FC Cincinnati vs. Colorado Rapids Betting Preview

The international break came at a great time for FC Cincinnati as it gave Jaap Stam’s side a chance to regroup and focus on improving. They get back into action with their first-ever full-capacity game at brand new TQL Stadium before a two-game road trip. Kickoff against Colorado Rapids is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Cincinnati, Ohio.

With Cincinnati new to MLS in 2019, these teams have met just once. Colorado Rapids won at home 3-2 back on June 2, 2019, and this will be their first trip to Cincinnati as an MLS side. The visitors are favorites at +120, with Cincinnati at +200 and a draw at +260.

Cincinnati Picking Up Confidence

After grabbing a win against Montreal, FC Cincinnati entered the break with a 1-0 loss to first-place New England. That result wasn’t all bad, with the Revs needing a goal in the 70th minute to pick up all three points on the road. It also showed growth for the Orange and Blue, able to compete with the Eastern Conference leaders in front of the home fans.

Coming out of the break, FC Cincinnati made a roster move with Calvin Harris landing on the injury list. The midfielder played through knee paid for four games but had surgery on his meniscus earlier this month and will miss the next six weeks at least. To replace him, the club activated forward Franko Kovacevic.

Defender Ronald Matarrita is also hurting with a calf injury suffered against New England. He has been rehabbing the injury during the break and did not practice with the team earlier this week. Matarrita has started six matches and leads FCC with three assists, but he is questionable for Saturday.

In their lone win this season, FCC got goals from Jurgen Locadia and Gustavo Vallecilla to beat CF Montreal in Florida. The Orange and Blue are even with the Chicago Fire on four points at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Colorado Playing Well

The Colorado Rapids squad will provide a challenge on Saturday. With four wins from their first seven games this season, they sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, and they knocked off FC Dallas 3-0 before the break. The win gave them 12 points from five games after they had a draw and a loss in their first two outings of 2021.

Keegan Rosenberry and Michael Barrios scored against Dallas while the Rapids benefitted from an own goal. Barrios has two goals on the season, tied with Cole Bassett and Diego Rubio for the team lead. Jack Price has three assists, while Barrios has two.

Kellyn Acosta is back from the U.S. Men’s National Team after playing against Switzerland and Costa Rica in friendlies during the break. However, Rapids will be without Danish midfielder Younes Namli, their only Designated Player. Namli had ankle surgery on June 6 and will remain in the Netherlands to start his rehab.

Betting Analysis

Colorado was 5-5-1 on the road last year and will face a boisterous crowd in Cincinnati. The visitors have the better talent, but FCC appeared to turn the corner before the break and now look to put it all together and start winning games. An early goal on Saturday will go a long way to taking that next step.