The Colorado Rapids were effectively eliminated from the playoffs almost three weeks ago, but coach Pablo Mastroeni’s squad looks as though they didn’t get the memo.
Sporting Kansas City’s aggressive, playoff-hungry style was neutralized by an opportunistic counter attack on the part of the Rapids that led to both goals late in the match.
“I think our team played one of the best games of the season,” said midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, who solidified three-points for Colorado with a game-winner in the 85th minute.
Mastroeni echoed those remarks, noting that the team’s most recent practices have been the best of the year.
“It’s so easy to not have a chance and to give in,” Mastroeni said. “It’s so easy to lay down and let anyone run over you. But what I saw this last week said to me something really important about the group. I hope its a reflection of everything that I talk about. Guys are playing for something greater than the playoffs, which is their careers.”
Perhaps more importantly, the Rapids’ 2-0 win just made a big mess of the playoff situation in the West, and the team could help determine the fate of a few teams moving forward.
Thank you, @ColoradoRapids! #DecisionDay pic.twitter.com/0zJiMwsKz0
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) October 22, 2015
The Rapids kept the playoff hopes alive for the San Jose Earthquakes, however the Quakes still have a tall task in front of them.
Provided that the Quakes do beat the top team in the West, Colorado could send them to the playoffs with a win over Portland.
Despite the loss to Colorado, Kansas City is still in control of their own destiny. A win over 2nd-ranked Los Angeles Galaxy puts them in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Rapids will have the opportunity to play the spoiler role again come Sunday in a game against the Timbers.
The Timbers have a much better shot at the playoffs than San Jose, only needing a tie with Colorado to get in. Recent history is also on the side of Portland. The Rapids have dropped the past four meetings in Portland and haven’t won there since June 2011.
Recent form implies a break from the current trend. Before Wednesday, the Rapids’ all-time record in Kansas City was 3-18-5. They hadn’t won there since 2002. Kansas City looked the part of a team desperate to make the playoffs, pressing all game. Yet the Rapids found a way to throw those aspirations in doubt.
And now they’ll have a chance to do the same against the Timbers this Sunday.
Calvin Jouard is an intern at Mile High Sports and a student at the University of Denver