Quick Recap/Preview

I will be occupied with a family memorial for my uncle this weekend unfortunately so I won't have time to do a proper preview for Sunday's LAFC game.  I also likely won't be able to watch much of it either.  Before we get to that tough, a couple of news updates.

Yesterday the Rapids signed Keita to a new contract through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026.  Keita has yet to play a minute for the first team after blowing out his ACL in preseason last year and still recovering form that and another injury this season.  Reports from people who have seen him playing for Rapids 2 have been positive though.  Obviously the coaching staff sees something in him if they're willing to give him a 2+1 deal.  They should have a pretty good idea of how he fits into the team at this point, so its really a matter of if he's good enough quality to help the first team.  That's not something any of the fans will be able to tell until he gets playing time.

Also Rapids Communications Director Omar Gonzalez said on Twitter that they've heard the feedback about the Padraig Smith press availability on Monday and they would be working to set up a second session next week.  Lets hope the digital media team takes a back seat at this one.

Now, the LAFC game.  First of all Hurricane Hilary is expected to hit Baja California early Sunday morning and work its way up the coast into the LA region by Sunday afternoon/evening and is expected to still be at Tropical Storm strength when it gets there.  So there's a very good chance that this games gets delayed or rescheduled depending on the exact timing and strength of the storm.  Even if it does get played, expect it to be very wet.

Reports from training this week is that everyone was there and participating except for Max and Jack Price, for obvious reasons.  Both Navarro and Tavares have their paperwork and are available for selection as well.  I'm assuming some players may not be 100% yet, so I don't expect a completely empty injury report, but Fraser should have the ability to put out his best possible lineup minus the season-ended players above.

That said, I don't think that will be enough.  LAFC is going to be hot after choking against Monterrey last Friday and giving up a 2 goal lead in the second half.  They're also at home and in rhythm, while the Rapids haven't played in closed to three weeks.  We've seen under Robin that this team has a hard time restarting after a long break.  We lose 2-1, but Navarro gets his first in burgundy.