Taking on the world proved to be a bit much for the Rapids last season.
So for today’s Western Conference final, the Rapids are narrowing their focus to just upsetting the Houston Dynamo at what is expected to be a hot and hostile Robertson Stadium.
As much as the fourth-seeded Rapids would love to throw a monkey wrench into what they perceive as MLS’ status quo with a win, fighting off the memory of getting dumped by Los Angeles at this stage last year would be a better mental tonic.
“Last year I think we felt that we were playing against the league to a certain degree, because the league didn’t want us to make it to the championship, we’re a small-market team – all these extra factors which now we’re totally blocking out,” defender Matt Crawford said. “We’re just focused on Houston.”
The Rapids are expecting an up-and-down, physical encounter against the second-seeded Dynamo, which is also trying to atone for a rude playoff exit last season.
At Friday’s final training session in Westminster, the Rapids worked on finishing inside the 18-yard box and practiced penalty kicks should the score be tied after 30 minutes of overtime.
Coach Fernando Clavijo exuded his usual calm demeanor, hinting at changes to a lineup that stunned FC Dallas last week.
Terry Cooke, who led MLS with 12 assists in the regular season, did not make the trip as he recovers from a groin injury. Clavijo might recall Thiago Martins in attack and give Alain Nkong the start on the left wing instead of banged up rookie Jacob Peterson.
Besides stalwarts Mike Petke and Aitor Karanka in central defense, Clavijo could go a variety of directions on the outside as he looks to neutralize Houston’s potent attack. Able to play on either side, Crawford’s versatility makes him a likely selection.
Keeper Joe Cannon is particularly familiar with the Dynamo’s nucleus, many of whom he played alongside before the franchise moved to Houston from San Jose in the offseason.
Houston’s greatest advantage over Colorado is its familiar lineup, a luxury the Rapids have not had since Clavijo took over last season and drastically overhauled the talent.
“This is the type of game where we have to defend like we’re a goal up and attack like we’re a goal down,” Cannon said. “Everybody has to do that kind of a job.”
Taking on the world will have to come later.
Rapids
What: MLS playoffs – Colorado Rapids at Houston Dynamo in Western Conference final. One-game playoff determines which team advances to MLS Cup final.
When: 5 p.m., Sunday
Where: Robertson Stadium, Houston
