Rapids to play 6 games in 22 days in return
The next phase of the Colorado Rapids’ season in set after Major League Soccer announced plans Saturday to resume play at home stadiums throughout the league.
The Rapids will kick things off against Real Salt Lake at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, Aug. 22, as part of a sixgame slate over 22 days to continue the 2020 MLS regular season.
Three games will be at home and three on the road with supporters initially unable to attend matches. Additional games and dates for the MLS Cup playoffs are expected to be announced at a later date.
“We’re excited to get back to action and to have our team playing games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park once again,” said general manager Pádraig Smith.
The Rapids say they’re working closely with MLS, local health authorities and government officials on the feasibility of safely hosting fans at some point during the season.
As for travel, the club will be flying in and out of cities on the day of the game in order to minimize risk.
“Everything we do is geared towards getting out on the field and performing, so the opportunity to go out and play games again, it’s something we are just incredibly excited about,” Smith said. “The travel piece of
Rapids schedule Date Opponent
22 26 29
5 6 12 at San Jose Houston at Salt Lake
Time
Real Salt Lake 7 p.m. at FC Dallas 6: p.m. Sporting K.C. 7 p.m. 8: p.m. 7 p.m. 7: p.m. it is going to come down to the protocols and making sure we do it in a sensible manner so that you know we can we can pull this off. Getting a 2020 season in is our goal.”
The Rapids were knocked out of the MLS is Back Tournament after going 0-2-1 in three matches. The competition was played in a “bubble” environment in Florida, so this new phase will present different challenges for the Rapids and MLS.
Rapids players have been outspoken about how well they feel their organization has done at creating a safe environment. Smith and Rapids executives Wayne Brant and Courtney Intara have been the most focused on player health in regards to COVID-19.
“We’ve taken this very, very seriously from the start and that’s the message that is coming from the very top of our organization,” Smith said. “That attitude will continue now as we return to market. We’ve had very strong protocols and we’ve taken it seriously. That has resonated with the players and they’ve shown a real sense to adherence to those protocols.”