United Taming the Rapids
United have been in firm control of this series for the last four years. The last time these two teams met, United earned a 4-2 victory at RFK on Aug. 17, 2014. United has not dropped a game to the Rapids in the last four times these teams have met, securing two wins and two draws since their 4-1 loss at Colorado on April 3, 2011.
Rapids Running Hot and Cold
The Rapids have been slowed a bit coming into this game, after their three-game MLS winning streak was snapped due to a 2-0 loss to Vancouver on Sept. 9. Lately, Colorado can be summed up in two words: consistently inconsistent. In the 11 games before the loss to Vancouver, Colorado lost two games, won three games, lost three games and then won three games. United has a chance to continue that flip-flopping trend with a victory on Saturday.
The Kevin Doyle Show
Kevin Doyle, the designated player Colorado brought in in late March, is back from his stint with the Republic of Ireland National Team. Despite failing to score in the Vancouver match, Doyle managed to get his head on a cross for a shot saved at the goal line. Even though he didn’t come away with a goal, Doyle is producing mightily in the center forward spot. He has two goals in his last three games and four in his last 10, while also adding an assist in that span. United will have to contain him to secure the road win.
Home Sweet Home
From 1996-2000, United went 5-1-0 at the Rapids, a fitting mark for a team that dominated the early years of MLS. Since that 2000 season, however, United has gone 1-9-3 in games in Commerce City, with the lone win coming in 2010. In that same span, United has gone 9-1-5 against Colorado in the District, with their one home loss coming in 2010. These two teams have proven that when they lock up, it’s very difficult for the road team to come away with a win. United will have to build on the momentum of their four-match unbeaten streak in this series, and shake off their current three game slide, to come away with a victory in Colorado.
Setting Up Dominoes
Despite their current form, United are still in prime position for a playoff spot. D.C. has a chance to clinch a playoff spot as early as Saturday with a victory at Colorado. That, however, is only the first domino that needs to fall. With a United win, if Chicago loses or ties against the New York Red Bulls Friday night, New York City FC loses to FC Dallas on Saturday, and Philadelphia loses or ties against Columbus on Saturday, United will be in the 2015 playoffs. United fans will know by Friday’s end if it’s even possible for Saturday to be Clinch-day, but regardless, United will have to take care of business in the tough road tilt.
