Colorado Rapids 2, Montreal Impact 1 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the week, the Colorado Rapids took on the role of spoiler on Saturday night, defeating the Montreal Impact 2-1 and preventing the Canadian side from moving to within one point of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

With both teams playing with 10 men after Colorado's Jared Watts and Montreal's Daniel Lovitz where shown red cards 20 minutes apart, the Rapids took their first lead just before the half on a header by Stefan Aigner. Montreal equalized on a long-range blast by Matteo Mancosu, however Colorado's super-sub Alan Gordon stepped up once again to bag the late game-winner - the third time he's won a game with a goal off the bench after the 80th minute this year. 

The Impact remain four points behind the New York Red Bulls - which lost earlier in the day - for the sixth Eastern slot. 

Goals

• 48+' – COL – Stefan Aigner Watch
• 62' – MTL – Matteo Mancosu Watch
• 81' – COL – Alan Gordon Watch

Three Things

1. RED CARDS: Needing a win to close the playoff gap, Montreal went up a man after 12 minutes when Jared Watts was issued a red card after Video Review for a challenge on Chris Duvall, who was also forced out with an injury on the play. The Impact, however, gave the advantage away 20 minutes later when defender Daniel Lovitz was shown red for, really, a silly and needless play in which he appears to knee Rapids defender Mike da Fonte while on the ground.
2. VIDEO REVIEW #2: Montreal appeared to have a chance to equalize shortly after halftime when Colorado's Marlon Hairston was initially ruled to have brought down Igancio Piatti in the box. Referee Jorge Gonzalez pointed to the spot, however after Video Review the penalty kick was called off. WATCH HERE. 
3. ROAD AHEAD: Colorado now has a chance to impact the West, with its final three games against Dallas, Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Montreal, now tied with New England and Orlando at 39 points after all missed a chance to get closer to the NYRB on Saturday, will need help. And, they'll also have to beat Supporters Shield winners Toronto FC in two weeks and hope their Decision Day meeting against the Revolution still has meaning. 

Next Up

• COL: Saturday, Oct. 7 – vs FC Dallas (9 pm ET | MLS LIVE)
• MTL: Sunday, Oct. 15 – at Toronto (5 pm ET | TSN | TVA Sports | MLS LIVE in the U.S.)