When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
TV: UniMas (press the SAP button for English commentary) Radio: 950 AM
Spotlight on Kyle Beckerman
The Real Salt Lake captain will be playing in his record 31st Rocky Mountain Cup match — his 21st for RSL. The former Rapids midfielder played in 10 games against RSL before being traded in 2007. The U.S. international has never scored a goal against the Rapids, but has notched one assist. He had a goal and an assist against RSL before the trade. If Beckerman starts and plays through the 88th minute, he will break the MLS all-time minutes record for field players, surpassing Steve Ralston (33,143 minutes). RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando holds the MLS all-time minutes record among all players (37,593 and counting).
NOTEBOOK
Rapids: Colorado (11-3-10, 43 points) enters the game unbeaten in 18 of its last 19 matches, however it is 2-1-6in its last nine. Last week, the Rapids played to a scoreless home draw against Orlando City. Colorado is in second place in the Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield race on total points, but lead both races on points per game. The Rapids have allowed the fewest goals in MLS this season (20). … Midfielder Jermaine Jones (knee) is doubtful for the match. … Goalkeeper Tim Howard will be making his first appearance in the Rocky Mountain Cup.
RSL: The Claret-and-Cobalt (11-8-7, 40 points) are unbeaten at Rio Tinto Stadium this season (7-0-5), one of four MLS teams yet to lose on their home ground (Dallas, Colorado, Los Angeles). RSL has never lost to Colorado at Rio Tinto in 11 games. RSL opened a three-game homestand with a 1-0 win over league-leading FC Dallas last weekend. … RSL is without center back Aaron Maund (foot), who made a critical goal line clearance on a shot by the Rapids’ Shkelzen Gashi in the first meeting of these sides this year.
Footnotes: Both sides took 1-0 home wins in the first two meetings this season. Colorado will retain the Rocky Mountain Cup with a win or a tie. RSL leads the cup series 7-4. Colorado is 12-14-10 all time against RSL.
