Preview: Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids | MLS is Back Tournament, Group D

MLSsoccer staff

2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group D, Matchday 5
Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Sun., July 12 – 10:30 PM ET

TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN in Canada

STREAMING: ESPN App in USA; TSN App in Canada

Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids meet in a Rocky Mountain Cup clash in Group D play of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 12.

Aside from the rivalry implications at play here, the Rapids will be looking to build on a strong 2W-0L-0D start under new head coach Robin Fraser that saw them pick up a pair of 2-1 victories, first against D.C. United at Audi Field on Feb. 29 before they topped Orlando City SC at home on March 7.

In his first full year in charge after taking over on an interim basis last year, RSL head coach Freddy Juarez saw his team pick up a road point in a listless 0-0 draw at Orlando in their season opener before drawing the New York Red Bulls 1-1 in their next match. While RSL looked very solid at the back, they'll certainly be looking to be more dangerous going forward as the tournament gets underway.

Real Salt Lake

RSL will be playing this tournament with a chip on their shoulder, knowing they are not considered one of the teams favored to win it. But Juarez, who has provided defensive and tactical discipline to the squad since taking over, has stated that RSL believe they can go far and change the national perception along the way.

The only starter who won't be available for the tournament is center back Nedum Onuoha, who will be sitting out to remain with his family. The club also has former Italian national teamer Giuseppe Rossi, who is fully fit after officially signing before the season kickoff.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Chris Garcia (F) - undisclosed
- OUT: David Ochoa (GK) - right thumb injury
- UNAVAILABLE: Nedum Onuoha (D)
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: None
International duty: None

Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids have been one of the more entertaining sides in MLS since Robin Fraser assumed the reins of the team. That identity has carried over into 2020.

The club has a potential major reinforcement for the Tournament in new signing, 19-year-old Braian Galvan, who could make his debut in the group stage. In other moves, the club parted ways with Sam Nicholson and signed Denver native and MLS veteran Collen Warner.