:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34920497/20140325_ter_ak6_870.0.jpg)
The Group Stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has come to its conclusion, and league fixtures can now continue within Major League Soccer. The World Cup Round of 16 will start on Saturday morning, but fans can also turn their attention to the Colorado Rapids as they continue their quest to qualify for the MLS playoffs.
Colorado (6-5-4) are coming off a pair of US Open Cup fixtures over the past two weeks at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rocky Mountain side defeated Orlando City of the USL Pro, but fell victim to the Atlanta Silverbacks by a scoreline of 2-1. The loss knocked Colorado out of the US Open Cup tournament. Colorado's last league fixture was on June 7th in Texas as FC Dallas won 3-2.
Vancouver (5-2-7) currently find themselves in 5th place in a crowded Western Conference. The Whitecaps also had a midweek fixture against the Montreal Impact that ended in a 0-0 draw at the BC Place. It will be a quick few days rest as the team will face a Rapids side that had no business losing to Atlanta on Tuesday - especially with Atlanta down to 8 men while Colorado finished the game with 10 players.
The Rapids defeated Vancouver 2-1 on April 5th at the BC Place early this season. Jose Mari scored two stunning goals late on the 2nd half to lift the Centennial State club over the Whitecaps. Dillon Serna will not feature on Saturday, as the 20-year-old midfielder will serve a suspension.