Whitecaps aim to protect Western Conference lead vs. Rapids

The Vancouver Whitecaps, the top team in the MLS Western Conference through six matches, look to extend a hot start to the season as they face the visiting Colorado Rapids on Saturday evening.

Vancouver (4-1-1, 13 points) is wrapping up a stretch of three matches in eight days after a 0-0 draw against Toronto FC on March 29 and a 1-1 draw against LIGA MX outfit Pumas UNAM 1-1 on Wednesday in Leg One of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal.

But the Whitecaps' star player, Ryan Gauld (10 goals, 15 assists in 2024), hasn't played since March 8 and is expected to remain out for Saturday's match.

Despite Gauld's absence and trailing by an away goal headed into April 9's second leg in Mexico City, the Whitecaps came away from the match against Pumas feeling positive ahead of a return to league play against the Rapids.

"I've definitely spoken on the confidence that each guy has coming into the lineup, whoever it is," Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon said. "(I'm) really happy and pleased with everyone who stepped up (against Pumas), and looking to keep that confidence building in training going into the next game."

The Rapids (3-1-2, 11 points) will enter as the more rested of the two clubs. Djordje Mihailovic's brace led them to a 2-0 win over visiting Charlotte FC on March 2; Mihailovic was voted MLS Player of the Matchday for his efforts.

Colorado's challenge now is building on that momentum as it looks to push further up the Western Conference table. Despite entering the weekend in fifth place, the Rapids are just two points behind the Whitecaps.

"We want to pick up where we left off and test ourselves against a first-place team," Rapids head coach Chris Armas said. "We're a few points off of (first place) and we're not talking about it internally, but as the coach I know that we like what we're looking up at. It'll be a big task because (Vancouver is) off to a great start."

Sam Vines will be available for selection for Saturday's match, per Armas, with the Rapids defender recovering from a lower-body injury suffered during the playoffs in November.

Meanwhile, Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen made three saves against Charlotte while keeping a clean sheet, his third of the year.

--Field Level Media