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It’s Decision Day and who could have predicted that it would all come down to this? It’s the one time when the league will sync their watches and have every match start at the same time, which means things could get a little chaotic. The Colorado Rapids know they have only so much of their fate in their hands.
The Rapids travel to LA to take on LAFC, who is this season’s juggernaut in MLS having already won the Supporters’ Shield with 69 points.
There are two ways LAFC will approach this game:
- With 69 points already, one more win will set the new MLS record for most points in a season, a record currently held by Atlanta.
- Rest your big names and/or guys who may be a little knocked up.
Two very different scenarios that Colorado must prepare for. Carlos Vela will probably play, as he is chasing a record of his own (most goals in a single season) with Zlatan Ibrahimovic hot on his tail. It would take a big injury to keep him from suiting up today.
It all comes down to this.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 5, 2019
Here's what's at stake on @MLS #DecisionDay tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Wc1SWdzS12
For the Rapids, at the start of the season it was about preparation and how other teams play. Now it’s about themselves and how they play. It’s shown in the results, and their confidence level and momentum have grown. When you are on the kind of run where you have won five of your last six—and no team but your next opponent has scored more points than you since June—you have the force with you.
That also means this could be a low scoring game considering LAFC has the least amount of goals conceded in MLS. Tim Howard could be called upon to help earn one more clean sheet before he turns the page to Memphis.
As if Rapids fans were not already white-knuckled over Decision Day, add to it that it’s not easy to watch them play. C38 has a way and will be getting creative at Celtic on Market, meanwhile the other football will be in full force so be prepared if you are going out.
It’s been one heck of a ride and though we can see the end, it doesn’t feel over, not just yet.
Colorado Rapids Starting XI:
Our group to try to lead us into the @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs.#Rapids96 | #DecisionDay
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) October 6, 2019
Officials
Referee: Robert Sibiga
Assistant Referees: Eduardo Mariscal, Kevin Klinger
4th Official: Michael Radchuk
VAR: Edvin Jurisevic
Colorado
OUT: Kortne Ford (knee), Deklan Wynne (foot) Dillon Serna (surgery)
QUESTIONABLE: none
Suspended: none
Suspended after next caution: none
Los Angeles
OUT: Javier Perez (M) - left ACL tear, Josh Perez (F) - left MCL sprain, Danilo Silva (D) - lumbar disc injury
QUESTIONABLE: none
Suspended: Adama Diomande (F)
Suspended after next caution: none
How to Watch
Match Date/Time: Sunday, October 6th at 2 p.m. MST
Venue: Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
TV Information: none
Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 950AM
Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required, must be outside of the region)
Watch Party: Celtic on Market