Editorial (September 25, 2017) – The Colorado Rapids sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with 26 points (7-17-5) on 29 games played. They’re playoff hopes have been on life support for over a month. They could be mathematically eliminated as early as Wednesday of this week.
Colorado Rapids Playoff Hopes: Could Be Mathematically Eliminated This Week
While many have written them off, the Rapids haven’t given up yet. “For me, until someone says it’s mathematically impossible, it’s possible. For me the picture is to try and win the next game,” Interim Head Coach Steve Cooke told Last Word on Soccer.
So let’s take a deeper look at this. I must warn you that I am about to use math.
The Rapids have five games remaining in their season. The maximum number of points they can get for the season is 41 (26 points already earned + a maximum of 15 points from five games remaining, assuming they win out). The top four teams in the west already have more than 41 points. Fifth place Real Salt Lake and sixth place San Jose Earthquakes sit on 41 and 39 points, respectively.
Current #MLS Western Conference standings going into this huge DGW for lots of teams: pic.twitter.com/uKt3kRtMOT
— Matt Pollard (@LWOSMattPollard) September 26, 2017
The Rapids will be eliminated from 2017 MLS Cup Playoff contention if:
1) Any combination of the Rapids dropping points and RSL gaining points adds up to at least one. Essentially, if the Rapids don’t win out and if RSL doesn’t lose out, it becomes impossible for the Rapids to pass RSL in the standings.
2) Any combination of the Rapids dropping points and the Quakes gaining points becomes three or more. A loss for Colorado or a win for San Jose at any point make it impossible for the Rapids to pass them in the standings.
All three teams are in action this week. On Wednesday, the Rapids play at FC Dallas and the Quakes host Chicago Fire. On Saturday, Colorado hosts Montreal Impact, RSL play at LA Galaxy, and San Jose host Portland Timbers.
Colorado’s playoff chances could end as early as Wednesday. If they do not beat Dallas AND San Jose gets at least a draw against Chicago, they will be mathematically eliminated. Should San Jose and RSL win a game each this week, the Rapids will be eliminated no matter what they do against Dallas and Montreal.
Should the Rapids lose to Dallas on Wednesday, it’s all over no matter what else happens.
Again, the Rapids have been out of it for at least a month (probably longer). But this week things could be officially over. For those math lovers out there, it’s still possible for them to finish as high as 5th in the west.
