So, some are distracted by a significant event today. But I'll take a break and get things rolling for tomorrow's big event. It appears that the Rapids could clinch a playoff spot with a win (I am not one for doing all the permutations). My concern for the Rapids is fatigue. Since their latest restart players like Rubio, Price, Vines, and Bassett haven;t got a break. And with three days since the big win v Seattle it will be a bit more of a challenge. It seems that Fraser could be tempted to stay the course and trot out the same lineup. If that's the case, will they have the legs in the second half? I continue to like Namli more in the middle of the pitch and would like to see more of Galván out wide. Since neither Galván or Lewis got many minutes in the last match perhaps they'll start on Wednesday. Benezet could be a candidate to play at the #9 or a false 9 if needed to give Rubio a break.
The Rapids clinch with a draw in either of their last two games or the Galaxy not winning both of their last two games. (Assuming no further games are cancelled due to COVID)
Short of a major, college sports-tier outbreak, for one of the clubs within the next 2-3 days, I think we're probably out of the woods on that.
⚽️ #PORvCOL⏰ 8:00PM🏟 Providence Park📺 @AltitudeTV📻 @AltitudeSR#Rapids96 | @WesternUnion— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 4, 2020
If the Rapids clinch, they could rest for the play-offs by simply not showing up at the last game. If it is on Altitude, and no crowds are allowed in the stands, it is doubtful anyone will notice. My prediction is the Rapids win 5-4.
No need to forfeit -- send the Big Soccer Rapids team -- I would be willing to play left back ... on the bench.
1-1 draw, goal by Bassett. Portland has slightly better offenses and defenses but not by much and they're injured. Plus while they would love to strengthen their hold on first place that doesn't have quite the same urgency as the Rapids will have trying to clinch their first playoff spot in 4 years. I think that's enough for the teams to battle to a draw. Worst case, if the Rapids lose, I think the Sounders get a result in LA anyway and we still clinch tomorrow night. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2020/11/rapids-try-to-clinch-playoff-berth-in.html
Only one change from Sunday night, Wilson for Trusty. The group to face @TimbersFC tonight.#PORvCOL | #Rapids96— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 5, 2020
BTW, the PK overturn was probably a good one Except for the above offences, it is not an offence if the ball touches a player’s hand/arm:• directly from the player’s own head or body (including the foot)Cc @marcelobalboa17— Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) November 5, 2020
I would disagree. And I would use Weibe’s own words against him too. I’ve seen Weibe argue plays extremely similar to this one as a CLEAR handball on MLS Instant Replay. The PTL player is clearly stretching his hand in the direction of the ball and up and away from his body. That makes it unnaturally bigger regardless of whether or not it hit his leg first. If the rule is the way Weibe is interpreting it here - and as such the head ref tonight - what’s to stop defenders from kicking the ball in the air and then volleyball slapping it away “unintentionally”.....seriously. The MLS needs to be clearer in their rules because I’ve seen this exact play called several times this season - both live and on Weibe’s on Instant Replay. 🧐 pic.twitter.com/26M2WgbkpR— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 5, 2020
The challenges. The noise. The doubters. None of it slowed this team down.Two straight wins to clinch our spot in the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs!! pic.twitter.com/yJQoMCmYtL— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 5, 2020
Well earned win by the Rapids. They generally had more possession, especially in the first and were frequently looking dangerous. No fluke that they axed the Timbers tonight. Rubio works so hard to dispossess the opposition and it really paid off tonight. He will never get statistical credit for his work rate, but he's a difference maker. Really, the Rapids look confident and comfortable in the attack now. I have to look at the rules again on a hand ball. It seemed for a long period of time that reversal would come back to haunt the Rapids.
#MLSCupPlayoffs BOUND BABY!!#Rapids96 | @KellynAcosta pic.twitter.com/M87xX5zDk2— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 5, 2020
The game winner from Acosta: .@kellynacosta is back and he's given us the 1-0 lead!!! pic.twitter.com/VikICRfahk— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 5, 2020
They looked dominant in the first half but had nothing to show for it. Then the press ran out of steam in the second half but Portland got nothing to show for it. Last 20 minutes were sloppy but great goal by Acosta.