The Colorado Rapids face an uphill climb for a playoff spot due to losing at Real Salt Lake two weeks ago.
The Rapids are on the outside of the Western Conference playoff picture because of that 1-0 setback on Oct. 4. They will look to close the regular season on a high note against Los Angeles FC on Saturday night in Commerce City, Colo.
Colorado (11-15-7, 40 points) is below the playoff line in the 10th spot entering Decision Day following the loss to Real Salt Lake (12-17-4, 40 points), who are in ninth place due to the total victories tiebreaker.
There are scenarios that get the Rapids into the playoff field if they win or tie, but they need outside help. Eighth-place FC Dallas (41 points) and the 11th-place San Jose Earthquakes (38) also are in the mix for the final two spots.
“They know what’s at stake,” Rapids coach Chris Armas said of his club. “So much of what’s important is the boys sticking to what got us here. There is no magic button for Saturday night to be looking for to press. It’s to rely on what makes us good and what makes us, us.”
That formula has been problematic lately as Colorado is winless in its past three matches (0-2-1).
Defender Keegan Rosenberry acknowledged anxious feelings.
“The rest of the season, we felt the pressure,” Rosenberry said, “but this last match — and to have a chance to qualify — has given us a good energy this weekend and a sense of belief.”
Third-place LAFC (17-8-8, 59 points) have won two of three matches against Colorado this season. LAFC posted two home wins and lost in their July visit to the high altitude.
LAFC will finish anywhere from second to fourth and currently sit one point behind San Diego FC and one point ahead of Minnesota United in the Western Conference.
LAFC won six straight matches before falling 1-0 at Austin FC last weekend. Los Angeles coach Steve Cherundolo said his team didn’t produce enough offensive chances but loved the play on the other end.
“Our defensive effort over the past seven games has been phenomenal, and we will not let up there,” said Cherundolo, whose team recorded three straight shutout wins prior to the setback.
LAFC were without stars Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min against Austin, with both away for international duty. Cherundolo said Thursday that both players will be back for Saturday’s match.
Bouanga is second in MLS with 24 goals while Son has eight in nine MLS matches since making his debut on Aug. 9.
Rafael Navarro leads Colorado with 12 goals.
–Field Level Media
