:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50361751/usa-today-9371038.0.jpg)
On Saturday evening, the Colorado Rapids will travel to the Los Angeles area to face LA Galaxy for the third and final time in the 2016 regular season. The Commerce City based team won over the Galaxy in the first game of the campaign at home while coming away from the StubHub Center with a 0-0 draw in June. The Rapids are currently four points ahead of LA in the Western Conference table.
Colorado (11-3-8, 41 points) are coming off an uplifting 2-0 home win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on the weekend. Marlon Hairston and Dominique Badji scored either side of halftime to ensure the Rapids bounced back from an embarrassing showing in New York City the previous week. The Rapids have a tough stretch coming up, but some positive results can possibly lead to the Rapids still being in the race for the Supporter's Shield trophy.
Los Angeles (9-3-10, 37 points) were fortunate to draw 2-2 at home against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday evening. Major League Soccer admitted that referee Hilario Grajeda made errors in not awarding New York two late penalty kicks. The league also communicated its concerns with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which identifies and develops referees within the U.S.A. and Canada. The Galaxy are tied for 3rd place in the West with Real Salt Lake.
LA Galaxy have some of the league's most dynamic attacking players, including Giovanni dos Santos and Robbie Keane. The team also boasts big-name (albeit veteran European) players Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Nigel de Jong, and Jella Van Damme. The Rapids have managed clean sheets against LA in their past two matchups. A third straight shutout would really make a statement to the league.