Colorado Rapids vs Club Santos Laguna Prediction & Picks - Leagues Cup

Prediction published on 7/31/25, 6:16 PM  by Erik Gibbs in Leagues Cup Picks

The Colorado Rapids host Santos Laguna in a Leagues Cup group game that comes as a season-reset opportunity for each team. The Rapids have been patchy in MLS games but nevertheless still show moments of progress with manager Chris Armas. They’ve picked up vital points recently, for example, a 3-0 home win over Vancouver and a dramatic 3-3 away come-from-behind draw from 0-3 down against Seattle after two Michael Barrios goals. While they lost 3-1 away to Philadelphia recently, their record away from home has been generally better, with just one loss from their last five away from home, way up high, in Denver.

It is a result of a brighter midfield and their hunger for a fast-tempo, attacking game. They have scored two or more times in four of their last six games and are no longer stodgy side that were rock bottom of the West a year ago.

Still, defensive slips remain a point of concern, especially against sides with transition-quality. The elevation, though, benefits the Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, especially come the second half, as away sides tire. The club feels that they get to draw confidence from the Leagues Cup and a marquee home win to give to their fans.

Santos Laguna enter the competition with more questions than answers. Santos were a team to be feared in Liga MX, but they’ve been inconsistent for a number of seasons. The campaign began with a 3-0 away victory over Pumas, but they then lost to Toluca and Puebla. Defensively, they’ve been poor, conceding seven goals across three league games. Away form has been a weakness, with Santos having lost their previous six league away games.