Having started the inaugural MLS season with a humbling 3-0 loss at Kansas City Wiz, on April 13, 1996, the Colorado Rapids returned to the Mile High City and re-grouped ahead of their home opener, against Dallas Burn eight days later.
Head coach Bob Houghton made one change to his starting 11, with USA international Marcelo Balboa replacing former national team player, Dominic Kinnear. Balboa missed the match in Kansas City as he was still in Mexico with club side León.
And so the team that took to the field on April 21, 1996, at the old Mile High Stadium, was Dusty Hudock, Ian Butterworth, Troy Edwards, Denis Hamlett, Steve Trittschuh, Marcelo Balboa, Scott Benedetti, Matt Kmosko, Chris Henderson, Shaun Bartlett and Jean Harbor.