Colorado Rapids sit in the middle of the table, but Chris Armas says that only adds to the excitement as they prepare to host Orlando City in MLS.

The Rapids are currently ninth in the Western Conference on 22 points, but are part of a tightly packed group, with fifth and 10th separated by just six points.

Colorado have struggled in recent weeks, though; after recording back-to-back 1-0 victories, they have lost consecutive games against Portland Timbers and Austin FC.

Armas says his players are ready for the challenge of Orlando, as they look to continue a playoff charge.

"Disappointment is an emotion that goes away quickly after a game," Armas said. "We don't keep the highs from winning for long either.

"Emotion is short-lived around here. There's lots of competition in the team with half a season to play and so much to play for. we're in the middle of the table, so we've got a lot of excitement for what's ahead.

"We're focused and dialed in. We're really showing up every day with urgency and knowing we want to grab points at home."

Orlando, meanwhile, are eighth in the East, with 27 points, and lost their last two games before the international break.

Consecutive losses to Atlanta United and Chicago Fire, where they conceded three goals in each, dealt them a blow, but head coach Oscar Pareja is confident Orlando can bounce back on Saturday.

"[Colorado] are a team that have been finding their best version," he said.

"We've looked at their strengths and weaknesses, but we are focused on making sure we do our best and put our team's preference in how we play forward so we can attack them.

"It's a place we respect, but we're very optimistic and our preparation has been perfect so far."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Nico Hansen

The sixth-minute goal scored by Austin FC against Colorado on Saturday was the first time the Rapids conceded inside the opening 15 minutes of a match this regular season.

Colorado were one of three teams (Minnesota United, New England Revolution) that had not allowed a goal before the 16th minute this season, and Nico Hansen will be aiming to avoid letting in another early goal.

Orlando City – Martin Ojeda

Martin Ojeda recorded his 24th career regular-season assist in Orlando City's last match, a defeat to Chicago Fire on May 31, equaling Chris Mueller for second-most in club history.

Only Mauricio Pereyra (45) has recorded more regular-season assists for the Lions in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Orlando City have won five of their eight all-time meetings with Colorado, including a 2-0 home win in 2023, the last meeting between the sides. Colorado are unbeaten in their last two at home against Orlando, including their lone win over the Lions, a 2-1 victory in 2020.

Orlando were on a strong run after going unbeaten in 12 straight regular-season matches, equaling a club record, but they have since lost two league matches in a row. They have only lost three straight regular-season matches once since the start of the 2023 season, doing so in March 2024.

Colorado, meanwhile, have lost five of their last seven matches (W2), including the last two in a row. The Rapids had suffered just three defeats in their first 12 matches in all competitions in 2025 (W5 D4).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 27.4%

Draw – 24%

Orlando City – 48.6%