Zack Steffen praises the additions of Rob Holding and Noah Cobb to the Colorado Rapids’ defense, highlighting their potential impact on the team’s competitiveness. Holding’s experience and Cobb’s early performances are seen as crucial for the Rapids as they aim to improve their position in the Western Conference standings. The article also previews the upcoming match against LA Galaxy, analyzing key players and offering a match prediction based on Opta’s win probability.
Colorado Rapids' shot-stopper, Zack Steffen, has lauded the recent acquisitions of defenders Rob Holding and Noah Cobb, describing them as “amazing additions” to the squad. Steffen's enthusiasm underscores the belief that these signings could be pivotal in bolstering the Rapids' defensive capabilities and overall competitiveness as they navigate the remainder of the MLS season.
Rob Holding, a seasoned center-back, arrives in Colorado as a free agent following a frustrating spell with Crystal Palace, where he failed to break into the first team and make a Premier League appearance. The move represents a fresh start for the English defender, who is eager to make an immediate impact in MLS. With his visa secured, Holding is now fully integrated into training and available for selection, adding much-needed experience and steel to the Rapids' backline.
Noah Cobb, a promising twenty-year-old, joins the Rapids on loan from Atlanta United. Despite his youth, Cobb has already demonstrated his potential, featuring prominently in the team's recent victories over Minnesota United and his parent club, Atlanta. Having already played a full 90 minutes, Cobb's seamless integration into the team highlights his adaptability and composure on the field. Steffen's praise further cements the confidence the club has in the young defender.
Currently positioned seventh in the Western Conference, the Colorado Rapids are gearing up for their next challenge against bottom-dwellers LA Galaxy. The addition of Holding and Cobb is expected to provide a significant boost as they strive to climb the standings and secure a playoff berth. Steffen's remarks reflect the optimism within the team that these new defensive reinforcements will contribute to a more resilient and organized defensive unit.
Steffen emphasized the positive impact of the new signings on the team's morale and dynamics, stating, “Amazing additions to the locker room. Obviously, Rob has not trained yet so I’m excited to see him get going and see what he is like on the pitch. But off the pitch, Rob is class. Such a good dude and just wants to be a part of the boys and support and everything. He has been very vocal already, which has been amazing.”
He continued, “Noah, the same, has come in and played very well. First training [session] I could hear him on the pitch right in front of me, which was amazing. Just communicating and leading the boys in the backline, confident on the ball, wants to play. I’ve been really happy and pleased with Noah. He has played well so those two additions have been great and exactly what we need.”
“Amazing additions in the locker room.” @zacksteffen_ praises our newest backline additions and the impact they’re already making on and off the pitch.
Watch The Rundown, presented by @DICKS, now on YouTube: https://t.co/XgGOVZcJ2H#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/RqETQGgoSW
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 19, 2025
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy are trying to find consistency, they are aiming to bounce back after a 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami and a heavy 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders. They gained a morale-boosting victory against Pachuca in the Leagues Cup, securing a spot in the semi-final of the competition.
Players to Watch
LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil
Joseph Paintsil has been a standout performer for the Galaxy, sharing the title of joint-top scorer with five goals in MLS. His recent contributions have been particularly noteworthy, with either a goal or an assist in six of his last 10 games across all competitions, directly influencing nine goals (seven goals and two assists).
Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro
Rafael Navarro has emerged as the Rapids' most prolific goal-scorer, finding the net on 11 occasions while also providing four assists. Over the past two seasons, Navarro has scored an impressive 26 goals (15 in 2024 and 11 in 2025). Only Conor Casey has surpassed this record in a two-season span in club history, with 27 goals in 2008-09 and 29 in 2009-10.
Match Prediction – LA Galaxy Win
Colorado enters the match on the back of two consecutive league victories, a welcome change after winning just two of their previous 10 regular-season matches. This marks their third two-match winning streak of the season, although they have yet to achieve three straight league wins in 2025. The Galaxy's recent 3-1 defeat to Miami was their 16th loss of the season, a concerning statistic considering that only D.C. United in 2000 and Toronto FC in 2018 have recorded more losses the year after winning the MLS Cup.
Colorado ended a five-match winless streak against the Galaxy with a 2-0 victory in June. Since 2017, the Rapids have only managed to defeat the Galaxy multiple times in a single season on one occasion, winning both encounters in the 2019 season.
Opta Win Probability
LA Galaxy – 48.5%
Draw – 25.8%
Colorado Rapids – 25.7%