San Salvador, El Salvador (September 27, 2011) - Here's the good news: the Colorado Rapids control their own destiny to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. And the bad news: they'll be eliminated if they lose to Isidro Metapan on Wednesday night in El Salvador.
Currently tied with Real Espana at four points apiece and sitting behind Group B leader Santos Laguna and second place Metapan, the Rapids would finish among the top two if they defeat Metapan Wednesday and Santos on the last group game on October 19. The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the competition's quarterfinals, which would be played in early March 2012.
The first tie-breaker for the tournament is head-to-head. Having defeated Metapan in August, a tie or win against them would give the Rapids the advantage should the two finish tied on points after all games are played. The Rapids would lose the tie-breaker with Real Espana since the Honduran side accumulated four points against Colorado's one point in the two meetings. The standings, games remaining, and scenarios play out as follows:
Current Standings through four of six Group matches:
Santos – 9 pts
Metapan – 6
Espana – 4
Rapids – 4
Games Remaining:
September 28: Santos at Espana (6 pm MT)
September 28: Rapids at Metapan (8 pm MT)
October 19: Rapids at Santos (6 pm MT)
October 20: Espana at Metapan (6 pm MT)
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Rapids remain alive IF:
- WIN at Metapan, OR
- TIE at Metapan AND Espana TIE / LOSS v Santos
Rapids will be eliminated IF:
- LOSS at Metapan, OR
- TIE Metapan AND Espana WIN v Santos
SCENARIOS:
IF the Rapids WIN at Metapan AND Espana WIN v Santos, the Rapids would advance IF:
- WIN at Santos (Rapids would finish 1st in Group)
IF the Rapids WIN at Metapan AND Espana TIE v Santos, the Rapids would advance IF:
- WIN at Santos, OR
- TIE / LOSS at Santos AND Metapan TIE v Espana
IF the Rapids WIN at Metapan AND Espana LOSS to Santos, the Rapids would advance IF:
- WIN at Santos, OR
- TIE at Santos AND Metapan TIE / LOSS v ESPANA, OR
- LOSS at Santos AND Metapan TIE v Espana
IF the Rapids TIE Metapan AND Espana TIE v Santos, the Rapids would advance IF:
- WIN at Santos AND Metapan TIE v Espana
IF the Rapids TIE Metapan AND Espana LOSS v Santos, the Rapids would advance IF:
- WIN at Santos AND Metapan TIE / LOSS to Espana
MORE: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REGULATIONS AND TIE-BREAKERS (CONCACAF.COM)
