Minnesota United vs. Colorado Rapids
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Allianz Field
Stream: Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM, 1500
Weather: 73 degrees, clear skies, 9 mph south wind
Form: MNUFC (6-3-3, 21 points) is unbeaten in two with a 2-2 home draw with Austin on Sunday. Head coach Cameron Knowles termed it “slightly disappointing.” Colorado (4-7-1, 13 points) has lost two straight by 1-0 margins against Houston and St. Louis.
News: The MLS Players’ Association released its first salary data on Tuesday. Here are six takeaways:
— Like all things with James Rodriguez, things are different with the Colombian star. MLSPA lists his annualized compensation of $684,000, but the actual salary MNUFC is paying is around $250,000 for the half-season deal that ends this month, a source said.
MLS contracts can also include outside commercial opportunities and that is believed to be part of James’ deal with Minnesota.
— Attacking midfielder Tomás Chancalay was brought to Minnesota from New England for only $100,000 in a cash-for-player trade. MNUFC signed him to a deal through the 2027-28 season and he will make $1.27 million this year, up from $1.0 million with the Revolution in 2025.
— Goalkeeper Drake Callender is earning $505,000, which is less than half what Dayne St. Clair was offered in December to stay in Minnesota. Callender is sixth in MLS with plus-2.5 goals prevented, while St. Clair is minus-1.3 with Inter Miami , per FotMob. St. Clair is earning $808,000 to play with Lionel Messi in South Florida.
— Defender Anthony Markanich, who is second on the team with four goals, is making $395,700 in a new three-year contract, up from $89,719 when he scored nine in MLS a year ago.
— Defender Carlos Harvey is making $317,000 in a new three-year deal, up from $113,627 a year ago.
— New attacker Mauricio Gonzalez is receiving $240,000 in the first year of four in his contract with Minnesota.
Look-ahead: The top candidates for MNUFC to work with for potential contract extensions: Callender, Morris Duggan, Jefferson Diaz, Michael Boxall and Wil Trapp.
A top candidate to perhaps leave during the summer transfer window is Dominik Fitz, the Austrian midfielder who is earning $893,000, per MLSPA, but has yet to play for Minnesota this season.
Absences: Peter Stroud (quad), Carlos Harvey (lower body) and Julian Gressel (toe) are out. Bongi Hlongwane (personal issue) and Kyle Duncan (rest) are questionable.
Reminder: This is Rodriguez’s last game with Minnesota before he joins the Colombian national team camp for the World Cup. Knowles said James is available to play versus Rapids after producing two assists in a 27-minute shift against Austin.
Storyline: MNUFC will soon begin its All-Star Game campaign, which will feature Joaquín Pereyra, Nectar Triantis, Anthony Markanich and Duggan.
Context: Markanich’s goal production — four goals in 12 games so far — has outpaced his own aims for the season.
“I was aiming for three goals this year; I passed that,” Markanich said. “Obviously, it’s awesome to score.”
Flashback: Austin forward Christian Ramirez scored another goal against his former team Sunday, but again didn’t celebrate.
“It means a lot,” Ramirez told the Pioneer Press. “… I don’t think I will ever celebrate in this stadium unless I’m in a Minnesota United jersey. The respect that I have for the club and everything they gave me. It’s special.”
Afterward, Ramirez and Rodriguez exchanged jerseys. Ramirez, who is of Colombian heritage, wished the Colombian No. 10 good luck in the World Cup.
“Walked away with James’ jersey; my family is going to be super excited,” Ramirez said.
Scouting report: Colorado is a high possession outfit — fourth in MLS at 56% — but has scored only one goal in its last four MLS games. They remain fourth in the Western Conference with 22 total goals this season.
Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro has 10 goal contributions (seven goals, three assists) this year, but has cooled off like his team. He has only two total shots across the previous 180 minutes.
Knowles singled out the Rapids’ “intense” press as a point of emphasis.
Prediction: The Loons have continued to be underwhelming in St. Paul, but should be catching Colorado at a good time. Minnesota wins 3-2, with James contributed to another goal.
