The Rapids have built impressive momentum over the course of the 2024 Leagues Cup. After a 4-0 loss to the Portland Timbers in the Leagues Cup’s opening match on August 1, Colorado rebounded with a penalty shootout win over Club León to advance from Group West 5. The Rapids have since eliminated Liga MX teams FC Juárez, Toluca FC and top-seeded Club América to reach the Leagues Cup semifinals for the first time.

Under coach Chris Armas, the Rapids are currently enjoying a resurgent MLS regular season after finishing last in the Western Conference in 2023. They currently sit fourth in the West with 41 points from 26 games played.

The Rapids’ attack in the Leagues Cup is led by Rafael Navarro, who has two goals and one assist in the tournament. Zack Steffen is considered a strong candidate for the Leagues Cup’s best goalkeeper award based on his performances against Club León (a 1-1 draw at full time) and his clean sheet against heavily favored Club América.

LAFC has a record of 7 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw against the Rapids in all competitions over the years. The teams will meet for the third time in 2024, with each club having won their home game in the 2024 MLS regular season.

Facing a familiar conference opponent in a high-stakes game, Cherundolo said, “is like trying to catch an eel with your bare hands. It’s difficult sometimes if you’re not careful. It slips away from you. It’s important for us to master transition moments as best we can, and we’ve done that well in the past, but then there’s set pieces. If we can master those two phases of the game, I think we’re in a good position to win.”