Colorado Rapids sit in the midst of the desk, however Chris Armas says that solely provides to the thrill as they put together to host Orlando Metropolis in MLS.
The Rapids are at present ninth within the Western Convention on 22 factors, however are a part of a tightly packed group, with fifth and tenth separated by simply six factors.
Colorado have struggled in latest weeks, although; after recording back-to-back 1-0 victories, they’ve misplaced consecutive video games in opposition to Portland Timbers and Austin FC.
Armas says his gamers are prepared for the problem of Orlando, as they give the impression of being to proceed a playoff cost.
“Disappointment is an emotion that goes away shortly after a sport,” Armas stated. “We don’t preserve the highs from successful for lengthy both.
“Emotion is short-lived round right here. There’s numerous competitors within the staff with half a season to play and a lot to play for. we’re in the midst of the desk, so we’ve received numerous pleasure for what’s forward.
“We’re targeted and dialed in. We’re actually exhibiting up day-after-day with urgency and figuring out we need to seize factors at residence.”
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Watch now on YouTube » https://t.co/xO1f36bpTx #Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/9nTvqs3tf6
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 12, 2025
Orlando, in the meantime, are eighth within the East, with 27 factors, and misplaced their final two video games earlier than the worldwide break.
Consecutive losses to Atlanta United and Chicago Fireplace, the place they conceded three targets in every, dealt them a blow, however head coach Oscar Pareja is assured Orlando can bounce again on Saturday.
“[Colorado] are a staff which were discovering their greatest model,” he stated.
“We’ve checked out their strengths and weaknesses, however we’re targeted on ensuring we do our greatest and put our staff’s choice in how we play ahead so we are able to assault them.
“It’s a spot we respect, however we’re very optimistic and our preparation has been good to date.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Nico Hansen
The sixth-minute aim scored by Austin FC in opposition to Colorado on Saturday was the primary time the Rapids conceded contained in the opening quarter-hour of a match this common season.
Colorado have been certainly one of three groups (Minnesota United, New England Revolution) that had not allowed a aim earlier than the sixteenth minute this season, and Nico Hansen can be aiming to keep away from letting in one other early aim.
Orlando Metropolis – Martin Ojeda
Martin Ojeda recorded his twenty fourth profession regular-season help in Orlando Metropolis’s final match, a defeat to Chicago Fireplace on Might 31, equaling Chris Mueller for second-most in membership historical past.
Solely Mauricio Pereyra (45) has recorded extra regular-season assists for the Lions in MLS.
Feelin’ recent for Colorado pic.twitter.com/V2z9N1MfsL
— Orlando Metropolis SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 12, 2025
MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando Metropolis have gained 5 of their eight all-time conferences with Colorado, together with a 2-0 residence win in 2023, the final assembly between the edges. Colorado are unbeaten of their final two at residence in opposition to Orlando, together with their lone win over the Lions, a 2-1 victory in 2020.
Orlando have been on a robust run after going unbeaten in 12 straight regular-season matches, equaling a membership document, however they’ve since misplaced two league matches in a row. They’ve solely misplaced three straight regular-season matches as soon as because the begin of the 2023 season, doing so in March 2024.
Colorado, in the meantime, have misplaced 5 of their final seven matches (W2), together with the final two in a row. The Rapids had suffered simply three defeats of their first 12 matches in all competitions in 2025 (W5 D4).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 27.4%
Draw – 24%
Orlando Metropolis – 48.6%