The Colorado Rapids have historically been a mediocre team on the road - their 4-6-5 record last year was good for the second best road mark in team history - but if they want to repeat as MLS Cup Champions or have a chance at winning the Supporters Shield they will have to improve upon that and at the very least have a winning record. That will start by defeating the less skilled teams in the league at their houses like Toronto and their opponent today, Chivas USA. Colorado hasn't lost to Chivas since 2009, but their last loss was at the Home Depot Center 2-1 on their first meeting that year.
Colorado will play today without their skilled striker Omar Cummings, with Cummings playing for Jamaica's national team. His most likely replacement will be new signing, former Hull striker Caleb Folan. Sanna Nyassi will also miss the game playing for his homeland of The Gambia. His most likely replacement is probably Wells Thompson. Against a competent Chivas back line and a good goalkeeper in Zach Thornton, the Rapids will need all the offensive support they can muster from their midfield with Cummings out. Conor Casey will be looking for his first goal of the season as the starting Target Forward.
Hopefully the game is not marred with cards, as of this writing every single game today in MLS has featured at least one red card.