Rapids set for final playoff tune-up against Austin FC

Field Level Media|published: Fri 18th October, 17:12 2024

Sep 28, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Rafael Navarro (9) looks on during the second half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rapids will look to improve their status for the upcoming MLS playoffs when they travel to face Austin FC on Saturday in the regular-season finale for both teams.

The Rapids (15-13-5, 50 points) head to Decision Day in sixth place in the Western Conference and can improve one position with a win over Austin FC and a loss or a tie by the Houston Dynamo against the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Galaxy.

Colorado enters on a three-match losing streak that includes a 1-0 loss at home to the Seattle Sounders on Oct. 5 in its most recent outing. The Rapids were as high as second in the conference before losing four of their past five matches.

"There was one message over the past two weeks: Let's keep doing the right things for the right reasons," Colorado coach Chris Armas said. "Let's keep doing the right things that got us here, and let's stick to who we are. That message has been very consistent and clear."

Rafael Navarro leads Colorado with 14 goals, while Djordje Mihailovic has 11 goals with a team-best 14 assists.

Austin FC (10-14-9, 39 points) has been eliminated from the postseason consideration and can end up as high as 10th place and as low as 12th in the West. The Verde will be playing their first game in franchise history without coach Josh Wolff at the helm.

Wolff, the team's coach since Austin's first game in 2021, was fired on Oct. 6 after the club's playoff hopes were extinguished for the third time in four seasons of existence. Former assistant Davy Arnaud will act as the team's interim manager for the final game.

"You saw guys (in the last two games) who are still giving everything they have," Arnaud said Wednesday. "For me, I think we'll see a group that the fans will be proud of, that still represents this club in a really good way despite the fact that we won't be in the playoffs."

Austin FC have won just once since Aug 31 while going 1-4-2 in their past seven matches. Austin's most recent match was a 2-1 loss at the Galaxy on Oct. 5, with the goal coming from Sebastian Driussi, his 50th for the team across all competitions.

Colorado won the first meeting this season between the sides 2-0 at home on June 15.

--Field Level Media

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