The latest MLS LIVE Game of the Week could serve up some fireworks on the Front Range as two of the league's hottest teams do battle.
The fates have aligned perfectly for this one, as the Philadelphia Union have seized possession of first place in the Eastern Conference just in time for their visit to West leaders the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday evening (9 pm ET). The match will be available on MLS LIVE everywhere in the US and Canada.
Here are five reasons to watch:
1. KIDS IN PHILLY: 2016 has been a breath of fresh air for the Union and their fans, with an infusion of young talent and a new culture taking root at the club. From rookies Keegan Rosenberry and Josh Yaro contributing major minutes along the back line to goalkeeper Andre Blake's stellar saves to gregarious striker CJ Sapong finding his stride again, there's been plenty to smile about around Talen Energy Stadium. Last week's dramatic win over D.C. United was emblematic of Philadelphia's rise.
2. COLORADO CAN'T LOSE: Well, OK, maybe “can't” is a little strong, but the Rapids' current run of form is simply jaw-dropping by any measure. The Mile High Club are 6-0-2 in their last eight games, have only lost twice all season and remain undefeated at DSG Park in 2016. Though few rated them as trophy contenders before the season, they're on pace for their first-ever Supporters' Shield...and "They fear nobody."
3. CAN THEY KEEP IT UP WITHOUT JJ? The Rapids will have to manage for a few weeks without all-action midfield star Jermaine Jones, who just left for US national team duty at Copa America Centenario. “Junior” has basically been everywhere and everything for his new club, and it remains to be seen how coach Pablo Mastroeni will adapt his lineup and tactics. It has to be said: They got on pretty well during his six-game season-opening suspension.
4. DEFENSE RULES: The Rapids and Union boast the No. 1 and No. 2 defenses in the league, respectively, and by some margin. Colorado's twin-tower center backs Bobby Burling and Axel Sjoberg – not to mention ex-Union 'keeper Zac MacMath – have anchored a back line that's conceded a mere 9 times in 13 games for a jaw-dropping goals-against average of 0.69, while Blake and his young group have allowed 11 in 11. For comparison, last season Seattle finished with the league's best goals-conceded mark by allowing 36 in 34 games, a GAA of 1.06.
5. KICK CONVENTIONAL WISDOM TO THE CURB: As Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle often notes, home teams tend to dominate in MLS. But the hosts have won just once in eight all-time meetings between Colorado and Philly, while the road side has won three times. Anyone who says they can predict Saturday's winner is bluffing or misguided.
