Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers - Three Keys to the Game

So, the Rapids are currently dead last in the Western Conference, but not all is lost! There is a chance for revenge on Wednesday when the teams play each other again, and the Rapids can bump themselves right back up into seventh place in front of the fans at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The question is, can they do it? The Rapids haven't exactly had their famous home pitch advantage all that much this season and Portland is on something of a roll after two straight wins over the Vancouver and Colorado. It's probably all going to come down to luck, but here's three things that will need to roll the Rapids way if they want three points outta this one.

Hendry Thomas - The new guy played a magnificent game in his first appearance against the Timbers, and whatever fitness issues we were worried about seem to have been thrown out the window, at least for 90 minutes that time around. With a short week between starts, it's going to be interesting to see how he'll handle himself with another 90 minutes, if he is even fit enough to start at all. If he can get in and keep the Timbers midfield away from the ball as effectively as he did against Portland the first time, the Rapids may have a fighting chance.

Get More Set Pieces - Doesn't really matter how you earn them, but the Rapids seem to be at their best when they have set pieces. Martin Rivero has changed the ability of the team to stick the ball into the net on corner kicks and free kicks with his great service. And of course, that 'get set pieces' point leads me to the number one point that has probably been the number one point since the start of the season...

Somebody Score For The Love of God - I think this one is self explanatory. I'll provide maps and tours to the back of the net if you guys need it, striker crew.