The primary weekend in June just isn’t too early to consider making the playoffs.
That would be the angle for Austin FC and the Colorado Rapids after they meet Saturday evening in Commerce Metropolis, Colo.
The Rapids (6-6-4, 22 factors) have received two of their previous three matches and stand in eighth place within the Western Convention — above the playoff line — and so they see their three-match homestand starting Saturday as essential.
“Now we have to make the most of the following three video games, significantly enjoying right here to maneuver up the standings,” Rapids ahead Rafael Navarro mentioned.
Austin (5-7-5, 20 factors) just isn’t far behind in tenth place however is 0-4-4 over the previous eight MLS matches. Coach Nico Estevez mentioned he’s optimistic his crew will qualify for the postseason.
“You must construct the crew all through the tip of the season, as a result of there are groups that begin actually, actually robust, after which they fade throughout the yr,” he mentioned. “After which there are groups that begin gradual … and so they arrive to the playoffs, and so they arrive to the ultimate, and so they win the championship.
“If now we have the mindset that we’re constructing one thing proper in the direction of the tip of the season, we may be profitable.”
It will not be simple until issues change. Austin has solely 11 objectives this season, and its minus-9 aim differential is tied for fourth-worst in MLS.
Whereas Brandon Vazquez has 4 objectives, he has not obtained a lot assist, and Austin can be with out ahead Myrto Uzuni, who’s away with the Albanian nationwide crew.
Colorado’s combo of Djordje Mihailovic (seven objectives) and Navarro (5) have mixed to outscore Austin FC, and Navarro has scored in three of the previous 4 matches in opposition to them.
Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen was with U.S. nationwide crew when he injured his knee in coaching on Wednesday and reportedly can be out 4 to 6 weeks.
Nonetheless, coach Chris Armas mentioned the Rapids should persevere.
“We did the straightforward math and see what three factors can imply,” he mentioned. “We wish to preserve constructing on what we have been doing as of late.”
–Area Stage Media
