Rapids hope to break through stingy Union defense

Field Level Media|published: Fri 25th July, 18:12 2025

MLS: New York Red Bulls at Philadelphia Union

Jul 12, 2025; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union keeper Andre Blake (18) defends the net against the New York Red Bulls in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rapids will hope to build off a historic result from the week before when they visit the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in Chester, Pa.

The Rapids (8-10-6, 30 points) snagged an unlikely draw against the Seattle Sounders on July 16 when forward Darren Yapi dribbled through a maze of defenders and tied the game in the 75th minute, rallying back from a 3-0 deficit. With the result, Colorado became the first team in league history to earn a point after trailing by three goals at Seattle.

"It's a night that we can feel really proud of the team because they showed a lot of character and heart and grit with a mindset to win the match from the opening whistle," Rapids manager Chris Armas said after the match.

The draw kept the Rapids firmly in the Western Conference's crowded middle, as they continue to vie for a playoff spot.

They will have the task of breaking what has been one of the formidable defenses in the league. With help from three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year winner Andre Blake, Philadelphia (14-5-5, 47 points) has conceded 23 goals, the fewest in MLS after 24 matches played.

The Union are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo on July 19, in which they fielded something of a rotated eleven. Backup goalkeeper Andrew Rick got his first start in nearly a month.

"We've built competition throughout the group," Philadelphia manager Bradley Carnell said after that match. "We believe in the whole group and I think we've shown that."

That rotation may have to continue as two Union defenders, Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes, will be returning after representing the league at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, as will forward Tai Baribo, who was named the Most Valuable Player of that match.

It will be the clubs' first meeting since the third-place match at the 2024 Leagues Cup, where Colorado came out on top in penalties.

The Rapids will be without the services of defender Chidozie Awaziem following his transfer to French side FC Nantes.

--Field Level Media

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