5 In A Row, A 6th Might Be Worth It?

In my preview of the Santos game I stated that the Rapids should not focus on this competition.  I still don't know that they should but the results over the last three nights have certainly made it a tougher decision.

Obviously the biggest one from Colorado's POV was their comeback win over the Mexican bottom-dwellers, with Navarro getting 2 goals in the second half.  This is a game that could have been 5-1 Rapids at times, we just couldn't finish (heard that before).  The regulars all got the start so some rotation will likely be needed tomorrow night.

The other results on Thursday were significant.  The Galaxy beat Tijuana by 3 and the Sounders curb-stomped Cruz Auzl with 7 goals in the second half.  The Montreal and Miami failed to win over the last tow nights (though Miami did win its shootout).

What that means is that only 6 MLS teams can now get to 9 points, meanwhile on the Liga MX side 4 teams are already at least 5 points (one at 6) with a positive goal differential and one can still get there.  This means that with just a shootout loss in their next game they almost certainly finish ahead of Cruz Azul and likely Tijuana.  Possibly Santos too.

So the Rapids are now looking at playing two all-but-eliminated Liga MX teams (possibly officially eliminated by the time they play Cruz Azul) while being in a position to be one of only 6 MLS teams to make it to 6 points after two games.  Portland is currently up a goal and a man with 30 minutes to play so they look likely to be the first, but Minnesota was in the same position earlier this evening and blew it.  Cinci and RBNY have a chance tomorrow as well.

The drawback though is that the other two teams that can do it are Seattle and the Galaxy, the other teams in Colorado's pod, facing  the same group of all-but eliminated Liga MX teams.  You would expect that if Colorado gets there, they will too (certainly Seattle would be expected to, especially with Santos down their keeper) and with a better GD thanks to their first games.

So its time for Armas to make a big decision.  Do we risk our game in Minnesota by playing the starters tomorrow night and/or on Thursday to grab one of those 4 slots?  Do we rotate some tomorrow, hope to get the win, then look at the lay of the land and make a decision on Thursday?  Or do we focus on the playoff run and plan for the reserves to get most of the next two games?

Its a harder decision for me now than it was on Wednesday.  The games are, mostly, breaking in Colorado's favor.  If push comes to shove though I think the playoffs are more important.  There's a week between now and the Minnesota game, play a mix of starters who feel rested and backups tomorrow and see where things land come Thursday.

Man of the Match: Rafael Navarro.  2 goals, easy decision.