I'm not sure I'd call the Rapids product that we've been seeing this year a cup caliber squad. Even with the new additions of Mac Kandji and Brian Mullan the team is probably good for a playoff appearance and perhaps a win or two in the post season, but probably not enough to get all the way to the cup. Of course, it's obviously useless to talk about what the potential finishing power of this team is in the playoffs if the team can't even make it that far. The Rapids are, after all, a team unfortunately known for stumbling down the homestretch. So will they make the leap to the post season?
The biggest question will be of fatigue by the time those games show up. Colorado has an unfortunate situation of playing three games in eight days starting with Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake, a rarity for the usually well rested Rapids due to their lack of cup play and friendlies. Fortunately, very little travel will be involved as they only have to go from Utah back home, where they will remain for two games.
It feels silly to call two games against the worst teams in the league "must win games" but those games might very well be at that point.
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Matt Pollard 