Leagues Cup loss: What’s next for the Colorado Rapids?

DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Rapids made an inspiring run to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup but ran into an opponent that was too hot to handle. A disheartening 4-0 loss to LAFC ends the hope of reaching the Leagues Cup final but the Rapid’s players can exit the pitch with their heads held high after a fantastic journey to the final four.

The Rapids saw more of the ball in the match but were unable to generate the offense needed to score. LAFC kept their high-octane offense going, constantly hitting the counterattack and were more efficient in the final third. The loss can be described as a bittersweet moment, but this Rapids team must quickly rally the troops as they still have a lot on the line to play for the rest of the season.

While not heading to the final, the Rapids still have a job to take care of in the Leagues Cup. They have a quick turnaround and must recover physically and mentally while they travel from LA to the other side of the country to face off with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Sunday. The winner of this third-place contest will book themselves a spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Another tough contest on the road, these Rapids will have to be up to the task to face the notoriously rowdy Philly fans.

In their domestic league, the Rapids have a lot to play for as well. Locking in for the final third of the MLS season, the Rapids find themselves in the middle of all of the action, holding down the number four spot in the Western Conference with 41 points. Plenty of teams are chasing after the Rapids with fifth through seventh place, the remaining guaranteed playoff spots, being back by as much as four points with either a game or two in hand. Conversely, the Rapids are eight points off the top of the Western Conference with the third-place team being three points ahead with a game in hand.

The Rapids have their final match of the Leagues Cup and eight matches to go in the MLS season. They have to hunker down for this last stretch of games and can find themselves in a great position to qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the opportunity to make a run in the playoffs.

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