Colorado Rapids Secure Second Seed in Western Conference
With their win over Houston, the Colorado Rapids secured the second seed in the Western Conference which forces the LA Galaxy to settle for no better than third.
The Colorado Rapids were able to defeat the Houston Dynamo in a match that took place during the international break. This was the only Major League Soccer game during the October 8-9th weekend. The 3-2 victory secured the second seed for the Rapids in the Western Conference.
Not only did Colorado lock up their spot in the playoffs but the win also forces the Los Angeles Galaxy to settle for no better than the third seed. The top two teams in each conference receive a bye during the first round of the postseason. FC Dallas and the Rapids have now each locked up the top spots in the West.
Colorado and LA were both battling for the second seed for some time now after FC Dallas had already secured the top spot with their incredible play this season. With Dallas being Supporters’ Shield frontrunners, the Rapids and Galaxy fought for the all-important second spot that comes with a first round bye. After sputtering a bit down the stretch, Los Angeles fell behind Colorado and now the Galaxy can do no better than the third seed, even if they win out.
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With only a few games left in the 2016 MLS season, there are some crucial match-ups between a number of teams coming up. The New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, and Toronto FC have all locked up their spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs but the seeding is still not set. They are only separated by a few points and the next few weeks will decide the final seeding and which two clubs get the crucial first round bye.
After missing the postseason in three of the past four years, this is a huge step forward for the Rapids. The second placed finish in the West is the highest that Colorado will have ever finished in their conference in any given MLS season. That is a testament to their outstanding play and defense this year.
The success that they have had this season is also a result of their great play at home as they are the only team in Major League Soccer to not lose a game at home this year. 10W-0L-5D record at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. While they have only scored 36 goals this year which is good enough for the second worst in the league, the Rapids defense has only allowed 29 goals which is the best defensive mark in MLS.
Colorado has an overall record of 14W-5L-12D this season and are a legit contender for the MLS Cup. It will be interesting to see how they perform during the always tough postseason but their first round bye gives them a lock to make it through to the semifinals. They have only won one MLS Cup in their team’s history but they have a good chance to hoist their second this year.