On Thursday, the Portland Timbers will face the Colorado Rapids in their second Leagues Cup match at 10:30 p.m. ET at Providence Park.
In their first Leagues Cup match, the Timbers secured all three points against Club León, with Zac McGraw — who is tied for the lead in goals in the tournament — contributing from set pieces.
The Timbers have a chance to surpass their group stage performance from last year, where they only earned three points. In contrast, the Rapids are looking to improve on their previous Leagues Cup showing, in which they failed to secure a win or a draw and conceded six goals in two games.
Rapids head coach Chris Armas faces the challenge of generating offense without star designated player Djordje Mihailovic — who is with Team USA at the Paris Olympics. Mihailovic has 19 goal contributions for the Rapids in MLS play. Stepping up in his absence is Cole Bassett, who has been on a hot streak with six goal contributions in his last four matches — including three goals and three assists.
“The thought is that there is a trophy out there,” said Armas. “We are excited to get after it”.
Thursday's matchup marks the second meeting this year between Portland and Colorado. The teams first clashed in the season opener, where the Timbers emerged victorious over the Rapids.
Timbers head coach Phil Neville may take a different approach to this matchup, knowing his team is on the brink of qualification, pending other results in group West 5.
This match will also be Larrys Mabiala's last game for the Timbers. Mabiala, who has played more than 152 games for the club, is “stepping away” from professional soccer. With the Timbers nearly assured of advancing, the team legend is expected to see the field in this match.
The Rapids are set to face León in their final group match after Portland, which will determine the group standings. The last match of the West 5 group will be on Monday at 9 p.m. ET at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
