Fernando Clavijo woke up late Monday, catching up on sleep he lost in Los Angeles thanks to a hotel elevator that vibrated his headboard with every pass.
The scene could have been a fitting image for the Rapids (11-11-6), who held on for a 0-0 draw Saturday against a desperate Los Angeles Galaxy squad. Tied for third in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference with four games remaining, the Rapids could vault to second place with the right results, or fall out of the playoff picture completely.
But Clavijo isn’t the type who looks down – whether at the standings or Colorado’s offensive shortcomings.
The Rapids trail second- place Houston by one point, are tied with Chivas USA and lead playoff outsider Real Salt Lake by three points after Salt Lake’s gutsy 3-2 victory over Western Conference-leading FC Dallas on Saturday.
Pressure? Clavijo said it’s all on Salt Lake, not the Rapids.
“I don’t care who we play. I just care that we do our job,” Clavijo said.
And what about reshuffling a Rapids offense that has eight goals in its past 11 games, and hasn’t scored more than one goal in a game since July 20?
“Multiple-goal games would be great, but shutting people down is even better,” Clavijo said.
With three saves against the Galaxy, goalie Joe Cannon posted consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season and extended his shutout streak to 193 minutes. He was selected MLS player of the week Monday.
Colorado overcame the losses of Alain Nkong (knee) and Terry Cooke (knee). Clavijo said both could miss an additional week.
The Rapids return to the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., on Saturday for a showdown with Chivas USA (9-7-12).
Kirovski still in mix
Clavijo continues to show confidence in Jovan Kirovski, even though the forward has not scored since May 27.
Kirovski was benched for Saturday’s game against the Galaxy. Clavijo said it was for tactical reasons and had nothing to do with his subpar performance in the previous game.
Kirovski, 30, scored five goals in the first eight games this season, but has failed to score in his past 16 appearances. Clavijo has returned to Kirovski rather than give prolonged chances to Fabrice Noel or recent signee Melvin Tarley.
Playoff extras
Houston, Colorado, Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles are in the mix for three postseason berths in what appears to be a tight race.
The Galaxy is six points back and has an extra game to play in the U.S. Open Cup final Sept. 27.
The Rapids and Salt Lake have three road games remaining. Houston has two and Chivas USA one.
