COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids head into a crucial road test this weekend at StubHub Center when they take on the LA Galaxy, kicking off a five-game stretch that includes four road matches.
This Saturday's game (10:30 pm ET; MLS LIVE) marks the first of three road games against top-four opponents in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings within that stretch.
“It’s another three points at stake against another Western Conference rival,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said of the significance. “Every game moving forward is really important. This game is important because it’s our next game, against a conference rival.”
It will be a true test and measuring stick for the revitalized Rapids, who are looking to reach the postseason for the first time since 2013, the last year in which Colorado posted an away win against the Galaxy.
“They’re still the standard bearer. LA is that team,” said Mastroeni. “They’ve proven over the last seven or eight years that they are one of the elite teams in this league. For us, the mindset has to step up and it’s of utmost importance.”
Added Rapids captain Sam Cronin. “Whenever you play LA, you’re playing one of the best and most consistent teams in the league. It’s always a good test.”
Mastroeni has had success against Bruce Arena this season so far, earning four points from Colorado’s previous two match-ups against the Galaxy.
“I was a player under Bruce and thought he was a fantastic manager,” Mastroeni said of his time spent in LA. “I think he finds ways to get the most out of his players by creating a fantastic environment and culture at the club. I think it’s reflected in the results and the trophies he’s held up. Every opportunity I get to coach against him is an opportunity to develop as a coach.”
But with Jermaine Jones’ status listed as questionable, Colorado might have to make due without their midfield anchor, who continues his recovery from an LCL sprain suffered in a July 4 match against Portland.
Yet unlike the New England Revolution side that went 4-8-1 in the absence of an injured Jones last season, Colorado have fared much better, with just one loss since the USMNT star went down. As such, Mastroeni stressed the importance of not rushing the recovery process.
“It’s about getting him in a position where he’s not going to thwart five weeks of work to get into a position to play,” Mastroeni said. “It’s on us to bring him back at 100 percent.”
It’s nothing new for Colorado this season. The Rapids have weathered absences due to suspension, international duty and injury, losing just once in the past 17 matches.
“I’ve been talking about the culture of the group and ‘Next man up,’” Mastroeni said. “We haven’t made any excuses for the guys who have been out on international duty and who have been injured. If you rely so heavily on one person and that person is gone, you’re left with a big hole. We are greater than the sum of our parts.”
Colorado continue to maintain a sense of underdog status within the locker room despite the team’s successes so far. A win on Saturday would go a long way in earning more respect from those outside of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“I still think there’s people who don’t believe in our team like they should," said Cronin. "But it doesn’t bother us, we’re still trying to win every Saturday and there’s still a lot to prove.”
