FRISCO – FC Dallas returns to Toyota Stadium to continue their U.S. Open Cup title defense as the Colorado Rapids visit on Tuesday (7 p.m., FCDallas.com) in the Round of 16.
The home team will be looking to build off a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo, while the visitors will be looking for a rebound form their 1-0 loss to the hands of Atlanta United in Georgia.
Struggling Rapids
The Rapids were one of the best teams in MLS last season, finishing just two points behind the Supporters Shield winners FC Dallas with 58 points. But this season has been a very different story for the Rocky Mountains club. Despite adding Tim Howard, the Rapids sit dead last in MLS on 16 points.
Colorado is averaging just one point per game, and sport an overall record of 5-10-1. Colorado picked up two of those wins just this month, with 2-1 wins over the Columbus Crew and the Portland Timbers. The Rapids have scored the second-least goals in MLS with 15 on the season. A -8 goal difference in MLS play is a big reason they sit bottom of the table. But as we know, in Open Cup play, anything can happen. The Rapids would love to play spoilers to FC Dallas' title defense.
Last Time Out
(4-2-2) Tim Howard; Mekeil Williams, Eric Miller, Mike da Fonte, Dennis Castillo; Josh Gatt, Dillon Powers, Micheal Azira, Dillon Serna; Kevin Doyle, Caleb Calvert
Key to Three Points
Both sides are coming off matches over the weekend, but Dallas will have one more day of rest than the Rapids. The lineup picture has yet to become clear for either side. If Cristian Colman starts, he will have to score. The Rapids will have to strike quick while Dallas tries to settle in back at home - the first match at Toyota Stadium since June 3. The Texas club will want to defend home turf, and a trophy that means a lot to them.