Our prediction for this MLS match:
Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids go head to head at Allianz Field on Sunday morning. The Loons aim to make amends for back-to-back losses to Seattle Sounders and Austin, and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against Colorado. All Eric Dick, Chase Gasper, and Patrick Weah are all out of contention with injuries for the home team. The Rapids, on the other hand, head into the match following a 3-1 loss to Dallas.
Since Colorado will go for a win in Sunday’s showdown as well, punters from all four corners of the world can find value in betting on both teams to score. In their last meeting in the Major League Soccer Colorado defeated Minnesota 3-1, and yet another high-scoring affair is on the horizon. Both Aboubacar Keita and Braian Galvan remain in the recovery room with long-term injuries.
Highlighted Player (Jukka Raitala):
Columbus Crew full back Jukka Raitala was born in Kerava, Finland on September 15, 1988. Raitala started his senior career at Klubi-04 and after making 22 league appearances for the club, he moved to HJK in 2007. After ending his spell with Helsinki, the Finland international signed a loan deal with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
During his spell with die Kraichgauer he appeared for the reserve team as well and in 2011 he was loaned again, this time out to Osasuna. On August 28, 2011 he made his Primera Division debut with los Rojillos playing as a left back against Atletico Madrid. Raitala played for the likes of Heerenveen, FC Vestsjaelland, Aalborg and Sogndal in the past as well he signed for Columbus Crew for the 2017 season.
The Columbus defender made his Finland debut on February 4, 2009 in a friendly against Japan. It has to be noted that he represented Finland at the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in 2009.
Highlighted Team (Colorado Rapids):
Colorado Rapids is a Major League Soccer club and they compete in the USA professional soccer league as a member of the Western Conference. Colorado began their play in MLS back in 1996 and 14 years later they managed to win the MLS Cup trophy. The Rapids recorded a 2-1 win over FC Dallas in the final of the tournament, with George John scoring the winner for Gary Smith’s team in the extra time. Colorado made it to the MLS Cup final in 1997 as well, but D.C. United proved to be a big catch for the club in the title game.
The Rapids play their home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and the venue has been Colorado’s home ground since 2007. It has to be noted that the likes of Tim Howard, Carlos Valderama, Claudio Lopez and Jermaine Jones were all part of the club in the past. Colorado’s colors are red, sky blue and white, but they were yellow shirts and blue shorts when playing on the travels.