Wed Sep 18 01:38:02 UTC 2024: ## Colorado Rapids on the Verge of Playoff Berth, Face Crucial Match Against Sporting Kansas City
**Commerce City, CO** – The Colorado Rapids are on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth for the first time since 2021. A victory against their rivals, Sporting Kansas City, on Wednesday would secure their spot in the MLS Playoffs.
To clinch a playoff berth, the Rapids need a win in Kansas City *and* for both FC Dallas and Austin FC to lose or draw their respective matches.
Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City, currently outside the playoff picture, faces elimination from the post-season with a few specific outcomes. A loss to Colorado, coupled with wins or draws for Portland and Minnesota United, would end their playoff hopes.
The match, scheduled for 6:30 pm at Children’s Mercy Park, is a crucial one for both teams. Rapids coach Chris Armas emphasized that the focus is on continuing their positive momentum and weathering the challenge posed by their I-70 rivals.
“We know they’re a very good team with a lot to play for and they’re always good at home,” said Armas. “We want to really keep that momentum going that we’ve built in August, into September and into the playoff stretch.”
The Rapids have faced challenges on the defensive end, conceding goals from set pieces. Defender Andreas Maxsø acknowledged the need for improvement in this area, highlighting the need to avoid giving up goals on set pieces. The task becomes more difficult with the absence of Lalas Abubakar due to concussion protocol and Darren Yapi serving a red card suspension.
This opens the door for rookie defender Jackson Travis, who impressed in his 90-minute performance against Portland, to earn more playing time. The Rapids have also added new defender Reggie Cannon, who will likely see his first action in the match, and is expected to make a significant contribution.
The Rapids’ performance on Wednesday will be crucial in their quest for a playoff berth, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a hard-fought match.
First Piper 