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While the Western Conference playoff race seems out of reach, the Colorado Rapids are a mere 6 points back from the final playoff spot with 6 games remaining in the 2014 regular season. Regardless, the Rapids are facing arch rivals Real Salt Lake for the final time this year, and the Denver club has yet to record a result against the Claret and Cobalt during the campaign.
Colorado (8-13-7) finally halted a seven-game losing streak - the longest in club history - with a 2-2 home draw against Portland on the weekend. Dillon Powers and DeShorn Brown both found the scoresheet as both clubs earned a share of the spoils at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. In two games against Real Salt Lake this season, the Rapids narrowly lost 2-1 in Utah in May, while RSL recorded a 1-0 win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in August.
Real Salt Lake (12-6-10) most recently fell victim to the Seattle Sounders by a scoreline of 3-2. Goals by Javier Morales and Joao Plata were not enough at CenturyLink Field as Seattle found the game winner in stoppage time to the delight of the home crowd.
Colorado midfielder Nick LaBrocca will not be available for selection as the former Toronto FC and Chivas USA player earned a 1 game suspension. The MLS disciplinary committee ruled that LaBrocca should have been sent off against Portland for a hard challenge during the second half on Saturday evening. Nick LaBrocca was only shown a yellow card by the referee.