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The Colorado Rapids will close out the 2015 regular season against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Sunday evening. The Timbers have not clinched a playoff spot yet and the Rapids could potentially play spoiler for the Rose City club. However, a win or a draw over Colorado would see Portland qualify for the postseason.
Colorado (9-14-10, 37 points) are coming off a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in a midweek matchup. That fixture was originally supposed to be played in May but it was postponed after severe thunderstorms in Kansas City. Dillon Powers and Marcelo Sarvas both scored on counter attacks in the 2nd half to put Sporting to the sword. Both goals occurred after Rapids midfielder Sam Cronin was sent off for a second yellow card.
Portland (14-11-8, 50 points), are coming off an impressive 5-2 win over the LA Galaxy at the Stubhub Center in Carson, California. The Sunday night fixture saw 6 goals scored in the 2nd half, with four goals scored by four different Timbers players. The win virtually sealed a playoff spot for Portland, but the club needs at least a point against Colorado to ensure themselves of a spot in the postseason.
The Rapids can end the season on a high note, especially after their 2-0 win on Wednesday. The club appears to have given a full backing to head coach Pablo Mastroeni as the offseason looms. A win over Portland would be good for not only the fans, but a boost for the club going into the long MLS offseason.