FRISCO – Colorado Rapids will be out to play spoils, as they host FC Dallas for a second match-up against their Western Conference foes in less than two weeks, looking to crash the Texan’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
“At this point, we are playing for pride, playing for position for next year, and also playing spoiler," said goalkeeper Zac MacMath, who will taking over goalkeeper duties for this week for the Rapids with Tim Howard was called into action for the U.S. National Team. "That’s what we have to play for at this point, and I think the guys are up for it.”
While FC Dallas finished the week with a 0-0 draw against Orlando, Colorado, on the other hand, found their eight victory of the season getting the best of Montreal at home in a 2-1 win. The tone for their next three games will be building on last weekend’s victory, and gaining momentum trying to finish the season strong.
"You hope with every win that it can gather some momentum,” said Rapids interim coach Steve Cooke. “I think that for the guys, they really played with a nice intensity, and certainly in the second half, I thought we attacked very very well and created a few exciting opportunities. You always hope that one win leads to another.”
Last week’s game is still fresh in Colorado's mind, Cook called the 2-0 loss against Dallas a “disappointment,” and will look for a better result at home.
“[We are] making sure we are prepared for Dallas in the right way. Making certain that on game day, we bring that level of focus and intensity and also be very, very bold,” said Cook. “The reality is that if we can get a win, then it does make things more difficult for Dallas, but for me, and my focus, it is more about the preparation on the players and more importantly our performance and making sure that helps us get three points.”
