Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas believes his aspect can break into the highest 4 of the Western Convention forward of going through the Seattle Sounders this weekend.
The Rapids presently occupy sixth within the standings and have already certified for the playoffs, however are simply three factors behind Actual Salt Lake in fourth.
Armas’ aspect have gained simply certainly one of their final 4 MLS fixtures, although, with their newest defeat coming by the hands of the LA Galaxy, regardless of Connor Ronan scoring the opener.
“We’re wanting ahead to Saturday. We’re wanting ahead to getting proper again on the market on the pitch right here at dwelling in our quest for a prime 4 end,” Armas stated.
“That’s what’s on our minds proper now. We’re wanting ahead to Seattle coming right here, one other prime crew.
“I’m actually pleased with my crew and the way they’re going for it. We knew we have been going through a very good crew who’re in first place. It was not the consequence we wished, however that’s soccer whenever you play good groups, the margins are skinny, and it’s a sport we are able to be taught from.”
Seattle, in the meantime, come into the encounter brimming with confidence having now gone 5 video games unbeaten, most lately sweeping apart 10-man Vancouver Whitecaps away from dwelling.
The Sounders are three factors forward of this weekend’s opponents however know a victory is a should if they’re to stay within the prime 4 forward of the playoffs.
With simply two video games left of the common season, head coach Brian Schmetzer was not apprehensive concerning the workload on his gamers, insisting rotation may very well be required this weekend.
“When you have a look at the calendar and also you see after this subsequent sport, we now have every week off earlier than we play Portland, so the crew that’s enjoying prolonged minutes goes to have loads of alternative to get well,” Schmetzer stated.
“We’re going to go to Colorado and ensure we don’t put anyone at an damage threat and put a robust crew out towards an excellent aspect.
“Then we’ll play out the remainder of the season how we see match.”
BIG ROAD DUB pic.twitter.com/Dkl4MRKVvX
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 3, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Mihailovic’s help on Wednesday took him to 23 purpose contributions this season (11 targets, 12 assists), equalling the single-season membership file set by Diego Rubio in 2022.
The American is the one participant in Rapids historical past with at the least 10 targets and 10 assists in a single season.
Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak
Rusnak scored a purpose and recorded two assists in Seattle’s win over Vancouver.
It marked the third time in his final 11 common season appearances that Rusnak had a purpose and an help in a match after not doing so in any of his earlier 93 appearances relationship again to 2021.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
The Sounders have recorded 22 common season wins over the Rapids, greater than towards some other crew since they joined the MLS in 2009. The truth is, the one MLS crew with extra common season wins over a single opponent in that point is Actual Salt Lake, additionally towards Colorado (24).
Together with their victory over Vancouver, the Sounders have gained 11 of their final 15 common season matches (D2 L2). That is the third totally different marketing campaign by which Seattle has gained 11 or extra occasions in a 15-game span in league play, becoming a member of 2011 and 2018.
Colorado come into the sport off the again of a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy, their first such consequence on dwelling soil in 10 matches. It was the primary time the Rapids misplaced a house match by a number of targets since a 3-1 defeat to Nashville SC in Might 2022.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 35.1%
Draw – 26%
Seattle Sounders – 39%
