5 p.m. vs. Colorado Rapids Ch. 29, 1500-AM

Trends are down for Rapids, up for United

Preview: Minnesota United's first positive result in an otherwise disastrous start to the season came in a 2-2 draw at the Colorado Rapids on March 18. And now the upward-trending Loons (1-4-2) will look for an even better outcome at home Sunday against struggling Colorado (1-3-1). The Rapids are below United in last place in the Western Conference standings and have lost both of their road matches this season. Colorado hasn't won since its season opener.

Players to watch: Both forward Christian Ramirez (five goals, one assist) and midfielder Kevin Molino (three goals, three assists) have six points in seven matches. Center back Brent Kallman also will likely face off against his former Woodbury High School and Creighton college teammate, right back Eric Miller, who sat out the teams' last meeting.

Numbers: Colorado is missing two pieces of its already thin defense because of suspensions. Goalkeeper Tim Howard will serve the second match of a three-match suspension for an altercation with a fan while center back Jared Watts is suspended for a red card.

Injuries: United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth (concussion), midfielder Rasmus Schuller (hip) and defender Marc Burch (groin) are questionable while midfielder Bernardo Anor (leg) and defender Thomas de Villardi (Achilles' tendon) are out. Nana Boateng (back) and Axel Sjoberg (hamstring) are out for Colorado.

Megan Ryan