Preview: Club Leon vs. Colorado Rapids
Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s Leagues Cup clash between Club Leon and Colorado Rapids, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
With both sides staring elimination in the face, Club Leon and Colorado Rapids go toe to toe in their final Leagues Cup group-stage clash at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Tuesday.
Only one of the teams here will make it through to the round of 32 and join Portland Timbers, who have already qualified as group winners.
Match preview
© Imago
Club Leon were guilty of throwing away an advantage once again in their 2-1 defeat against Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Monday.
A bright start from Jorge Bava’s men was rewarded with Alan Medina’s opener, after which Zac McGraw netted in both halves to turn the game on its head.
Los Panzas Verdes are now without a win in five straight matches across all competitions dating back to a 3-0 friendly victory over Irapuato on June 26.
Club Leon’s poor run of results has left them 14th in the Liga MX table and currently on the verge of an early exit from the Leagues Cup, three years on since they went all the way.
The 2021 champions must emerge victorious on Tuesday to make it through to the knockout stages of this year’s edition, but their away form of late has been far from convincing, with no wins in the last four.
© Reuters
Colorado Rapids suffered their heaviest defeat of the season so far on Friday following a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Portland Timbers.
Since kicking off July with consecutive victories against Sporting Kansas City and St Louis City, Chris Armas’s men have managed just one win from the subsequent four matches.
The Pids’ four-goal demolition last time out means they have now let in nine goals across their last three outings, and that level of defensive porosity must be addressed ahead of Tuesday’s must-win clash.
However, a run of five wins from six home matches surely makes for good reading for the hosts, who will now set out to get the job done in front of their fans.
Club Leon Leagues Cup form:
Club Leon form (all competitions):
Colorado Rapids Leagues Cup form:
Colorado Rapids form (all competitions):
Team News
© Reuters
Daniel Chacon is still battling with a knee injury and has not featured for Colorado Rapids since returning from his loan spell at Alajuelense.
Adam Beaudry and Djordje Mihailovic are currently on international duty, ruling them out of contention to play any part in this one.
Cole Bassett has been directly involved in five of his side’s last 10 goals and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Jhonder Cadiz has racked up four goal contributions in his last three matches for Club Leon, making him one to keep an eye on.
Summer arrival Stiven Mendoza is unavailable for selection here as he continues to nurse a muscle problem.
Club Leon possible starting lineup:
Blanco; Barreiro, Bellon, Reyes; Ambriz, Guerra, Medina, Macias, Hernandez; Cadiz, Alvarado
Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Vines, Maxso, Bombito, Rosenberry; Larraz, Ronan; Lewis, Bassett, Fernandez; Navarro
We say: Club Leon 1-2 Colorado Rapids
Club Leon and Colorado Rapids are faced with a straightforward challenge here – win or go home.
As a result, we expect an absorbing affair with both teams going at full throttle. We are also backing Colorado Rapids to get the better of their Mexican counterparts and secure their place in the knockout stages.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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