Colorado Rapids vs LAFC an underdog’s dream against a cursed giant in Concacaf clash | OneFootball

Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles FC face off in a huge Concacaf Champions Cup game. Not only an avenue to the next round on the line, but a clash of two teams that exist in quite different worlds in MLS and internationally.

On the one side, the Colorado Rapids are trying to overcome an obstacle that has kept them from progressing on the international stage for decades. On the other, LAFC, a team that has painfully almost won the Champions Cup twice, is determined to finally lift the trophy.

Colorado Rapids look to make history

The Rapids enter this year's Concacaf Champions Cup eager to look beyond a humble history in the tournament. With five bids in team history and only two trips to the Round of 16 (2018, 2022), Colorado has a clear objective: move further and prove they can compete on an elite international level of competition.

The Rapids' previous advancement in international competition was in 2022 when they were beaten by Guatemala's Comunicaciones FC on penalty shootout. Being faced with much stronger opponents this time, more than good intention will be needed to avoid yet another early ousting.

Keeping history in mind, there is room for concern. The Rapids have won just one of their last five Champions Cup matches and scored once from the last five. And to further exacerbate their problems, they've lost the last two first-leg knockout games. History favors none, but if they're looking to flip their fortunes around, they're going to need to give an unblemished performance.

Key players for the Colorado Rapids

If the Rapids are to stage the upset against LAFC, a few players must step up to the plate. USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen will be instrumental in fending off the attacking firepower of the opponent. Meanwhile, forward Djordje Mihailovic and Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro must be clinical with the limited chances they get.

Another potential bonus? Home-field advantage. The Rapids will have to turn Dick's Sporting Goods Park into a fortress if they're to take the initiative in this tie.

LAFC looks to end Champions Cup curse

Los Angeles FC enters the tournament with a weight on their shoulders. They were runners-up in the 2020 and 2023 iterations of the tournament, having been so close twice but still carrying the unwanted record of being the most finals-appearing MLS club without lifting any trophy.

But if LAFC is good at one thing, it's winning. In their last two showings, they led multiple offensive metrics, proving to be a team to be reckoned with in the Concacaf Champions Cup. In 2023 alone, for example, they created an impressive 108 goal opportunities — more than any other squad in the competition.

To rewrite history once and for all and claim the title, LAFC must shake off the ghosts of past finals and start their campaign on a positive note. And against Colorado, it is hard not to consider the Los Angeles team as the favorite.

LAFC's marquee stars

While the Rapids do have some of the most important pieces, LAFC is a team brimming with experience and talent. Denis Bouanga, who scored the 2023 Champions Cup Golden Boot seven goals, is still the club's primary attack threat. However, the greatest acquisition for this tournament is Olivier Giroud. The French World Cup-winning forward is debuting in the tournament, and he could be the missing piece of the puzzle LAFC has finally needed to bring home the championship.

With a deadly attack and a strong midfield, LAFC has everything it needs to overwhelm — but they'll need to show that they've learned from previous errors.

Head-to-head history and notable statistics

This will be the 14th match between Los Angeles FC and Colorado Rapids but the first in Concacaf Champions Cup. Based on the total record, LAFC is strongly favored with eight victories, four defeats, and a single draw.

The latest encounters also present a stark narrative of LAFC's dominance. The teams clashed three times in 2024, with LAFC claiming two wins, most notably a decisive 4-0 victory in the semifinals of the Leagues Cup. The Rapids' sole win came in the form of a thrilling 3-2 comeback earlier during the year.

Historically, LAFC's edge extends beyond head-to-head rivalry. Although the Rapids have never progressed past the Round of 16, LAFC has reached the final twice — though fell short on both occasions.

For LAFC, this match is just the start of an even larger dream. For Colorado Rapids, it's a chance to create history and alter the script.