Los Angeles at Colorado
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
TV: ALT
Radio: 950 AM
Spotlight on Shkelzen Gashi:
The 27-year-old Albanian international likely will make his Rapids home debut Saturday. Signed in the offseason from FC Basel, the 6-foot, 165-pound striker led the Swiss Super League in goals the past two seasons. He scored 26 in 39 games in all competitions from 2014-15. His ability to finish will be crucial for the Rapids, who scored the fewest goals in MLS in 2015. Gashi played 67 minutes on the left wing in Colorado’s season-opening loss at San Jose. Colorado’s fourth-ever designated player, Gashi had two shots but none on target.
NOTEBOOK
Rapids:
Colorado (0-1-0) posted a league-worst, 5-7-5 record at home last year. … Marco Pappa, acquired from the Seattle Sounders, is a key piece to the Colorado offense this year and provided a spark as a late substitute against the Earthquakes last weekend. His playing time could be limited Saturday as he works back to full fitness after being stabbed in December in Seattle.
Galaxy:
Star-studded Los Angeles (1-0-0) trailed D.C. United after five minutes last weekend but came roaring back with four second-half goals and won 4-1. Mike Magee was a second-half substitute for injured Giovani dos Santos and scored twice, assisted on another goal and was named MLS player of the week. The Galaxy’s talent-rich roster includes Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Gyasi Zardes.
Footnotes:
Dos Santos and Dan Kennedy won’t play for L.A. on Saturday. Sean St. Ledger and John Berner won’t play for Colorado. … Marlon Hairston and Eric Miller were limited in practice this week. Jermaine Jones is suspended through April 13.
