Both Minnesota United and the Colorado Rapids have long known their postseason fate, but that doesn't mean they have nothing to play for on Saturday when the clubs meet (2 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
These last few games of the season will help the clubs' decision makers forecast their plans for 2019, to see which players and coaches will be part of it.
“As I’ve said all along, if people think we’ve got nothing to play for then they probably don’t know me that well," Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath said. "I can assure you that every single member of our playing staff has something to play for. People want to be here for next year. What happens between now and the end of the season might be a determining factor for one or two players. Awful lot to play for. We want to finish these last two home games on a high. We want to win these last two games and that starts on Saturday.”
After Colorado, the Loons will play the LA Galaxy (H) then Columbus Crew SC (A). In these three games, the non-star players are playing for their future, whether it's with their current clubs or elsewhere.
Loons defender Eric Miller knows as well as anyone. He is finishing his fifth season in MLS on his third different team.
“For a lot of guys there is still ton to play for, whether that’s getting your option picked up, trying to get a new contract for next year, trying to just impress the staff and all the people around the club for next year, there’s still a ton to play for," Miller said. "I think people kind of forget sometimes that even though we’re not going to technically make the playoffs, we still have a lot to play for and guys are still playing for their jobs and a lot of stuff for next season.”
