#OneClub Report: Hope Renewed?

WARNING:  This post will be unduly optimistic and possibly offensive to those who currently hate the Colorado Rapids, their front office, the beer vendors, the parking lot attendants, etc.  You have been warned.

OK, so I am being a tad sarcastic, but after a couple of rough weeks for the Burgundy Boys, they got some good news and picked up a vital three points on Saturday night.  Couple that with a big win for the Charlotte Independence and it all ends up a good weekend for the #OneClub

1) A Queen City Victory: The Independence were able to see off the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to climb within three points of the playoff places and they have at least two games in hand on the playoff teams.  The Independence have seven games left to make up the deficit and with the way things are going, they have a realistic shot at the USL Eastern Conference playoffs.

2) A Canadian Adventure: But for the Independence to make that run, they need to take care of business on the road which is something they have truly struggled with.  Of the seven remaining matches, five are on the road including the next two in Canada.  Charlotte really need to do their best to beat FC Montreal and Toronto FC II on the road if they want that shot at the playoffs.  Oh, and Charlotte has yet to win a game away from home (0-4-5).  If they cannot change that, the playoffs may be a road too far.

3) Speaking of Playoffs: Sure, it is probably too little and too late for the Rapids, but last night felt really good and it rekindled some hope that they can turn it around.  Yeah, they still need to grab 2 points a game the rest of the way, but crazier things have happened.   I know, I am sipping the Kool-Aid and being overly optimistic, but you know what?  I don't care.  My team gave me something to celebrate last night and I am going to take those good vibes into Wednesday and hope they can grab another win against a beatable Houston Dynamo team.

A busy week for both the Rapids and the Independence, but this is crunch time and if either team were going to make a run, it is now:

Wednesday, August 26:

Rapids vs Houston--7:00 PM MDT--Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Altitude Sports)

Independence at FC Montreal--4:30 PM MDT--Stade Saputo (Live Stream)

Saturday, August 29:

Rapids vs Sporting Kansas City--7:00 PM MDT--Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Altitude Sports)

Sunday, August 30:

Independence at Toronto FC II--1:00 PM MDT--Ontario Soccer Centre (Live Stream)

Will it happen for the Rapids and the Independence?  I don't really know, but it is going to be a fun couple of weeks for both clubs.