James Rodriguez preps for departure as Minnesota hosts Rapids

Former World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez will play in what is expected to be his final game with Minnesota United when the Loons host the slumping Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

The 34-year-old Rodriguez, who became an international soccer darling when he won the Golden Boot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, signed a short-term deal through June 2026 with Minnesota with an option through December 2026. He's scheduled to leave after Wednesday's game to join the Colombian national team camp in preparation for next month's World Cup.

Rodriguez, who came off the bench to contribute two assists in a 2-2 draw with Austin FC on Sunday, denied rumors to Apple TV that he was planning to retire after the World Cup.

"They said those things for views and likes," Rodriguez said. "I'm the only person who knows how long I'll play. When that day comes, I will announce it, but I think I have a few more years left in me. All those things that people say are false."

Minnesota (6-3-3, 21 points) is currently in a battle for third place in the Western Conference with the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC, all of whom have 21 points. The Loons are 5-1-2 in the last eight MLS matches since an ugly 6-0 loss at second-place Vancouver on March 15.

Colorado (4-7-1, 13 points) has lost three in a row and is 0-4-1 in its last five matches. The Rapids come in off a surprising 1-0 loss on Sunday to visiting St. Louis City, which is in 14th place and was winless in its six previous road games (0-4-2).

Colorado is just 1-5-1 in road matches this season but Rapids head coach Matt Wells is hopeful that his squad can take a page from St. Louis heading into Wednesday's contest.

"I told the guys we can use St. Louis as a template," Wells said. "Their form has not been great. Certainly, their away form has not been great. Yet, they came to our house where we are unbeaten and beat us one-nil, and they took three points from us. We're about to go to Minnesota, a tough away game. We're in a difficult spell. Let's take inspiration from what St. Louis has done here."

Colorado, behind a second-half brace by Darren Yapi, defeated the Loons 2-1 on its last trip to Saint Paul on Aug. 10, 2025.

--Field Level Media