The Colorado Rapids are gearing up for a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash against Mexican powerhouse Club América in the Leagues Cup on Saturday night, as they aim to extend their impressive run in the tournament.
The winner of this showdown will go on to face either Seattle Sounders FC or LAFC in the semifinals on August 21, bringing them one step closer to the final on August 25.
This competition, styled after the World Cup, features a total of 47 clubs, with 18 coming from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS, all taking a break from their domestic campaigns to compete in this month-long event. The eventual champion will be crowned, with the top three finishers earning a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Darren Yapi’s dramatic 96th-minute goal in the previous round secured the Rapids a spot in the quarterfinals, adding to the excitement of their Leagues Cup journey.
Head coach Chris Armas has breathed new life into the Colorado squad, guiding them to three consecutive victories over Mexican opposition. They narrowly edged past Club Léon on penalties before defeating Juárez and Toluca in the knockout stages.
On the other hand, América, who had a Group Stage bye, showcased their quality in wins against Atlas FC and St. Louis CITY SC. Brian Rodríguez, a former LAFC player, was the standout performer with two goals against St. Louis, helping his team progress to the quarterfinals under the guidance of manager André Jardine.
This year’s Leagues Cup campaign is already an improvement for América, who suffered a shock exit at the hands of Nashville SC in the Round of 16 last season. The team will be looking to make amends and go all the way in the competition this time around.
