Colorado Rapids need to get back to their winning ways fast

After spending a good portion of 2016 at the top of the Western Conference, Colorado Rapids need to start winning before they start sliding down the table.

This summer, Colorado Rapids were one of the surprise success stories of MLS. They were atop the Western Conference, playing great defense, they added Tim Howard and Jermaine Jones, and they were feeling good. Unfortunately, they’ve been passed up by FC Dallas, and after a recent slide, they are at risk of being passed by a few other clubs. They have only one win in their last 7 matches, and they are now equal on draws and wins.

There are five matches remaining on their regular season schedule. They will need some wins, not only to stave off the competition for the #2 seed, but also to give themselves some confidence heading into the MLS Cup playoffs.

Two of those matches are with last place Houston, which is a beatable opponent, but also a team that will be purely looking to play spoiler in their lost season. Veterans like the Howard and Jones, if he can return from a nagging knee injury, will need to lead the Rapids with their extensive big match experience.

The next opportunity to right the ship will be this Saturday when they host the reigning champion Portland Timbers. Caleb Porter’s side will be looking to get past their 3-1 defeat to the aforementioned Dynamo, so they will come prepared to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

If the Rapids want to follow in Portland’s footsteps and take home the MLS Cup, they will need to remember how to do one thing: win.