Colorado Rapids is one of those moments that can make their fans dream big. Guided by the wonderful Chris Armas, the results have been fantastic so far. After they finished third and won a ticket to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup in the Leagues Cup, all attentions once again will now lay in MLS. However, the next test won't be an easy one: away against FC Dallas in an expected electrifying match.
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Resurgence of Colorado Rapids
The 2024 season has been nothing short of a renaissance for Colorado Rapids. A team that occupied mid-table positions in the past MLS seasons now sits fourth in the Western Conference with an impressive record of 12 wins, 9 draws, and just 5 losses. Most importantly, the resiliency this team has shown through crucial moments, such as their thrilling win over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup, securing Rapids third place and a crucial spot in the Champions Cup.
Zack Steffen has proved why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the business. He has been the hero between the sticks during the Leagues Cup campaign for the Rapids team, with many saves, including a penalty shootout in the semi-finals, sealing their way into the final. Now, back to MLS duty, Steffen wants the team to maintain defensive solidity and continue going up.
The Hard Test Called FC Dallas
On the other hand, FC Dallas hasn't been so lucky. Tenth place in the Western Conference, the Texas outfit is struggling to stay relevant in the playoffs. Their triumph against DC United 4-3 in the last round was a sigh of relief, yet inconsistency still remains the old problem for Dallas. However, the return of Alan Velasco promises new energy. Coming back from a long injury recovery, Velasco has all the makings of being the game-changer Dallas desperately needs down this final stretch of the season.
After performing decently against Sounders, Colorado Rapids will have to pack themselves up for a rejuvenated Dallas side in front of their home crowd, and the heat could work in their favor as it does mostly in Texans. Not to mention, the extra rest Dallas has had compared to Rapids' back-to-back schedule might also come into play. But if there is something Colorado have shown thus far, they do know their way out of adversities.
The History and What's at Stake
Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas is one of the oldest clashes in MLS, with the historic trend being a lot of parity. In 93 matchups, Dallas leads with 35 wins to Rapids' 34, with 24 draws. And who could forget the 2010 MLS Cup final, where Rapids emerged victorious and claimed their first league title?
The stage is somewhat different in 2024, but the stakes are still high. Rapids want to seal a spot among the conference elites to thereby facilitate a smooth passage into the playoffs. Dallas desperately need points to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race. Given this scenario, this head-to-head clash has the makings of a defining moment for both.
While Colorado Rapids is on a wave of great performances, physical toll might be an invisible enemy. Playing seven matches during August, while Dallas was less loaded, the Rapids players must face not only the opponent on the pitch but also get over the accumulation of tiredness.
Chris Armas will have to be calculative while setting up his team, probably going for a more conservative approach, focusing on solidity at the back and capitalizing on counterattacks. This Mentality of winning that is built over this season needs to be even greater in order for the Rapids to face the heat and pressure of playing on the road against Dallas, who will most certainly try to set the pace right from the beginning.