The Colorado Rapids will face Inter Miami on Saturday in Commerce City, Colorado.
The Rapids (4-3-0, 12 points) had an impressive 6-2 victory against the Houston Dynamo last Saturday. Rafael Navarro and Kosi Thompson each scored two goals, while Josh Atencio added one. There was also an own goal from Houston in stoppage time.
In contrast, Inter Miami, which won its first MLS Cup just four months ago, saw coach Javier Mascherano resign on Tuesday for personal reasons. The Herons (3-1-3, 12 points) managed a 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls last Saturday and appointed sporting director Guillermo Hoyos as the interim coach.
Hoyos has known Miami’s star forward, Lionel Messi, for over 20 years from their time at Barcelona‘s La Masia academy. “Friendship is not negotiated,” Hoyos said regarding Messi. “We have a long friendship that includes many players we’ve worked with in different countries.”
He added, “But that friendship doesn’t mean we can be all over him every day. Respecting his privacy is important. We must be cautious and proceed carefully while aiming to grow in this new situation. Being with the best player ever on the field is an incredible opportunity, and I am very thankful.”
Following their strong performance, Colorado coach Matt Wells and players Navarro, Thompson, and Atencio were all named to the Team of the Matchday. The Rapids have scored 19 goals this season, the highest in Major League Soccer alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Dante Sealy, a forward for Colorado, scored in a U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha but is still looking for his first MLS goal. “I advised him to focus on the process and habits, and that goals will follow,” Wells said about Sealy. “If you focus too much on scoring, you might struggle.”