COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Last week’s win at Portland put a little extra spring in the Colorado Rapids’ step this week. And now the team’s confidence looks to be further boosted by the return to health and availability of some key players.
Although Marvell Wynne appears set to miss another game with his hamstring problem, Omar Cummings is expected to play a role when Colorado take on the LA Galaxy on Saturday night (Saturday, 9 pm ET, watch online).
The Jamaican striker, upset to be missing out on his country’s game with the US Sunday, has been out of action since May 4 with a stubborn ankle problem.
“It’s always going to be a big game for us and for our fans,” Cummings told MLSsoccer.com. “I always love the challenge against LA; it’s one of my favorite games.”
Also back is Sanna Nyassi, who returns from international duty after playing 80 minutes for Gambia in a 1-0 win over Gabon on June 7. He also took part in a four-day training camp in his native country.
On the other side, there is David Beckham. The Englishman will make his first appearance in Colorado since 2008. According to the Rapids, Beckham, who is second in the league with seven assists, is the player they must key on if they hope to stop the Western Conference leaders.
“David’s come back from that injury and there is a definite purpose in his game,” assistant coach Steve Guppy told MLSsoccer.com. “It will be a tough game for us, but they will be thinking the same.”
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is expected to be sold out on Saturday night. On paper at least, the crowds should be treated the marquee matchup of the weekend in MLS. While LA are unbeaten in eight games, the Rapids are unbeaten in nine.
“LA are in first place and we are at home,” Rapids defender Scott Palguta told MLSsoccer.com. “It’s always a great atmosphere. Beckham’s coming to town, we need the win, and it should be a great night.”
