"Fireworks Spectacular: Colorado Rapids to Host State's Largest Public Display at DSG Park today after match vs Sporting KC

Following a 2-0 triumph over Austin FC at home, Sporting Kansas City will be traveling this week to play against the fourth-ranked Colorado Rapids in a Fourth of July clash. The game is slated to kick off at 8:40 p.m. CT on Thursday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

The team's challenging run of games began positively on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Austin FC at Children's Mercy Park. This win marked Sporting Kansas City's first clean sheet in 17 regular season matches, as the defense limited Austin to zero shots on target and only two shot attempts in total - the lowest by an opponent in an MLS match since 2016.

Left defender Tim Leibold scored first, making him Sporting's 15th different goal scorer this season, the most in MLS. This earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday. Meanwhile, Stephen Afrifa came off the bench to score his third goal in his last four MLS appearances. The 23-year-old winger, who was drafted eighth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, is now tied for second on the team with four goals this year in all competitions, alongside Alan Pulido and Erik Thommy.

Under first-year head coach Chris Armas, Colorado has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in 2024 after finishing last in the Western Conference the previous year. Armas' roster is led by the Designated Player duo of Djordje Mihailovic (nine goals, eight assists) and Rafael Navarro (11 goals, three assists), as well as U22 Initiative Player Cole Bassett (six goals, three assists) and MLS All-Star Keegan Rosenberry on the backline.

The hosts are seeking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss against LAFC, where the Rapids, boasting the highest expected goals value in MLS this season (44.1) thanks to nine penalty kicks, were unable to score for the first time in 16 games. Kevin Cabral, the Designated Player, was shown a red card and will face a one-match suspension on Thursday. Furthermore, Colorado will have to do without defender Moise Bombito, who is away on international duty with Canada at Copa America.

Sporting and Colorado, both MLS charter clubs from the league's inaugural season in 1996, have faced each other 88 times in all competitions. The Rapids are the most frequent opponent for Sporting KC, and SKC currently holds the series advantage with a 35-31-22 record. Despite this, Sporting has suffered losses in each of the team's past seven regular season road matches and has not won in 10 consecutive trips (0-5-5) to Dick's Sporting Goods Park since 2015.

The 28th annual 4THFEST will be held at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on Thursday, July 4, hosted by the Colorado Rapids in partnership with the City of Commerce City. The event will feature a Major League Soccer match between the Rapids and Sporting Kansas City, presented by UCHealth. capping off the day's festivities will be the biggest public fireworks display in Colorado.

“4THFEST is a fantastic way to celebrate Independence Day here in Commerce City, both for our residents and visitors from around the region,” said Commerce City Mayor Steve Douglas. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Rapids once again and invite everyone to enjoy July 4 with great family activities, soccer, and a top-notch fireworks show at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park!”

The 4THFEST festivities at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park commence at 5:00 p.m. MT and will be held outside the stadium prior to the Rapids' match against SKC. The family-friendly festival is complimentary and will feature a variety of activities, including a live DJ, a bounce house, soccer darts, a rock-climbing wall, bungee trampolines, an inflatable slide, a mechanical bull, a trackless train, the UCHealth Training Zone, and more. Access to the 4THFEST celebration outside the stadium is open to the public and does not require a ticket, located on the south side of the stadium.

Wayne Brant, Colorado Rapids Chief Business Officer, expressed, "4THFEST is a longstanding tradition for the Rapids and remains one of our club’s most beloved events. It is always a special occasion to celebrate the beautiful game and Independence Day with our community. We are excited to collaborate with Commerce City for a memorable day of entertainment both on and off the pitch."

For the second year in a row, the Rapids will host a free Block Party open to the public as part of the 4THFEST experience. The party will feature a live DJ, drink specials, local food trucks, and an LED wall streaming the Rapids match against SKC. To alleviate traffic, residents near the stadium are encouraged to ride their bikes and secure them at the free Park Everything Lot, located on the east side of the stadium between Gates B and C.