Last time the Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids meant, it was just a random game in the middle of the season where the Rapids were gunning for a road point or two. This time, there are playoff points on the line that the Rapids really need to grab. They currently have 38 points after their surprising road draw in Salt Lake, so they only need five more to all but guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs with 43 points. Three of those really should come against the Union today.
This game was actually meant to be played much earlier in the season, but with Philly actually scheduling things that weren't MLS games – hear that Rapids brass?! – the game had to be rescheduled to today. The Rapids will be playing on a short rest after the Salt Lake game, and also be playing without their top striker Conor Casey. Macoumba Kandji will take his place starting up front with Omar Cummings. If he plays half as well as he did against RSL, the game is a shoe in.
The Rapids have only lost one game at home this season and Philly has only won a couple on the road, so honestly there should be no reason to think that the Union will pull this one out. Colorado has won their last four home games by a combined score of 10-0, including three 3-0 wins against Houston, Chivas USA and New England.
It's my birthday and I'll be at the game, so the recap may be a bit… late.
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Matt Pollard 