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On Wednesday, September 5th, the Colorado Rapids will play host to the Portland Timbers for the third and final time this season at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The teams have each won and lost against each and the winner on Wednesday will have bragging rights as both clubs are currently bottom of the Western Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MST and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
Colorado (8-17-2) have really struggled as of late and have not won since a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on August 4th. Also, the Rapids have only won two league games since June 30th. The club has recently found itself bottom of the Western Conference. New signing Hendry Thomas played a positive 90 minutes against the Timbers on Friday and will likely start again on Wednesday. Omar Cummings will miss the match due to International duty with Jamaica.
Portland (7-13-6) are no longer the bottom-feeders after a Bright Dike strike in the first half proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win over Colorado on Friday night. Newly acquired goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made some key saves to preserve the shutout as the Cascadia side sent the fans home happy with a rare win in 2012.
Martin Rivero has proven to be one of the few bright spots of the club throughout the 2012 campaign. Rivero currently leads the team in assists and has proven to be a playmaker who can overcome the physical challenge of Major League Soccer. The Argentine is currently on a 2-year loan with the Rocky Mountain club and home fans will hopefully get to see Hendry Thomas once again paired with Rivero in central midfield on Wednesday evening.