St Louis CITY2 (4-6-6, 23 points) is back in action against Colorado Rapids 2 (10-1-3, 35 points) at CITYPARK on Sunday, July 2. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. CT and will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Earlier this season, CITY2 travelled to the Centennial State for a clash with the then-perfect Colorado Rapids 2. Although each side had its share of scoring opportunities, neither team found the back of the net, so the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Christian Olivares made an important save in shootouts to lift CITY2 to its 5-4 victory for the extra point. With the draw, CITY2 picked up the first result by a road team against Rapids 2 since August 21, 2022.
A result this time around would extend CITY2’s unbeaten streak to three matches. Against Minnesota last week, CITY2’s defense was on full display as they held their opponents to zero (0) shots on goal. It was a highlight game for goalkeeper Eric Walker, who earned his first clean sheet of the season and made two saves in shootouts to help CITY2 claim the additional point after the teams drew 0-0 in regulation.
Defense has been a calling card for CITY2 this season, with the team leading the league in interceptions (226). Among the ten players with the most interceptions in MLS NEXT Pro this season, three (3) of them play for CITY2 (Michael Wentzel - 35, Ezra Armstrong - 31 and Sergio Rivas - 31). Rivas is also third in the league in tackles won (28).
CITYPARK has been a fortress for CITY2 as of late, with the team getting results in four of their last five contests at home to secure nine (9) of 15 possible points. In matchups where CITY2 played a team for the second time this season, the team is 1-1-2 (7 points).
Rapids 2 are coming off a 5-1 trouncing of Galaxy II last week, getting a win after their record-breaking twelve-game unbeaten streak came to an end the week prior. Driving an offense that ranks first in goals scored (36), shots on target (91) and assists (28) is midfielder Yosuke Hanya, whose nine goals are second most in the league. On the road this season, Rapids 2 are 5-0-1 (17 points) with a plus-12 goal differential.
