The Colorado Rapids, thanks to a 1-0 win Wednesday night at the Portland Timbers, have clinched a Western Conference spot in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. The result saw Portland lose their grip on the West’s No. 1 seed heading into Decision Day presented by AT&T, a perch that now belongs to Sporting Kansas City.
Colorado found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute through midfielder Kellyn Acosta, who picked out the top corner with a right-footed finish. Acosta was slipped through by Diego Rubio, who fought off a challenge atop the 18-yard box.
The Rapids thought they had a prime chance to make it 1-0 in the 15th minute when a penalty kick was awarded. But the on-field call was reversed after Video Review took a closer look at the sequence that saw Rubio’s wayward touch deflect onto Portland center back Bill Tuiloma’s foot and then his arm.
Portland failed to land any of their 11 shots on target, though nearly found a dramatic late equalizer. Dairon Asprilla struck the post in the 96th minute, with the Colombian forward nearly enjoying a dream return from injury.
Goals
- 83' – COL – Kellyn Acosta | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Colorado are into the playoffs for the first time since 2016, ending a three-year absence. The COVID-19 pandemic previously sidelined them for a month, but now they’ve won two straight games and are building momentum during Robin Fraser’s first full year as head coach. As for Portland, the setback ended a four-game unbeaten streak and they've lost the West’s top spot. They were enjoying a 2W-0L-2D stretch until Colorado’s defense stood tall.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Video Review overturned a Colorado PK in the first half, using a rule technicality to switch the on-field handball decision.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Nearly every positive attacking move for Colorado went through Diego Rubio. The Chilean forward set up Kellyn Acosta’s goal, and he’s shown well since they traded Kei Kamara to Minnesota United FC.
Next Up
- POR: Sunday, Nov. 8 at LAFC (6:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- COL: Sunday, Nov. 8 at Houston Dynamo (6:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
