There’s little point in rehashing the struggles the Colorado Rapids have endured during MLS play this year and last. It has been well-documented here and elsewhere to a point of redundancy. And despite the fact the team sits in last place in the Western Conference, there is still an opportunity for redemption for the Rapids in 2015.
Tuesday, Colorado will battle Houston in the round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in nearly a decade.
There’s no chance for a draw, as the tournament play means one team will go home a winner – even if it takes penalties.
Colorado suffered back-to-back road losses in MLS play last week, so a win in Houston would be a major boost of confidence. Earlier this season Colorado and Houston played to a scoreless draw in Houston, one of nine draws on the year for the Rapids.
Colorado is winless against MLS opponents in Open Cup play since 2006, as is Houston, according to coloradorapids.com.
One side must come out a winner on Tuesday night. Pablo Mastroeni believes a win for his club would be extremely meaningful, telling the team website, “A win would boost the mentality of the group and progress us in the U.S Open Cup, which is a competition we can push really hard for and look towards some silverware.”
The Open Cup will be looking for a new champion in 2014; reigning winner Seattle was eliminated by Portland in June.
Things have been dour for the Rapids in MLS play. Advancing to the next round in Open Cup play would go a long way to reinvigorating the club and the fan base.
Fans can stream the game through the USsoccer.com website.
