September 18th 2024.
"Here we go, folks! It's crunch time for the Colorado Rapids as they head into their game against Sporting Kansas City with a chance to secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. A win on the road against their rivals would make them the fifth team to secure a spot in the MLS Playoffs, joining Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and L.A. Galaxy.
So, what does it take for the Rapids to clinch that coveted playoff berth? Well, they'll need to come out on top against SKC, and they'll also need a little help from FC Dallas and Austin FC. If FC Dallas loses or draws against Real Salt Lake and Austin FC loses or draws against LAFC, the Rapids will be in!
But it's not just about the Rapids. On the other side of the field, Sporting Kansas City is in danger of being eliminated from playoff contention. Currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference, their chances are looking slim. They'll need to win against the Rapids, and have Portland lose or draw against LA, and Minnesota United win against Cincinnati. Or, if they tie against the Rapids, they'll need Portland to win against LA and Minnesota to win against Cincinnati. It's a tough road ahead for SKC.
For Rapids coach Chris Armas, the focus is not just on clinching a playoff spot, but also on continuing to play at their best and handling the challenge that their I-70 rivals will bring. He knows that Sporting Kansas City is a strong team, especially at home, and they'll be fighting for their own spot in the playoffs.
"We know they're a very good team with a lot to play for," Armas said. "I've known Peter Vermes for a long time, and his teams are always prepared and ready to fight. We're excited for this challenge and we want to keep up the momentum we've built in August and September as we head into the final stretch of the season."
The last time the Rapids faced SKC at home, it was a close game that required a late goal from midfielder Djordje Mihailovic to secure the win. While they would prefer a more comfortable victory this time around, defender Andreas Maxsø knows that there's still room for improvement, especially in the back line. Against Portland last Saturday, they were caught off guard on a corner kick and conceded a goal. Maxsø acknowledges the need to tighten up on set pieces and not give away easy goals.
Despite the potential challenges in the back line, the Rapids have some promising additions to their roster. Defender Lalas Abubakar and forward Darren Yapi are both unavailable for the SKC game due to injuries, but this opens the door for rookie defender Jackson Travis to get more playing time. Both Maxsø and Armas were impressed with his performance against Portland and expect him to start again against SKC.
Additionally, the Rapids recently signed defender Reggie Cannon, who is likely to make his debut in Wednesday's game. While he has expressed some concerns about playing at high altitude, the team will work to get him acclimated quickly and potentially give him some minutes on the field.
It's an exciting time for the Colorado Rapids as they fight for a playoff spot, and fans can't wait to see what the team will bring to the field on Wednesday night. Want to stay up to date on all the latest sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette for in-depth analysis on all of Denver's teams."
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