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The Colorado Rapids and the Seattle Sounders are set to do battle on what will be a cold evening at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. A cold front entered the state on Friday with wintery conditions throughout the Denver metro area. With the majority of the 2013 MLS campaign in the books, just four matches remain for the Colorado Rapids.
Colorado (12-9-9) currently find themselves holding onto the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, San Jose Earthquakes have clawed back into the race and only trail the Rapids by 1 point. Colorado did themselves no favors after being on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat in Portland on September 20th. A defensive mistake by Drew Moor led to Diego Valeri goal that proved to be the difference.
Seattle (15-8-6) are level with Real Salt Lake on points at the summit of the Western Conference. The Emerald City club have two games in hand and are on pace to win the Western Conference. Colorado will be looking to halt the Sounders as the Rapids need a win to stay in contention for a playoff spot. The Rapids should receive a boost as Clint Dempsey will not make the trip as the United States international has a hamstring injury.
There are only two home games to go as the Rapids look to qualify for the postseason. Despite Dempsey being out of the lineup, Eddie Johnson and Obafemi Martins will have to be contained. On Seattle's last visit to Denver, the Sounders won 1-0 courtesy of an Obafemi Martins goal on April 20th. Rapids head coach Oscar Pareja is confident his squad of youngsters can compete with Seattle's star names and march towards the playoffs.