juárez enters this knockout match with momentum, having topped their group with an impressive 5 points from two games. The Mexican side showcased their resilience by defeating St. Louis City on penalties in their final group stage encounter.
Colorado Rapids, on the other hand, squeaked through to the round of 32 by the skin of their teeth. With just 2 points from their two group matches, they finished as one of the lowest-ranked second-place teams. Their qualification came down to a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Club León.
Projected Juárez vs Colorado Rapids Lineups and Formation
FC Juárez Lineup (4-4-2): Orquin, Mendoza, Ramirez, Caviedes, Del Campo, Calvo, Abella, Villalpando, Jurado, Mosquera, Garcia
Colorado Rapids Lineup (4-3-3): Harris, Rosenberry, Maxsø, Lewis, Bassett, Ronan, Vines, Bombito, Navarro, Steffen, Larraz
Key Players to Watch
For Juárez, keep an eye on Aitor García, who has been a creative force in midfield. Colorado will look to Rafael Navarro to continue his goal-scoring form after breaking his drought in the previous match.
Players Sidelined: Injury List and Unavailable Squad Members
FC Juárez
Edson Fernando – Midfielder
Status: Out
Reason: Muscle injury
Expected return: Unknown
Diego Valoyes – Forward
Status: Doubtful
Reason: Recently returned from long-term injury
Note: May be limited to a substitute appearance
Colorado Rapids
Daniel Chacón – Defender
Status: Out
Reason: Long-term knee injury
Expected return: Later in the season
Jack Price – Midfielder
Status: Out
Reason: Achilles injury
Note: Long-term absentee, unlikely to feature this season
Diego Rubio – Forward
Status: Doubtful
Reason: Recovering from leg injury
Note: Late fitness test required
Alex Gersbach – Defender
Status: Questionable
Reason: Undisclosed injury
Note: Game-time decision
Where to Watch?
The match kicks off at 1:30 AM ET on Thursday, August 10th. Fans can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Who Will Win?
This encounter promises to be a closely contested affair. Juárez’s group stage performance gives them a slight edge, but Colorado’s home advantage could prove crucial.
Prediction: Colorado Rapids 2-1 FC Juárez
The Rapids’ desperation to prove themselves after a lackluster group stage might just give them the extra push needed to overcome a solid Juárez side.
Recent Form
FC Juárez: W-W-L-L-L
Colorado Rapids: W-L-W-L-D
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between FC Juárez and Colorado Rapids, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Standings
In the Leagues Cup West 3 group:
- FC Juárez – 4 points
- St. Louis City – 4 points
- FC Dallas – 0 points
Colorado finished second in the West 5 group:
- Portland Timbers – 6 points
- Colorado Rapids – 1 point
- Club León – 1 point
Latest News
- Diego Valoyes made his return from injury for Juárez in their last match and could feature again.
- Colorado’s Zack Steffen has been linked with a move away from parent club Manchester City, but remains focused on the Leagues Cup campaign.
This Leagues Cup clash presents a unique opportunity for both teams to make their mark on the international stage. With contrasting group stage performances and the pressure of knockout football, fans can expect an enthralling encounter at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
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