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Colorado Rapids Matchday Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Wednesday’s Game
Quick Overview
The Colorado Rapids are getting ready for a home match at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to soccer, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Where | DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado |
| When | Wednesday, August 19 @ 7:30 p.m. MT |
| Opponent | Not specified in lineup announcement |
The Starting Lineup (The "Starting XI")
ELI5 Explanation: In soccer, each team puts 11 players on the field at the start of the game. These are usually the coach’s first-choice players for each position.
Here are the 11 Rapids players taking the field first:
- Nico Hansen — Goalkeeper (the only player allowed to use hands)
- Reggie Cannon — Defender (stops the other team from scoring)
- Loïc Williams — Defender
- Rob Holding — Defender
- Miguel Navarro — Defender
- Hamzat Ojediran — Midfielder (plays both offense and defense in the middle)
- Wayne Frederick — Midfielder
- Paxten Aaronson — Midfielder
- Youssef Maziz — Midfielder First start!
- Darren Yapi — Forward (main job: score goals)
- Rafael Navarro (C) — Forward & Captain (wears the armband, leads the team)
The Substitutes (The Bench)
ELI5 Explanation: These players start on the sidelines. The coach can swap them in during the game (usually up to 5 times) if someone gets tired, injured, or if the team needs a different strategy.
| Player | Notes |
|---|---|
| Adam Beaudry | Backup Goalkeeper |
| Keegan Rosenberry | |
| Dante Sealy | |
| Alex Harris | |
| Noah Cobb | |
| Donavan Phillip | |
| Kosi Thompson | |
| Nathan Tchoumba | Short-term call-up from MLS NEXT Pro |
| Georgi Minoungou |
Important Roster Notes
KEY THINGS TO WATCH FOR
1. Youssef Maziz — First Start!
- This is his first time in the starting lineup for the Rapids
- He made his debut just days ago (Saturday vs Sporting Kansas City)
- Already made an impact: Assisted on Reggie Cannon’s goal from a corner kick
2. Reggie Cannon — Hot Streak
- Named to MLS Team of the Matchday (like "Player of the Week")
- Earned it for his goal + shutout (zero goals allowed) last match
- Now starting again — confidence is high!
3. Rafael Navarro — Chasing History
- 1 goal away from tying for 2nd most goals in Rapids history (Paul Bravo & Omar Cummings)
- 1 multi-goal game away from tying for most goals in club history (Paul Bravo)
- He’s the team captain — leader on and off the field
4. Nathan Tchoumba — Special Call-Up
- Called up from MLS NEXT Pro (the Rapids’ reserve/development team)
- On a Short-Term Agreement (up to 4 days, max 4 per season, 16 days total)
- Age 25 or younger — this is his second call-up this season
- Rule source: 2026 MLS Roster Rules
How to Follow the Match
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Radio | Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM → Listen Online |
| Social Media | Follow @ColoradoRapids for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content |
Summary
- 11 starters take the field at 7:30 PM MT on Wednesday at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
- Exciting debuts & milestones: Maziz’s first start, Cannon’s award-winning form, Navarro chasing club records
- 9 substitutes ready to make an impact off the bench
- Tune in via 92.5 FM radio or follow @ColoradoRapids on social media
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What does "(C)" mean next to Rafael Navarro’s name?
(C) = Captain. He wears the captain’s armband and is the team leader on the field. He talks to referees, organizes teammates, and represents the club.
2. What is a "Short-Term Agreement" for Nathan Tchoumba?
It’s a temporary contract (up to 4 days) that lets MLS teams bring up young players (25 or younger) from their reserve team (MLS NEXT Pro). Teams can do this maximum 4 times per season (16 total days). This is Tchoumba’s second time being called up.
3. What is "MLS Team of the Matchday"?
It’s a weekly honor where the league picks the best 11 players from all games that weekend. Reggie Cannon made it for scoring a goal AND keeping a "clean sheet" (zero goals allowed) in the last match.
4. How many substitutes can a team use?
In MLS, teams can make up to 5 substitutions during a game (usually across 3 stoppages in play, not counting halftime). Once a player comes off, they cannot return.
5. What position is "Midfielder" and why are there so many?
Midfielders play in the middle of the field — they connect defense to attack. They run the most! Teams often play 3–5 midfielders to control possession, defend, and create chances. The Rapids have 4 midfielders starting today.
Enjoy the match! Whether you’re at the stadium or listening on the radio, you’re now fully prepped to follow every storyline. Go Rapids!