The Colorado Rapids (6-6-4, 22 points) can clinch a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs when they visit Portland Timbers (11-5-5, 38 points) on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT at Providence Park.
"Given the year that we’ve had—the year everyone’s had, but in particular, our team—it’s exciting to be in a position where playoffs are within reach,” said Rapids head coach Robin Fraser ahead of the match. “We’re excited about the game in that respect. However, we understand and know that Portland is a really really good opponent, so for us, it’s another opportunity to really work at the things that we do that had brought us success to this point and an opportunity to play against a very good team. If you want to be successful in this league, you have to be able beat the good teams and this will be another huge test.”
Colorado can clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday with a win or draw at Portland, or if LA Galaxy lose or draw in their match against Seattle Sounders FC that same night. The Rapids’ dominant 3-1 win over the defending MLS Cup champions on Sunday lifted them into seventh in the Western Conference. The top eight teams in the West will qualify for playoffs, as determined by points per game.
Forward Andre Shinyashiki, defender Keegan Rosenberry and midfielder Cole Bassett scored for Colorado in Sunday’s regular season home finale against Seattle. Head coach Robin Fraser, Homegrown defender Sam Vines and Shinyashiki were named to MLS Team of the Week, while Rosenberry’s game-winning strike is up for AT&T Goal of the Week.
Watch Keegan Rosenberry’s game-winning golazo >>
Bassett’s goal was his fifth of the season, which tied forward Jonathan Lewis for the team lead. Vines picked up his third assist of the season, while Shinyashiki scored his fourth goal in six games. Captain Jack Price leads Colorado with five assists.
Portland enters the match in first place in the Western Conference. In their last match on Sunday, the Timbers defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 1-0, on Yimmi Chará’s fourth goal of the season.
Diego Valeri and Jeremy Ebobisse lead Portland with eight goals apiece, while Chara leads the team with eight assists.
Fans can tune into Wednesday’s match on Altitude Sports and Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
News & Notes
- Colorado can clinch a playoff berth with a win or draw against Portland, OR a loss or draw by LA Galaxy in their match against Seattle Sounders FC
- Forward Andre Shinyashiki scored his second goal in as many games in Sunday’s win over Seattle. The reigning AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year has four goals and an assist in his last six games.
- Homegrown defender Sam Vines picked up his third assist of 2020 on Shinyashiki’s goal. The 19-year-old Colorado Springs native continued his Ironman streak, playing all 1,440 minutes for Colorado this season.
- Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett scored his fifth goal of the season in the 75th minute of Sunday’s win over Seattle. Bassett has started seven consecutive matches, picking up four goals and two assists in that span. The 21-year-old Littleton, Colo., native is tied with Jonathan Lewis for the team lead with five goals.
- READ: Three Points: Rapids slice Sounders, on verge of playoff berth
- READ: Rapids continue to be lethal off set the restart
- READ: Rosenberry, Shinyashiki help Rapids beat Sounders 3-1
