Preview of NYCFC and Colorado Rapids match as Pigeons seek four games unbeaten

There is a high probability that New York City FC fans are still on the joyful high after the 5-0 win over Orlando City SC during the home opener last weekend.  It was a great performance, and the Boys in Blue should be proud of what they accomplished. Alas, that is in the past, and the page now turns to the next match.  NYCFC will play against the Colorado Rapids, whom they played in 2024.

In that game, NYCFC entered the fixture seeking their fourth win in a row.  Unfortunately, a poor display led to a 2-0 loss, which was also the first loss against the Rapids.  As such, the hope is that the Bronx side can extend their current unbeaten run to four games, and also improve on their 3-1-3 record against the visitors.

To do that, NYCFC should capture the defensive work from the Philadelphia Union win and then the offensive effort from last week.  It is vital that the Pigeons remember that they almost lost out on three points against the Union, and then Orlando struggled immensely, playing one of their worst fixtures in a long time.  Colorado, as of right now, will be a step up from the Florida team.

Continuing the unbeaten run is possible, but the team cannot become overconfident, nor should they ever do so.  Therefore, here is a preview of the match between NYCFC and the Colorado Rapids.    

NYCFC vs Colorado Rapids preview 

Date

NYCFC and the Rapids will face one another on Saturday, March 14.

Time

The match will begin at 7:30 PM.

Location

The fixture will take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV.

Weather

It will not be the coldest match, but NYCFC supporters will not experience the beautiful weather that they had earlier in the week, either.  It will be around 47 degrees, with the humidity at around 29%.  The winds will be high on Saturday, but should go down to about 14 mph in the evening.  The good news is that it will be a clear night, so there is no threat of rain.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), and Andrés Perea (leg) remain out for the Pigeons.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Keaton Parks.  His return has been everything the team and supporters could have asked for.  He has been brilliant in the midfield.  Of course, he scored his brace last week against Orlando to put the cherry on top of a goal-heavy evening.  Obviously, the midfielder will not score often, but his ability to move into the attack makes him a valuable asset and increases the threat in the final third.  Plus, he worked well with Aiden O’Neill, raising the question of whether it has been settled will be the main defensive midfield partners going forward.

In addition, fans should watch Paxten Aaronson on the Rapids.  The star player for the opposing team has had a decent start with Colorado since joining last summer and is influential in the midfield.  However, the player, who plays in the midfield and attacking midfield, has just one goal to his name from last year and then an assist this season.  But Aaronson can break out at any moment and turn into a huge star in MLS.  The Boys in Blue do not want that to happen against them.

Prediction

With the next game being against Inter Miami CF, the Pigeons will want to end Saturday with a win.  So, it is important to be positive.  That is why NYCFC will win 2-0, redeeming themselves from the last meeting in 2024 and continuing the unbeaten streak to start the 2026 season.