Around the League: What Results the Rapids Need to Stay in the Playoff Race
September 17, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Colorado Rapids News Release
Colorado Rapids v. LA Galaxy
We know how this one goes: a win is crucial. The Rapids need all three points to keep their playoff hopes alive and nothing else will cut it.
The Galaxy comes in following a 3-0 rout from Vancouver on Wednesday, so the chip on their shoulder is quite a large one. They sit within three points of 7th place Real Salt Lake and only one ahead of the Rapids, but a tie won’t be enough to make them happy on Saturday. It’s all or nothing at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Real Salt Lake v. FC Cincinnati
As No. 7 in the Western Conference standings, Real Salt Lake is the one to watch out for this weekend. Even though they’re taking on an Eastern Conference foe the points still count, and the Rapids’ Rocky Mountain rivals are clinging onto their three-point edge on the Galaxy for dear life to stay in playoff contention. A victory for the Blue and Orange would put Colorado within spitting distance of Salt Lake in the standings if the Burgundy Boys pull off a win on Saturday in Carson.
RSL is beaten down with something to prove after giving up three goals to Austin FC’s Moussa Djitte in the second half of their midweek matchup to hand Austin a playoff berth. They’ll be coming out swinging when Cincy comes to town. If RSL gets all three points, the Rapids lose and Portland win or draw at Columbus, Colorado is eliminated.
Seattle v. Vancouver
Despite tallying three second-half goals against the Galaxy on Wednesday, the Whitecaps are still sitting in 11th place and six points below the playoff line. The question is if their shutout performance can hold up against the Sounders’ three-game winning streak, in which they’ve outscored their opponents 5-1.
The Rapids are rooting for a Seattle-Vancouver draw on Saturday to minimize the damage done to the standings.
Find a full breakdown of elimination possibilities at MLSsoccer.com.
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