The Colorado Rapids will play their U.S. Open Cup match of 2016 against the USL’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, but Darren Copeland of Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 says the Switchbacks should not be taken lightly.

“This is certainly an opportunity for the Switchbacks to come in here and beat them,” Copeland said Sunday on From the Pitch.

The Rapids are atop the Western Conference with 28 points in 14 matches, but a loss to the lower-tiered Switchbacks could set the secene for a downhill remainder of what’s already been a productive season.

“I think if the Switchbacks were to beat the Rapids, that might be a difficult loss, and one that might make them have a horrible second half [of the season].”

Also as a lower-tiered team, the Switchbacks will also be more driven than the Rapids to get the win.

“Switchback fans will drive up for this,” Copeland said, “because they are more motivated to win this game than the Colorado Rapids are. And I think you need to worry about this, Colorado Rapids. Great teams do not take lesser teams lightly.”

The Rapids have proven their skill this year by reaching the top of Major League Soccer, but taking their foot off the pedal in the U.S. Open Cup could see the Rapids exiting early from the tournament.

“The Switchbacks are a team that, I guarantee, with [head coach] Steve Trittschuh there, they know what’s going on with the Rapids, and they are relishing this opportunity.”

The Rapids are enjoying one of their best seasons in the franchise’s 20-year history. They are unbeaten this season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, with the only blemish coming in the form of a 1-1 draw with Philadelphia.

However, like Copeland said, Colorado Springs is not exactly an opponent to brush aside.

For more on the Rapids’ potentially dangerous matchup with the Switchbacks, click on the podcast below…

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