Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II Prediction: Preview and Betting Tips

Tacoma Defiance welcome Colorado Rapids II to Starfire Sports on 27 July 2026 in MLS Next Pro Group Stage action, with the hosts looking to consolidate a strong start and the visitors desperate to halt a brutal campaign. With both sides already 19 matches into their season, this fixture arrives at a point where trends are well established and points are at a premium.

Tacoma sit firmly in the playoff mix in the Pacific Division, while Colorado Rapids II are rooted to the bottom of the Frontier Division. The standings and underlying numbers suggest a clear gap in quality, yet the recent head-to-head history between these two clubs has often produced chaos, goals and the odd upset. That blend of contrasting form and unpredictable H2H patterns makes this an intriguing betting and tactical matchup.

With Tacoma boasting nine wins and no draws from 19 matches and Colorado Rapids II losing 16 of their 19, this looks like a classic clash between a high-variance contender and a struggling, leaky defense. Stats suggest Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II could again deliver goals and drama at Starfire Sports.

Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II Key Stats

• Tacoma Defiance have 27 points from 19 matches (9 wins, 10 losses) with a goal difference of -3 in the 2026 MLS Next Pro season.
• The most recent meeting at Starfire Sports on 22 September 2025 ended Tacoma Defiance 1-4 Colorado Rapids II in the MLS Next Pro Regular Season.
• In 2026 league statistics, Tacoma Defiance average 1.3 goals scored and 1.5 goals conceded per match, with 5 clean sheets across 19 fixtures.

Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 5 vs 7
• Points: 27 vs 12
• Goals For: 23 vs 17
• Goals Against: 26 vs 37
• Clean Sheets: Tacoma Defiance 5; Colorado Rapids II 2 (2026 league statistics)

Across 19 matches, Tacoma Defiance have put together a solid if inconsistent campaign. They sit 5th in the Pacific Division with 27 points, scoring 23 and conceding 26. Their record of 9 wins and 10 defeats underlines a high-risk, high-reward profile: they have not drawn a single match, and their goal difference of -3 reflects a side capable of both heavy wins and damaging losses.

Colorado Rapids II, by contrast, are enduring a torrid 2026 season. They are 7th in the Frontier Division on just 12 points from 19 games, with a goal difference of -20. Their 3 wins and 16 defeats, coupled with only 17 goals scored and a hefty 37 conceded, paint the picture of a team struggling at both ends of the pitch. While Tacoma’s defensive numbers are average, Colorado’s are outright poor, conceding more than two goals per match on average in the broader league statistics.

Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II Key Matchups

Tacoma attacking unit vs Colorado Rapids II back line

Without individual top scorers or assist leaders listed, the key battle is collective: Tacoma’s attack against Colorado’s porous defense. Tacoma’s 2026 league statistics show 25 goals across 19 matches, with an average of 1.3 goals per game and a notable scoring spike between minutes 46–60, where a significant share of their goals arrive. At home they average 1.2 goals scored and only 1.1 conceded, backed by 3 home clean sheets.

Colorado Rapids II, meanwhile, concede 2.2 goals per match overall in the 2026 league statistics, with 41 goals against in 19 games. Their defensive minute distribution shows they are vulnerable across multiple phases of the match, particularly from 31–60 minutes. If Tacoma maintain their typical second-half surge, this matchup strongly favours the hosts to create and convert chances after the interval.

Colorado Rapids II set pieces & penalties vs Tacoma defensive concentration

One of Colorado’s few strengths is their penalty efficiency: they have scored 6 of 7 penalties this season (an 85.71% conversion rate). Tacoma, on the other hand, concede an average of 1.5 goals per match and have one red card in the 76–90 minute window in their card distribution. A significant share of their yellow cards also comes after half-time.

If Colorado can draw fouls in dangerous areas, their strong record from the spot could be a leveller. Tacoma’s discipline and defensive concentration late in games will be crucial, especially given that a notable portion of their conceded goals comes in the final half-hour.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

This fixture has a rich recent history in MLS Next Pro, with both teams trading high-scoring wins home and away. Matches are often open and have regularly produced three or more goals.

• 22 September 2025: Tacoma Defiance 1-4 Colorado Rapids II (MLS Next Pro)
• 21 July 2025: Colorado Rapids II 6-4 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
• 25 March 2024: Tacoma Defiance 4-2 Colorado Rapids II (MLS Next Pro)
• 14 August 2023: Tacoma Defiance 1-3 Colorado Rapids II (MLS Next Pro)
• 19 June 2023: Colorado Rapids II 1-2 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)

Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II Prediction

Recent form and season-long numbers both lean heavily toward Tacoma Defiance. The prediction model gives Tacoma a 45% chance of victory, the draw also at 45%, and Colorado Rapids II just 10%. Tacoma’s last five matches show stronger attacking output (8 goals scored, 7 conceded, 1.6 scored per game), while Colorado’s last five sit at 5 scored and 7 conceded.

However, the H2H record warns against complacency: Colorado have won big at Starfire Sports before, including a 4-1 away win in September 2025. Both sides’ 2026 league statistics also point to goals: Tacoma matches average 2.8 total goals (25 for, 28 against), while Colorado’s average 3.1 (18 for, 41 against). With neither side drawing games this season and both defences conceding at least 1.5 goals per match on average, another open contest is likely.

Expect Tacoma to control more of the play, especially after half-time, exploiting Colorado’s fragile defence and their own strong scoring window just after the break. Colorado’s best route into the game is via transitions and set pieces, including penalties, but their overall defensive frailty should tell.

Predicted Score: Tacoma Defiance 2-1 Colorado Rapids II

Tacoma Defiance Recent Form

In the standings, Tacoma Defiance’s recent form string reads WWLLOW, reflecting a generally positive but streaky run. Across their broader 2026 league statistics, they have 9 wins and 10 losses from 19 matches with no draws, underlining how decisive their games tend to be. They have put together a longest losing streak of 4 but also a maximum winning streak of 2, suggesting a side capable of both slumps and quick recoveries.

Colorado Rapids II Recent Form

Colorado Rapids II’s standings form is LWLWL, which, taken in the context of their season-long record of 3 wins and 16 losses, still represents a relative uptick. In the wider 2026 league statistics, they endured a remarkable losing streak of 13 consecutive defeats. Even with slight improvement in the last handful of games, they remain one of the weakest sides in the competition, particularly defensively.

Tacoma Defiance Possible Starting Lineup

GK: M. Anchor or N. Newman or M. Shour; Defenders: D. Alvarez, C. Baker, D. Brown, C. Gaffney, S. Hawkins, A. Lopez, Mark O'Neill, C. Phoenix, R. Sailor, G. Sandnes, J. Winslow; Midfielders: K. Brito, E. Carli, J. Dale, M. Emert, X. Gnaulati, P. Kingston, S. Kitafuji, N. Petković, Daniel Robles, B. Smith; Forwards: M. Bronnik, O. De Rosario, S. Gomez, L. Gonzalez, O. Hassan, R. Jauregui, L. Lucero, Y. Tsukanome.

Tacoma Defiance have a deep and youthful squad with multiple options in every line. With no confirmed injuries listed, the coaching staff can rotate between several defenders and attackers, tailoring the lineup to exploit Colorado’s weaknesses. Expect a front line built around pace and pressing, supported by a midfield that can break lines and arrive late in the box. The defensive unit has delivered 5 clean sheets in 19 league matches, so while not elite, it is stable enough to support an aggressive game plan at home.

Colorado Rapids II Possible Starting Lineup

GK: Zackory Campagnolo or K. Starks or D. Williams; Defenders: J. Cameron, J. Chan Tack, J. De Coteau, A. Erickson, G. Gilmore, C. Harper, E. Heredia, J. Pomeroy, V. Rinaldi, K. Sawadogo, K. Thomas; Midfielders: C. Aquino, Q. Bedwell, J. De La Fuente, A. Fadal, L. Garcia, R. Garcia, Noah Strellnauer, L. Strohmeyer, N. Tchoumba, S. Wathuta; Forwards: J. Copeland, M. Diop, A. Harris, B. Jamison, D. Phillip, K. Stewart-Baynes.

Colorado Rapids II also field a very young squad, with many teenagers in defence and midfield. That inexperience has shown in their defensive record: 41 goals conceded in 19 league matches and only 2 clean sheets. The coaching staff may prioritise compactness and counter-attacks, leaning on forwards like J. Copeland, M. Diop or B. Jamison to exploit space behind Tacoma’s back line. Their strong penalty conversion suggests they could be dangerous if they manage to get into the box and draw fouls.

Tacoma Defiance Team News

No significant absences reported.

Colorado Rapids II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Tacoma Defiance:

• None reported.

Colorado Rapids II:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Tacoma Defiance vs Colorado Rapids II

Below are three data-backed betting angles for this MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash.

• Result Tip: Tacoma Defiance Double Chance (Home or Draw). With Tacoma given a 45% win probability and the draw also at 45%, and Colorado Rapids II just 10%, backing the hosts to avoid defeat aligns strongly with the probabilities and their superior points tally (27 vs 12). The prediction advice itself favours “Tacoma Defiance or draw”, making the double chance market the logical result play.
• Goals Tip: Over 2.5 Total Goals. Tacoma’s league matches feature 25 goals scored and 28 conceded (2.8 per game), while Colorado’s see 18 scored and 41 conceded (3.1 per game). Recent H2H meetings have produced scorelines of 4-1, 2-0, 4-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-2, 6-4 and 4-1, consistently high-scoring. Combining fragile defences with open playing styles points towards another game clearing the 2.5 line.
• Value Tip: Both Teams to Score – Yes. Despite their struggles, Colorado Rapids II have found the net in 14 of 19 league matches and have scored in all of the last five H2H meetings listed. Tacoma both score and concede at healthy rates, and their lack of draws suggests end-to-end contests. Given Colorado’s good penalty record (6 scored from 7), BTTS offers potential value in a match where defensive errors and set pieces could benefit both sides.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.