Colorado Rapids October Preview – The Final Countdown

I already pointed out how lucky we are to even be in the position we're in right now a week ago. Still technically a Supporters' Shield candidate? A few wins away from a record number of points and a playoff berth with a team that seems deeper and stronger than the injury-rattled team that got creamed in the 2011 playoffs? Let's just savor the moment here. This is a good Rapids team no matter what happens, and it's going to get even better as the years go by.

That said, it's October, and the Rapids could have a real chance to hoist a trophy at the end of it all if they can make their way into the playoff mix. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. They'll be playing the likely Shield winners, one of the hottest teams in the league at the moment, and a team that will be in full-on desperation mode, twice. That's no cakewalk of a four-game stretch, and unlike last year it doesn't seem likely that every other team from 4th-7th in the West are going to suddenly crash and burn to give the Rapids an easy road into the playoffs.

Every game is important at this point of the season. 12 points are on the line. Gaining any fewer than six of them could spell disaster. Let's take a look at what we're dealing with in October.

10/27 @ Vancouver Whitecaps – In a perfect world, this game would be meaningless. It's likely not going to work out quite like that, but hopefully this won't be a one-game playoff for the final spot in the league.

BW Prediction – 1-1 Draw