Pablo Mastroeni

MLS Playoffs Preview and Prediction: Colorado Rapids vs LA Galaxy

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: MLS Cup Playoffs (Western Conference Semifinal – Second Leg) – Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Sunday, November 6 – 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT) 

Match Odds: Colorado 1/1 – Draw 11/5 – LA Galaxy 11/4 

Match Preview

A place in the Western Conference Final is up for grabs on Sunday as Colorado Rapids welcome LA Galaxy to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the biggest game of the 2016 MLS campaign for these sides.

Colorado have work to do, they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg last weekend. They are still more than in the game and know they are capable of progressing.

The Rapids now haven’t beaten Galaxy in their last three attempts, but the last meeting here ended with a Colorado win.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side are under a huge amount of pressure to perform, they just need to keep a calm mentality and start well. If they can get an early goal, or most importantly, the first goal in the game, the momentum will swing their way.

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LA Galaxy’s fate is in their own hands, avoid defeat and they’ve reached the Western Conference final, yet this game will be anything but straightforward.

Bruce Arena will be fully aware his side are going to be under pressure from the moment they step out to warm up. The Colorado fans are going to do everything possible to make this an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Giovani dos Santos’ strike was enough to give Galaxy a lead into the second leg, but it is a slender one, he, like many of LA’s star-players are going to have to dig deep and show what they’re made of.

Galaxy have plenty of players with big-game experience they will be relying on here. The LA defence are going to expect to face more than one shot on their goal as they did in the first leg, so it is important they’re switched on from the get-go.

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Team News

Colorado Rapids are expecting to be without Dillon Serna and Marlon Hairston for the second leg. Mastroeni’s starting XI are going to have to give everything from the off to ensure they give Galaxy their hardest game of the season.

LA Galaxy will be without Gyasi Zardes, while Steven Gerrard remains a doubt as continues to struggle with a hamstring injury.

Key Points

Colorado Rapids’ last five: W/W/L/D/L

LA Galaxy’s last five: L/W/D/W/W

Key Stat: Fortress – Colorado are unbeaten in their last 17 games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. They need to make their home advantage count if they’re going to progress.

Key Player: Brian Rowe – The Galaxy ‘keeper is going to need to be at his best. Colorado are going to throw everything at him in this tie, he will be relied on as the last line of defence. Rowe will be looking to slow the game down all the while the result is in Galaxy’s favour, that will break up the flow of the tie and frustrate the Rapids.

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Score Prediction

Colorado Rapids 1-1 LA Galaxy – Colorado to fall short in the semis. This has the makings of a cagey game with little to split the sides, much like the first leg. Galaxy will be looking to finish the job off, but know they could well regret not bringing a bigger advantage into the second leg if they’re not careful.

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MLS Preview and Prediction: Seattle Sounders vs Colorado Rapids

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids

Venue: CenturyLink Field – Saturday, May 21 – 22:00 ET (03:00 BST)

Match Odds: Seattle 19/20 – Draw 12/5 – Columbus 3/1

Match Preview

Seattle Sounders welcome high-flying Colorado Rapids to CenturyLink Field on Saturday evening in a game which has the makings for a great fixture.

Seattle saw their two-game winning streak come to an end last time out as they lost 2-0 against Dallas, it was their second loss in their last five outings.

Sigi Schmid’s side sit 8th in the Western Conference on 13 points, trailing the top six by four points. They need to continue to improve on what has slow start to the 2016 campaign if they are to make the playoffs.

Sounders have already lost to Colorado this season, which was their first defeat to the Rapids after a five-game winning streak beforehand.Seattle Sounders vs Philadelphia Union

Colorado extended their unbeaten run to seven games after their 1-1 draw away at Columbus last time out. They have won five of those seven outings and are proving difficult opponents to breakdown.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side reamain top of the Western Conference on 24 points and lead the way in the Supporters’ Shield standings by seven points.

The Rapids are unbeaten on the road in three and have been impressive so far this season. They have conceded the fewest amount of goals in Major League Soccer.

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Team News

Seattle Sounders have just one injury concern as Roman Torres remains out.

Colorado Rapids have three injury concerns. Sean St. Ledger, Eric Miller and Marco Pappa are all expected to miss out.

Key Points

Seattle Sounders’ last five: W/L/W/W/L

Columbus Crew’s last five: W/D/W/W/D

Key Stat: Seattle Sounders are in a great run of form at CenturyLink Field, winning four games on the bounce at home.

Key Player: Jordan Morris – The Sounders forward had scored in four consecutive games up until last weekend. His run of goals matched the all-time MLS record for a scoring run by a rookie.

Seattle Sounders vs Philadelphia Union Jordan Morris

Score Prediction

Seattle Sounders 1-1 Colorado Rapids – The sides to share the points in a low scoring tie. Seattle will feel confident of taking on anyone who visits CenturyLink Field at the moment considering their great home form, while Colorado aren’t losing games, so this has the makings of an intriguing tie with two sides cancelling each other out.

MLS Preview and Prediction: Colorado Rapids vs Sporting Kansas City

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Wednesday, May 11 – 21:00 ET (02:00 GMT) 

Match Odds: Colorado 19/20 – Draw 12/5 – Kansas City 3/1

Match Preview

Colorado Rapids welcome Sporting Kansas City to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday evening in the first outing of a double gameweek for both of these sides.

Colorado are in fine form as they sit top of the Western Conference and lead the way in the Supporters’ Shield standings by two points.

Pablo Mastroeni will be delighted with how his side have performed so far this season. They come into this tie off the back of their 1-0 home win against Real Salt Lake, which was their 5th consecutive home win of the 2016 campaign. They have scored eight goals in that run and only conceded two.

The Rapids will be full of confidence heading into the game. They are unbeaten in their last six games and have won the last three meetings between the sides, including their 2-1 win over SKC earlier in the season.

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Sporting Kansas City are experiencing a difficult patch of form. They come into this tie off the back of their 2-0 away loss to Houston.

SKC won their first two away games of 2016 but are winless in four on the road since then, losing three and drawing one. They have scored five goals in those six away games.

Peter Vermes will be disappointed with how recent results have gone and his side now sit 6th in the Western Conference, which is disappointing considering they had won four of their first five games in the 2016 regular season.

Sporting Kansas City haven’t won any of their last six games, their longest winless run since 2011 where that tally extended to ten games, something the SKC fans will be fearing could happen again.

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Team News

Colorado Rapids have three injury concerns ahead of this tie as Sean St Ledger, Eric Miller and Marco Pappa all look set to miss out.

Sporting Kansas City have just the two injury concerns. Kevin Ellis is out, while Soni Mustivar is a doubt. Neither of the sides have any players suspended or nearing suspension.

Key Points

Colorado Rapids’ form: W/W/W/D/W

Sporting Kansas City’s form: L/L/D/D/L

Key Stat: Colorado have won all five of their home games so far this season, which is the same amount they managed in all of their home games in the 2015 campaign.

Key Player: Jermaine Jones – The Rapids midfielder has been a great addition to their squad. He has netted three goals in his four appearances so far this season and is one of the league’s most complete midfielders.

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Score Prediction

Colorado Rapids 2-0 Sporting Kansas City – The Rapids are in a fine run of form and face a SKC side who seem to be lacking confidence. Given how good Colorado have been at home this season it would be surprising to see anything other than three points once again at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for Mastroeni’s side.

MLS Preview and Prediction: Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Sporting Kansas City vs. Colorado Rapids

Venue: Sporting Park – Wednesday, April 13 – 20:30 ET (01:30 BST)

Match Odds: Sporting KC 5/6 – Draw 12/5 – Colorado 7/2

Match Preview

Sporting Kansas City welcome Colorado Rapids to Sporting Park in an all-Western Conference clash on Wednesday evening. 

SKC are leading the way in the Supporters’ Shield standings after their impressive start to the season which has seen them lose just the once. They take on FC Dallas this coming weekend and will be hoping to continue their run of form by taking maximum points in this double gameweek.

Peter Vermes’ side come into this one off the back of their solid 2-0 away win over New York Red Bulls on Saturday and will be brimming with confidence. SKC have been solid at the back so far this season and opponents have struggled to breach their defence.

Last season’s meeting at Sporting Park saw Sporting Kansas City’s suffer their first home loss to Colorado since 2002, ending a 15-game unbeaten streak against the Rapids.

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Colorado have had a solid start to the 2016 regular season and are sitting sixth, in a playoff spot, in the Western Conference as a result.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side have won two, drawn one and lost two of their five fixtures so far. They come into this one off the back of their 1-0 loss away at Real Salt Lake last time out and will be hoping to bounce back immediately.

The Rapids won two of the three meetings between these sides last season, but as previously mentioned they have historically struggled away against SKC. If Mastroeni’s side can take a win from this game it will go a long way to showing Rapids fans they are capable of putting their away struggles against SKC to an end.

Colorado’s next fixture sees them take on New York Red Bulls at home. Rapids fans will be optimistic about taking two positive results out of this double gameweek and continue building towards a push for the playoffs.

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Team News

Sporting Kansas City could be without up to five players through injury. Justin Mapp, Matt Besler, Brad Davis and Soni Mustivar are all expected to miss out, while Paulo Nagamura is a doubt.

Colorado Rapids are also expecting to be without five through injury. Sean St.Ledger, John Berner, Kevin Doyle, Jared Watts and Marlon Hairston are all out. Jermaine Jones is serving the final game of his ban he picked up in last season’s playoffs and so his debut is not too far away.

Key Points

Sporting Kansas City’s last five: W/W/W/L/W

Colorado Rapids’ last five: L/W/D/W/L

Key Stat: Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids have the joint best defensive records so far this season, with both sides only conceding three goals in their five outings respectively.

Key Player: Dom Dwyer – The SKC forward has got off a strong scoring start this campaign, with three in five. He netted in his side’s win last weekend and will be looking to cause the Rapids trouble in this midweek clash.

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Score Prediction

Sporting Kansas City 2-1 Colorado Rapids – Despite Colorado ending their winless run away against SKC they are likely to struggle here considering how strong the home side have been at the start of this season. As the saying goes, old habits die hard.

MLS Preview and Prediction: Colorado Rapids vs LA Galaxy

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy 

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Saturday, March 12 – 19:00 ET (00:00 GMT) 

Match Odds: Colorado 19/10 – Draw 12/5 – Galaxy 11/8

Match Preview

Colorado Rapids welcome LA Galaxy to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for their first home outing of the 2016 MLS regular season on Saturday night.

Colorado lost their opener 1-0 away at San Jose Earthquakes, leaving them with just one win in their last nine MLS outings.

The Rapids only won one of their first five games in 2015 and they cannot afford to have another poor run at the start of this season otherwise they will find themselves struggling early on.

Pablo Mastroeni will be hoping his side can pick up a result here to give the players and fans a real boost for their upcoming games – considering LA Galaxy’s impressive start to the 2016 season, this would be more than welcomed.

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LA Galaxy got off to a flyer, winning 4-1 at home against DC United on Sunday. They now sit top of the Western Conference and have the best goal difference across both conferences heading into Week 2.

Bruce Arena’s side really impressed against DC United and came back with some force after finding themselves behind with just five minutes on the clock.

If Galaxy are to challenge for the Supporters’ Shield this campaign they are going to have to show the same determination they did last weekend throughout the season.

2015 wasn’t their best campaign and they looked limp on far too many occasions. Last weekend was a fantastic start to the season, something they must build upon here. Winning away from home proved difficult for LA in 2015 so it will be intriguing to see how they cope on Saturday evening.

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Team News

Colorado Rapids are expected to be without Sean St. Ledger. Fans will also have to wait another five games before they see Jermaine Jones make his debut as he is suspended.

LA Galaxy have a few injury concerns heading into this one. Dan Kennedy and Giovani Dos Santos both had to be replaced in the opener against DC and are unlikely to feature here, while Alan Gordon, Jeff Larentowicz and Leonardo are all doubts.

Key Points

Colorado Rapids’ form: L

LA Galaxy’s form: W

Key Stat: LA Galaxy are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the sides, winning three and drawing one and have scored 14 goals in those games.

Key Player: Nigel de Jong – The Galaxy holding midfielder made an impressive debut last weekend and he has the ability to keep the middle of the park calm. He can continue to make a good impression here and show why he can be the difference in keeping the Galaxy consistent this season.

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Score Prediction

Colorado Rapids 1-2 LA Galaxy – LA Galaxy should prove too much for Colorado in this one and will look to continue their unbeaten run against the Rapids. LA should be looking to take three points in games similar to this one all season and should be overpowering their opponents given the strength of Bruce Arena’s squad.

2016 MLS Season Preview: Colorado Rapids

/ Louis East / 2 Comments

As the 2016 MLS season edges closer, we’ll be publishing each team’s MLS 2016 Season Preview. Today we take a look at what the Colorado Rapids will be looking to achieve this year…

The Colorado Rapids endured another tough season in 2015, ending the year at the bottom of the Western Conference with the second-fewest wins in MLS. The optimistic Rapids supporter would suggest things can only improve, but in a fiercely competitive conference, that is no certainty. Pablo Mastroeni is a good head coach but he does not necessarily have a strong enough squad to challenge higher up the Western Conference. Colorado’s MLS Cup success in 2010 seems a long time ago now, and the worrying statistic for Rapids fans is that they failed to make the postseason for back-to-back years for the first time in their history last season. A third-straight year without playoff football would only intensify problems.

Last season’s finish:

Western Conference – Position: 10th – P34 – W9 – D10 – L15

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What needs to change this year?

The first thing Colorado need to do is start winning more games. That’s not easy, but it’s essential if things are to improve. Winning just nine games from 34 over the course of the regular season was a poor return. The Rapids drew more games (10) than any other side in MLS in 2015, with four of those ending 0-0, and so turning draws into wins will be a primary objective. To win matches Colorado need to score goals. They had the worst offensive record in MLS last term, scoring just 33 times, and improving their goal output is an absolute must.

Key changes to squad:

Ins: Marco Pappa – Midfielder, Zach Pfeffer – Midfielder, Zac MacMath – Goalkeeper, Shkelzen Gashi – Forward, Conor Doyle – Forward, Mekeil Williams – Defender & Eric Miller – Defender

Outs: Drew Moor – Defender, Vincente Sanchez – Midfielder, Gabriel Torres – Forward, Michael Harrington – Defender, Clint Irwin – Goalkeeper, Maynor Figueroa – Defender, Juan Ramirez – Midfielder & Marcelo Sarvas – Midfielder

Key Player:

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Kevin Doyle – Forward – As mentioned above, Colorado need to score more goals. The main man tasked with finding the net is Kevin Doyle. The Designated Player joined from Wolves at the midpoint of the 2015 season and went on lead the team in goals, scoring five. But that is the lowest tally a Rapids top goalscorer has recorded in the club’s 20-year history – speaking volumes of how poor their attack was. Doyle will need to lead the line from the start of the season and will hope to be a bright spark from the first week.

One to Watch:

Zach Pfeffer – Midfielder – Colorado’s trade for Zach Pfeffer from Philadelphia was an interesting one. The 21-year-old midfielder enjoyed his best season in MLS last term, making 21 appearances for the Union and ending the year with two goals and one assist. He will look to continue improving as a player in a Colorado shirt and should he be given the gametime he deserves, he could become a key player for the Rapids in 2016 and beyond.

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Predicted Finish:

Western Conference – 10th – As harsh as it may seem, it’s tough to see Colorado ending 2016 any higher than at the foot of the Western Conference again. The team have lost more players than they have brought in and don’t look like a side ready to bounce back and improve. They ended last season with five defeats from their last six and a slow start this year will put them under pressure from the outset.

What are you expecting from Colorado Rapids in 2016?

MLS Preview and Prediction: Portland Timbers vs Colorado Rapids

/ Ben Ashton / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids

Venue: Providence Park – Sunday, October 25 – 19:00 ET (23:00 GMT)

Match Odds: Portland Timbers 4/9 – Draw 100/30 – Colorado Rapids 6/1

Match Preview

Portland Timbers take on Colorado Rapids at Providence Park on Sunday evening as the home side look to secure a playoff spot on MLS Decision Day.

The Timbers are currently fourth in the Western Conference with 50 points, two ahead of fifth and sixth placed Seattle and SKC who both have 48, so a draw would do the job for Caleb Porter’s men.

Although, a victory for Portland would not only guarantee a top six finish but they could also sneak in through the back door to clinch an automatic semi-final spot should LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps both fail to win.

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Portland should come into this game full of confidence after an incredible performance last weekend saw them thrash LA Galaxy 5-2 away from home, sealing their third win in four games.

Portland Timbers’ MLS record: P33 – W14 – D8 – L11

Colorado Rapids cannot qualify for the playoffs and haven’t been able to for a while now – they will also certainly finish bottom of the Western Conference, irrelevant of their result here.

However, they did put an end to a run of four straight defeats with a remarkable 2-0 victory away at Sporting Kansas City in midweek to record their first win in seven games.

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Pablo Mastroeni’s side can play with freedom on Sunday in the knowledge that this is no more than a formality for them and there is no pressure other than to end on a high.

Colorado Rapids’ MLS record: P33 – W9 – D10 – L14

The Timbers won the last meeting between these two sides 2-1 back in May. They also beat the Rapids 2-1 the last time they met at Providence Park in July 2014. Colorado have beaten Portland just once in their last seven meetings (D2, L4).

Team News

Diego Valeri will miss the game for Portland Timbers through suspension after picking up too many yellow cards. Ben Zemanski (knee) remains a long-term absentee, while Will Johnson (leg) is a major doubt.

Colorado’s Michael Harrington (foot) is unavailable, while there are also doubts over the fitness of Drew Moor (foot), Dillon Serna (hamstring) and Jared Watts (toe). Sam Cronin is suspended after being sent off against SKC.

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Key Points

Portland Timbers’ last five: L/W/L/W/W

Colorado Rapids’ last five: L/L/L/L/W

Key Stat: Portland Timbers have recorded just one victory in their last six home games.

Key Player: Fanendo Adi – The big Nigerian forward is on fire. He’s bagged five goals in his last four games, including a brace at LA Galaxy last weekend. He’s a real handful and the Rapids will struggle to stop him.

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Score Prediction

Portland Timbers 3-1 Colorado Rapids – The Timbers should comfortably seal their playoff spot and if results go their way, they may even pinch an automatic semi-final place.

MLS Preview and Prediction: Colorado Rapids vs Houston Dynamo

/ Lewis Addley / Leave a comment

Competition: Major League Soccer – Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Wednesday, August 26 – 21:00 ET (02:00 BST)

Match Odds: Colorado Rapids 1/1 – Draw 23/10 – Houston Dynamo 5/2

Match Preview

Colorado Rapids take on Houston Dynamo at the bottom of the Western Conference in one of two midweek regular season games to start Week 26’s action.

Pablo Mastroeni’s side are still stuck at the foot of the Western Conference and will see this as a chance to close the gap on the sides above them. Five points separate the two teams ahead of the game and with time running out in the regular season, getting three points has become more crucial than ever.

The Rapids come into this one off the back of a good 1-0 win against Chicago Fire last weekend, which ended their three-game losing streak. Mastroeni will be eager for his side to put together a run of positive results and back-to-back wins would be a great lift for them.

The previous regular season meeting between the sides ended as a 0-0 draw and this could be a very similar tie in terms of how closely matched the two are.

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Houston Dynamo are sitting eighth in the Western Conference and will want to push on for a playoff spot with nine games to play.

Owen Coyle’s side come into this one off the back of a 2-2 draw against Portland Timbers. He will be frustrated with that result, given that Dynamo threw away their two-goal lead away from home.

Houston’s inconsistency and poor away form suggests this one could be a real test for them as taking all three points will prove difficult.

This is a great chance for Dynamo to go on a solid run of form, as they have back-to-back home games following this fixture and still have a chance of getting that vital top six spot.

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Team News

Colorado Rapids have four injury concerns. Luis Solignac is out, while Lucas Pittinari, James Riley and Joseph Greenspan are all doubts. Sam Cronin is suspended and Rapids have Jared Watts, Axel Sjoberg and Bobby Burling all one booking away from suspension.

Houston Dynamo could be without up to five for this one. Jermaine Taylor remains out, while Ricardo Clark, DaMarcus Beasley and Raul Rodriguez are doubts. Giles Barnes is questionable but could start. Kofi Sarkodie and Sheanon Williams are both one booking away from suspension.

Key Points

Colorado Rapids’ last five: W/L/L/L/W

Houston Dynamo’s last five: W/D/W/L/D

Key Stat: Houston Dynamo have won just twice in 13 regular season games on the road this season.

Key Player: Will Bruin – The Dynamo forward netted his tenth goal of the season in the 2-2 draw with Portland Timbers and will be looking to cause trouble for the struggling Rapids.

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Score Prediction

Colorado Rapids 1-1 Houston Dynamo – A cagey, tight tie between two sides who desperately want to move up the Western Conference.

Preview and Prediction: MLS All-Stars vs Tottenham Hotspur

/ Louis East / 2 Comments

Competition: 2015 MLS All-Star Game – MLS All-Stars vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Colorado – Wednesday, July 29 – 21:00 ET (02:00 BST)

Match Odds: MLS All-Stars 13/10 – Draw 12/5 – Spurs 6/4

Match Preview

The 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game will see the best in MLS take on Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in what should be a great game at the Colorado Rapids’ Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday night.

This will be the 11th time the best players in MLS have lined up against a club from Europe and Spurs will be the sixth Premier League club to take part in the match in what is their first All-Star appearance.

Tottenham have strong links across the USA with the likes of Kasey Keller, Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel and current squad member DeAndre Yedlin all plying their trade in England for the Lilywhites, so the club will see Wednesday’s match as another fantastic opportunity to expand their fanbase stateside.

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Mauricio Pochettino will watch his side face their toughest preseason test so far as the 2015 League Cup runners-up have only played low-key friendlies behind closed doors so far.

The MLS All-Stars beat Bayern Munich 2-1 last year as they put in a remarkable performance against the German giants and Spurs will be hoping to prevent the All-Stars from winning back-to-back games for the first time since 2008.

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The All-Stars have a 4-2-1 record against Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Manchester United and West Ham in past games and know they have a great chance in beating Spurs as they have what is probably the strongest ever MLS squad.

Stars such as Sebastian Giovinco, Laurent Ciman, Kaka and David Villa have all joined MLS this season and will make their All-Star debuts on Wednesday night alongside regular stars such as Clint Dempsey, Omar Gonzalez and Nick Rimando.

The MLS All-Star Games always guarantee goals and entertainment throughout. That should be no different on Wednesday as there will be a wealth of attacking talent on display from both sides.

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Spurs need to impress as their Premier League opener against Manchester United will be just 10 days away after the All-Star game ends, with a trip to Germany to face Real Madrid and then Bayern Munich or AC Milan in the Audi Cup taking place next week.

Team News

This year’s MLS All-Star squad is probably the strongest ever seen. World stars such as Kaka, David Villa and Clint Dempsey will all look to inspire the best in MLS to victory against Spurs on Wednesday night. Dempsey will be facing his former club and will be looking to shine. MLS leading goalscorers Sebastian Giovinco and Kei Kamara are also included as Pablo Mastroeni has a wealth of attacking talent to choose from. Frank Lampard and Obafemi Martins were selected but miss out through injury, with Dax McCarty replacing Lampard in a midfield slot. While Chris Tierney, Michael Bradley, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane have all pulled out late though injury. Gyasi Zardes, Juninho, Waylon Francis, Ethan Finlay and Sam Cronin have replaced them. Keane was set to face his former side but misses out.

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Spurs have taken a 25-man squad to Denver for their first-ever MLS All-Star game, though notable absentees include Vlad Chiriches, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado – all of whom are linked with moves away this summer. Familiar stars such as Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Hugo Lloris are all still included though as Mauricio Pochettino is likely to field a strong lineup. Former Seattle Sounders right-back DeAndre Yedlin will hope to start at right-back ahead of Kyle Walker and new signing Kieran Trippier, while fellow new arrivals Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer are both likely to see game time too.

Key Points

MLS All-Star’s last five: L/L/W/L/W

Tottenham’s last five: L/W/W/W/W

Key Stat: There have been 29 goals in the seven MLS All-Star games against Premier League opposition since 2005 – an average of 4.1 per game.

Key Players:

MLS All-Stars: Fabian Castillo – The Colombian speedster is always a threat on the wing and comes into the game off the back of five straight wins with FC Dallas. The All-Stars have a wealth of talent but Castillo is a player who will be desperate to impress and could enjoy a fast-paced battle with DeAndre Yedlin down the flank.

Tottenham: Harry Kane – Kane will be looking to pick up where he left off after an incredible Premier League season last term. He impressed on Tottenham’s US preseason tour last year and will look to bag at least one goal on American soil once again here.

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Score Prediction

MLS All-Stars 3-3 Tottenham – Expecting a really entertaining game in Colorado, though it’s difficult to pick a winner. Both teams should thrive in attack but could be vulnerable defensively to such quality players on both sides. This is not one you want to miss.

MUST WATCH: Drew Moor shows raw emotion after MLS All-Star selection for Spurs game

/ Louis East / Leave a comment

The 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star game might be viewed as little more than an exhibition game by some, but try telling Drew Moor that. The Colorado Rapids captain showed just how much it means for a player to represent the All-Star team when he learned of his call-up last night.

WATCH: Drew Moor reacts to MLS All-Star call-up for game against Tottenham Hotspur:

Moor has endured a tough year after suffering a serious knee injury that needed ACL repair last August and ruled him out of the first four games of the 2015 season, but the 12-year MLS veteran defender has been rewarded for his displays since with a first-ever All-Star call-up.

“I’ve always wanted to go to an All-Star Game, and individual awards are great, but it feels really good,” Moor said. “Hopefully my body of work has been enough to prove that I need to be in an All-Star Game, especially here in front of my home fans, which is awesome.

“It’s something that if I go out there and step on the field, I will give it absolutely everything. It has been a roller-coaster season and year for me, and to be picked to the All-Star Game is pretty special.”

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It will be even more special for the 31-year-old as he will play in front of his own fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park against Tottenham on Wednesday, July 29 if he takes to the field.

Moor will be competing with seven other defenders named to the prestigious roster but has a good chance of seeing some playing time as his current head coach Pablo Mastroeni will lead the All-Star team out against Spurs.

Moor is the first Colorado Rapids player to make the MLS All-Star squad since 2011 and is the only Rapids player on this year’s roster.

Some will question whether he should be included due to the Rapids’ poor league position, but he has played as part of a Colorado defence that has the second-best defensive record in MLS, having conceded just 19 times in 20 games.

If he does take to the field on July 29, he could be tasked with trying to keep Tottenham’s star striker Harry Kane quiet in what is sure to be a great game.

Does Drew Moor deserve to be an MLS All-Star? Should he start against Tottenham?