COMMERCE CITY — The Rapids have assured themselves of MLS postseason play for the first time since 2006, but there will be plenty at stake tonight when they close their regular season against intermountain rival Real Salt Lake.
Having tied RSL in Utah last month, the Rapids would claim the Rocky Mountain Cup with a win. RSL has the second-best record in the league — the Rapids expect a sellout, or close to it — so coach Gary Smith wants the team to be at its best.
“I want to win the game, so I’ll be putting out a lineup that can go and produce that, hopefully,” Smith said. “I want to put on a performance for the fans that have come and supported us throughout a season, which has now turned into a very exciting one. I want to keep our form going. We’ve had three very good away results, and I’m sure for the sides we look like we might play (in the playoffs), have maybe put some doubts in their minds about playing against us.”
The Rapids now stand as the eighth and final seed in the playoffs, but they could move up as high as sixth when play concludes tonight.
They probably will play New York or Columbus in the first round, although there is one scenario that would have them play Los Angeles. The first game of the playoffs will be at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park next week — either Thursday or Saturday.
Then there’s the Rocky Mountain Cup, which has been in RSL’s possession since 2007.
“There’s some silverware at stake,” Smith said. “I’ve said before, any silverware that can come this way, I’ll gladly accept it.”
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
Rapids/playoffs
The Rapids will know their playoff opponent when their game against Real Salt Lake concludes tonight. If the Rapids lose, they will play New York, the top team in the Eastern Conference. If Colorado wins or ties, two other Saturday games figure into the possible playoff lineup, but they will be finished before the Rapids’ game. Here are the other possibilities:
• If the Rapids win, Seattle wins or ties at Houston and San Jose wins at Kansas City, the Rapids will play New York.
• If the Rapids win, Seattle wins or ties and San Jose ties, the Rapids will play Columbus.
• If the Rapids win, Seattle loses and San Jose ties or loses, the Rapids will play Los Angeles.
• If the Rapids win, Seattle loses and San Jose wins, the Rapids will play Columbus.
• If the Rapids tie and San Jose loses — regardless of the Seattle result — the Rapids will play Columbus.
• If the Rapids tie and San Jose wins or ties — regardless of the Seattle result — the Rapids will play New York.
