Everything in the final two games is about securing the necessary result to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Rapids are in the advantageous situation of controlling their destiny.
After Sunday night and the momentous victory over the defending MLS Cup champions, the Rapids will be buoyed and indefatigable heading into Providence Park. With so much on the line and coming off such a major result, I expect to see a team playing with its hair on fire, having fun and instigating the energy.
This match calls for continuing to play on the front foot. The Rapids need to take the fight to the Timbers. There’s everything to play for and everything to gain; when everything you’ve worked for is within reach and waiting to be grabbed, you grab it.
Because of how the points per game have shaken out, the Rapids will once again be going to toe-to-toe with the top of the West after the Timbers jumped Sporting KC and Seattle Sounders FC, thanks to their victory over Vancouver. But as we’ve said before, would you have it any other way?
The Portland Timbers will forever be the only winners of the MLS is Back Tournament. They handled the adversity, the uncertainty and the actual soccer better than anybody else in Orlando. It’s that mentality combined with talent that has propelled them to the top of the Western Conference in the months since.
They are the highest scoring team in MLS with 45 goals, but they’ve conceded 33. They score a lot and have moments where they’re scored on a lot. So, how do the Rapids exploit the Timbers’ backline without being upended themselves? These are my keys to the game.
1. Ride the wave.
I approach sports from an analytical position. If it can be quantified or measured, do it - and let’s examine what the numbers tell us. This is an imperfect view of sports because it is impossible to weigh the human element. You cannot measure confidence, belief or the will to win. The Rapids need to lean into the unknown and ride the momentum created after the home finale against Seattle. They can win the game with possession stats, passing accuracy and expected goals. But they can also win it through wanting it more and playing like it.
2. Empty the arsenal.
As I mentioned above, the Timbers have scored more goals than anybody else, but they also conceded their fair share. It would be a gamble for Colorado to go into Providence Park and expect to shut out Portland or try to escape with a 1-0 victory. Instead, don’t be afraid of a track meet and shootout. This game could be back and forth haymakers, action at both ends, golazos for everybody. And that’s okay. The Rapids have the attacking power to absorb a punch and respond with a rocker or two of their own.
3. Get the result.
It’s the most “duh!” key to the game we could have, but it still needs to be said. The Rapids need to chase every 50/50 ball as if it’s a precious family heirloom. Step, jump, dive in front of every shot as if they’re protecting something sacred. This is the closest and most in control of their fate the Rapids have been since 2016; they cannot leave anything to chance. If they come into the game and out-hustle, and play with desperation, they’re good enough to get the result they need on effort alone.
