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 once 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 — they usually see their three-match homestand starting Saturday as essential.
“Now we have to reap the benefits of the subsequent three video games, notably taking part in right here to maneuver up the standings,” Rapids ahead Rafael Navarro stated.
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 stated he’s optimistic his staff will qualify for the postseason.
“It’s a must to construct the staff all through the top of the season, as a result of there are groups that begin actually, actually sturdy, after which they fade throughout the yr,” he stated. “After which there are groups that begin sluggish … they usually arrive to the playoffs, they usually arrive to the ultimate, they usually win the championship.
“If we’ve the mindset that we’re constructing one thing proper in direction of the top of the season, we may be profitable.”
It will not be straightforward except issues change. Austin has solely 11 targets this season, and its minus-9 objective differential is tied for fourth-worst in MLS.
Whereas Brandon Vazquez has 4 targets, he has not acquired a lot help, and Austin will likely be with out ahead Myrto Uzuni, who’s away with the Albanian nationwide staff.
Colorado’s combo of Djordje Mihailovic (seven targets) 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 staff when he injured his knee in coaching on Wednesday and reportedly will likely be out 4 to 6 weeks.
Nonetheless, coach Chris Armas stated the Rapids should persevere.
“We did the straightforward math and see what three factors can imply,” he stated. “We wish to maintain constructing on what we have been doing as of late.”
–Area Stage Media