MLS Weekend Predictions: Friday, July 4
By Chase Ruttig
Jun 28, 2014; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids fans watch in the second half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Dick
Colorado Rapids (7-5-4, 2nd Western) vs. Columbus Crew (4-5-7, 6th Eastern)
Rapids Form: W/L/W/L/D Crew Form: D/L/W/D/D
Last Match: 2-0 Rapids (May 12, 2013)
Two clubs who had their US Open Cup dreams dashed in extra time will continue to focus their attentions on fighting for the league title as MLS Cup contenders Colorado looks to build on a 3-0 home victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps and inch closer to the Seattle Sounders for first place in the Western Conference as Seattle holds a commanding 10 point lead of first with Clint Dempsey and DeAndre Yedlin returning to the squad following the World Cup.
If Colorado want any hope of getting home pitch advantage in the Western Conference they will need to go on a lengthy win streak, always possible given their high altitude advantage at home. Columbus has lost both their matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park recently, but even more worrying for the Crew is their last two matches against the Rapids were home losses as part of a four game losing streak against their Western Conference opponents. Because of the Rapids motivations after their disgraceful loss in the USOC to the Silverbacks and the recent history between these two clubs, it is pretty easy to predict a Rapids three points at home on Friday night.
Prediction: Rapids