Commerce City, CO. - Coming off perhaps their most well-rounded performance of the season, the Colorado Rapids are set to host Seattle Sounders FC tonight at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, where kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. (MT).
Here are Three Points to consider ahead of tonight’s clash:
1. Maximum points are vital
Sitting in seventh and eighth-place, respectively, getting three points from tonight’s match would be a massive boost for both teams as each look to force themselves into the Western Conference playoff picture. For the Rapids, who are currently just two points behind Seattle with a game in hand, victory would see them move (temporarily at least) in to seventh place - leapfrogging both the Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the process.
The win would put Pablo Mastroeni’s men just one place away from a playoff spot (the top six teams in each conference make the playoffs), although the Whitecaps will have played two less games than the Rapids.
You can view the current standings in their entirety, here.
2. Momentum in to the break
Having played eight matches in five weeks across all competitions, the Rapids will see a much deserved 18-day break from competitive action following tonight’s show-down with Seattle. It’s been a positive stretch for the hosts who have battled through both a congested fixture list, as well as numerous injuries throughout the line-up to take 15 of a possible 24 points over that time. If the Rapids can take an additional three points tonight at home, they would carry with them a huge amount of momentum in to international break, as well as the ensuing second half of the MLS calendar.
3. Expect fireworks… (seriously, there’s fireworks!)
While Rapids fans will be hoping for an entertaining display on-the-pitch Saturday night in Commerce City, there is guaranteed to be action after the match as the Rapids will be hosting their annual 4th of July celebration, dubbed 4thFest, and featuring the largest public fireworks display in the state.
