9/26 - Matchday 27

CF Montréal forward Daniel Ríos

Daniel Ríos is a reliable MLS goalscorer. The 31 year old striker came up through Chivas' youth ranks but has spent most of his professional career in MLS, featuring for 5 different teams. He started with Nashville SC, joining them when they were still a USL Championship team, before making a stop in Charlotte for a year. He returned to Chivas for a couple seasons, and has since played for Atlanta, Vancouver, and now Montréal in consecutive years. 

The much traveled Mexican has been a good addition for CF Montréal, providing timely goals and experience in a young corps of attackers. Ríos has scored 6 goals in all competitions this season, which is second most on the team behind Prince Owusu. He's played 27 matches, both as a forward and a winger. Ríos will be needed this weekend with Wiki Carmona, Dante Sealy, and Noah Streit all called up to their respective national teams. He's developed an effective partnership with Owusu when they play together. Both forwards bring physicality and a strong presence in the 18 yard box, which occupies opposing center backs and creates space for one another. Montréal host FC Cincinnati, who have struggled defensively this year. Having a reliable forward alongside Owusu will be key for CF Montréal as they look to outscore their opponents this Saturday and snap their 5 game losing streak.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Hamzat Ojediran

Hamzat Ojediran was acquired this past offseason by the Colorado Rapids from Lens in Ligue 1 to add staibility to the base of their midfield. With new head coach Matt Wells coming in, they were looking to refresh the roster and develop an identity. So far, the Rapids have enjoyed a very good debut season under Wells, as they sit comfortably in the playoffs and made it to the semifinals of the US Open Cup. The 22 year old Nigerian has been integral to Colorado's playing style this season and has been critical to the success that they have had.

Under Matt Wells, the Rapids are a team that is aggressive against the ball. They love to throw in challenges and make their opponents uncomfortable. Ojediran is the perfect player for this set up, as he is a tenacious defender in the engine room. His ability to break up play has been vital to Colorado's solid defense that has helped them win games even when their offense isn't scoring a lot of goals. But, when Colorado has the ball, Wells wants his team to be confident in possession and play out from the back, no matter what. Ojediran sits at the base of the midfield like a fulcrum and is always an option for his teammates. His movement to free himself also creates space for others, which is very important for a team that is dogmatic on playing through the press. He has developed a very good relationship with fellow midfielder Wayne Frederick, who has also been fantastic this season. When the Rapids are in possession, Frederick moves up a line to provide Ojediran with more space to work with. Ojediran's ability to be aggressive defensively while also being competent on the ball at the base of midfield has been crucial in this Rapids rebuild.