COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Throughout the 2016 season, the Colorado Rapids have embraced the underdog role. So it’s perhaps no surprise that they’re eager to take on another behemoth in five-time MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I think in order to get through the West, you’ve got to play the best,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni told MLSsoccer.com this week ahead of the Western Conference Semifinal first leg on Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN | TSN1/4 in Canada). “I think LA is in good form right now and it will be a difficult challenge for the group. If we find a way through in the first leg of this series, we’ll be able to come back with the confidence and the belief that we’ve shown this year.”
The Rapids have fared well in match-ups against the Galaxy this season, taking five points from three games (two away) in the teams’ regular season series. But in those three games, the Rapids have faced Galaxy forward Robbie Keane only once, and have yet to see a glimpse of Landon Donovan since his return from retirement.
“Obviously with Landon and Keane coming back it’s a different book,” Mastroeni said. “For us, it’s about believing in ourselves and what we’ve been able to achieve.”
For Colorado, who have conceded the fewest goals in MLS during the regular season, another sound defensive performance will be key.
“In all three matches [against the Galaxy] we were really tight,” Rapids center back Axel Sjoberg said. “There were only three goals scored total in those matches, so I expect nothing less this time around. It’s going to be a hard fought game and about winning your fight in the game.
“I don’t mind them playing their best team. We’re up for the challenge, so please go ahead and play your best players.”
Colorado also hopes to repeat the formula offensively and settle the game early, much like they did during their last visit to LA, when Shkëlzen Gashi opened up scoring with a 51st minute screamer assisted by Marlon Hairston.
“Ideally in this league you want the first goal to gain momentum early on,” explained Mastroeni. “They have big players to score goals in different moments. For us, it’s about making sure we’re focused for 90 minutes. Winning the game for 10 minutes isn’t good enough.”
But for many Rapids players, the playoffs will mark uncharted territory. After disappointing campaigns in 2014 and 2015, it will mark the first postseason appearance for many of Colorado’s players, including Sjoberg and Hairston.
“[Mastroeni] has been telling us to cherish the moment as much as we can,” said Hairston. “It’s not by any fluke that we’re in the position we’re in. We had a great season and we came into the season with a great team and great tactics. We need to go into LA and believe in ourselves, to be in the moment and continue fighting for each other.”
As a result, the general sentiment around Dick’s Sporting Goods Park has been more about anticipation than nerves.
“It’s exciting,” Hairston added. “I’ve been watching all of the playoff games thus far and the environments have been crazy. Just being able to be a part of this in my third year is great. I’m looking forward to it, the entire group is looking forward to it and it’s something we can’t back down from.”
