Mikey Varas says San Diego FC are “on a mission to climb the table” as they look to bounce back from a disappointing result when they face the Colorado Rapids in MLS.
San Diego returned from the World Cup break with a 1-0 loss to the Rapids but then strung together a three-game unbeaten streak (W2 D1).
However, that was snapped in midweek despite a dominant performance with the ball as San Diego were beaten 3-1 by the Portland Timbers despite having 21 shots, 41 touches in the opposition box and 70% possession.
It was a result that leaves them 13th in the Western Conference, three points behind the Timbers in the final playoff place, and Varas made no excuses.
“We have to be disappointed and take accountability [for the loss to Portland],” he said.
“We hit a standard away to LAFC that we all wanted to keep and grow from, and ultimately, we’ve taken a bit of a step back in that.
“We know a lot about our squad right now and where we’re at, and I think we have a lot of guys who can contribute.
“It’s just a matter of each one of us being committed to stepping up at an individual level so we can be at our collective best because we’re on a mission to climb the table.”
Eyes forward. We’ll see you Saturday, San Diego pic.twitter.com/bbs1dS4XbS
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) August 20, 2026
Colorado, meanwhile, are seventh in the West after a run of three straight wins.
They have kept a clean sheet in all three of those games, edging past Los Angeles FC 1-0 last time out thanks to an own goal.
Despite their results, the Rapids still feel there is room for improvement as they attempt to keep their playoff push alive.
“It just comes down to little moments in the box,” Paxten Aaronson said. “We’re getting in all the right areas.
“I have no doubt that the team will click. Three straight wins. We’re still grinding out good wins. As long as you create those chances, it’s only a matter of time.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Diego FC – Jeppe Tverskov
San Diego controlled 70.1% of the possession in their defeat to Portland, with Jeppe Tverskov dictating the play.
He had 139 touches, as well as completing 116 of his 125 attempted passes – all game-highs – while he also created three chances for his team-mates.
Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro
Rafael Navarro recorded five shots in the win over Los Angeles FC, his fifth match this season with five or more shots.
All other Rapids players in 2026 have combined for three such matches.
Another home win Another South Bank Wave pic.twitter.com/1xKwuSrVXN
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 20, 2026
MATCH PREDICTION: SAN DIEGO FC WIN
The home side won all three previous meetings between San Diego and Colorado, including a 1-0 victory for the Rapids at home on July 22. The lone meeting between the sides in San Diego was a 2-0 victory for the hosts in May 2025.
San Diego have won only three of their last 17 regular-season matches (D6 L8) after opening the season with three straight wins.
They have not scored more than one goal in any of their last five matches after previously never going more than three straight games with under two goals.
As for Colorado, they have won three straight matches without conceding. It is the first time the Rapids have recorded three straight shutouts since March 2015, while they have never had four consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Diego FC – 48.3%
Draw – 23.1%
Colorado Rapids – 28.6%
