With one game remaining in the MLS regular season, the Rapids have a good chance to host a wild-card game next week.
They have the same record and points total as Houston, but they have the tiebreaker edge over Houston, which is head-to-head competition. The Rapids won 2-1 at Houston on May 4 and tied Houston 0-0 here July 3.
If Colorado and Houston both lose their final regular season game and New York wins, all three teams would have the same point total, but Colorado also has the tiebreaker edge over New York. Colorado tied 2-2 at New York May 25 and beat New York 4-1 here on July 20.
Colorado really could use a win at expansion Vancouver Saturday, though. Houston hosts the Los Angeles Galaxy Sunday, and while the Galaxy is the league’s best team, coach Bruce Arena might well want to rest some of his regulars.
Portland has an outside chance to tie Colorado and Houston, but only if Portland wins both of its games this week while Colorado and Houston both lose. Colorado also has the tiebreaker advantage over Portland.
Wild card team No. 1 will host team No. 4 and team No. 2 will host team No. 3. Thus if the standings remain as they are now, FC Dallas would host New York next Wednesday and the Rapids would host Houston next Thursday.
Wild Card Race
Top four make playoffs
Team (points). Remaining game(s).
• FC Dallas (52). At San Jose, Saturday.
• Colorado Rapids (46). At Vancouver, Saturday.
• Houston Dynamo (46). Los Angeles (home), Sunday.
• New York Red Bulls (43). Philadelphia (home), Thursday.
• Portland (40). At DC United, Wednesday; at Real Salt Lake, Saturday.
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
