COMMERCE CITY — With of the Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Galaxy emerged as the opponent the Rapids will face when they open their pursuit of the MLS Cup this weekend.
Colorado will play at Los Angeles on Sunday, then host the Galaxy the following Sunday to conclude a two-game series. Start times will not be announced until after Thursday’s playoff games.
Colorado finished second in the Western Conference (and second overall in MLS) in the regular season while the Galaxy finished third in the conference (sixth overall), but the two teams played three close games. on March 12 on . The other games ended in ties at LA (1-1 and 0-0).
“They’re a very good home team, we’re going there first and they have a lot of really sharp players,” said Rapids captain Sam Cronin. “We have to make sure we don’t concede an early goal and start chasing the game, chasing the series. We have to make sure we start good.”
The Galaxy has won five MLS Cups, three under current coach Bruce Arena (2011, 2012, 2014). National team hero Landon Donovan retired after the 2014 season but returned last month and broke the MLS record for career playoff assists (15) Wednesday night. He also has the record for playoff goals (25).
“We’ve played them really well all three times and twice at their place,” Cronin said. “I think we match up good with them. When our team is ready and we’re on the front foot, we’re a really good team and I like our chances against anybody.”
Center back Axel Sjoberg also believes projecting the right “mentality” will be a top priority for Colorado.
“We have had a lot of good results this year against them,” Sjoberg said. “Itap been very tight games, only three goals scored and two ties at their place, one win at home. We do have a good feeling and a good record this season against them, but they’re a very, very good playoff team. As you saw (Wednesday), they’ve got some really dangerous guys out there. I think the key for us is going to L.A. and bossing the game a bit. Itap not just about playing beautiful soccer but showing we’re there to compete and get a good result in L.A.”
