Sporting KC faces make-or-break clash against surging Colorado Rapids in MLS showdown

This Wednesday, Children's Mercy Park will host a match that means more than three points. Two very different storylines go into play when Sporting Kansas City takes on the Colorado Rapids-you have a Colorado team that's risen from the ashes and is now solidifying its place among the top in the Western Conference, while on the other hand, you have a Sporting KC squad that is desperately trying to avoid having the 2024 season remembered as a failure.

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Over the years, in fact, both teams of Major League Soccer have written their stories through a series of heated rivalries and dramatic moments. Since 1996, when both joined the league, they have faced each other 89 times, but each matchup carries special weight. This time, though, the pressure is even higher, especially for the home team whose playoff hopes are slipping from their grasp.

Colorado Rapids: A Year of Resurgence

While Sporting KC are mired in the uncertainty of the season, the Colorado Rapids of head coach Chris Armas are having a real comeback season-flipping the script from dead last in the Western Conference in 2023 to locking in a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup and battling for top positions in 2024. The secret? A roster that truly blends the experience with youth, while players like Djordje Mihailovic and Rafael Navarro have made all the difference.

Colorado comes into this game well off the back of a pair of important wins. On their last outing, they beat the Portland Timbers 2-1 with a pair of assists from Mihailovic, rounding out his status as one of the best this season. The attacker has contributed to 22 goals this season, thus becoming the cornerstone of this team. Colorado haven't just won their last two games against Sporting KC, they're also unbeaten in six of the last seven meetings, which gives them additional belief going into this fixture.

Sporting KC: On Brink of Collapse

While Colorado has been on the rise, Sporting Kansas City has been an opposite case. With five matches remaining in the regular season, the team is 12th in the Western Conference and a full 11 points from the playoff line. A turnaround seems very dim with every match that plays out, and may be officially eliminated from contention this Wednesday if results do not go their way.

Two of the biggest challenges head coach Peter Vermes will face are the unavailability of some key players, such as Jake Davis-being out due to suspension-and Nemanja Radoja being out with an injury. The struggle for Sporting is even greater without such important pieces. It's important to remember, amidst all the tumult, that the team has been tough to beat at home. They are unbeaten in their last five games at Children's Mercy Park, with two clean sheets. After all, the only hope is that it might turn out to be an important advantage to play at home.

Djordje Mihailovic: The Brain Behind Colorado

Djordje Mihailovic has been the driving force behind Colorado Rapids this season. The 25-year-old midfielder dictates the pace of attack and is always clinical during clutch moments. He has amassed 22 goal contributions to date for an historic season that sees him eclipse marks set by club legends. Mihailovic also earned MLS Team of the Week honors for the fifth time this year.

The last time Rapids faced Sporting KC, Mihailovic secured a win with a stoppage-time penalty. Ever since, he's continued the brilliant form and will definitely be the most dangerous man on the pitch this Wednesday. To keep their playoff hopes alive, it goes without saying that Sporting Kansas City needs to shut down Mihailovic.

Sporting KC's Uphill Battle

Mihailovic is leading the Rapids with skill, while Sporting KC has faced a series of afflictions this season. Lack of consistency and injuries at all points in the season have kept the team from catching their best groove. Having gathered just 28 points in 31 games, Sporting is far from playoff contention and really needs nothing short of a miracle to turn things around.

Still, home is a factor that could bring some solace. The team has shown some strength in Children's Mercy Park, and though highly improbable, a win against Colorado could at least bring some relief for the fans and pride in the final stretch of the season.