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Rapids Seek Reinforcements in Must-Win Game Against Galaxy
The Colorado Rapids face a must-win scenario on Friday night as they host the second-seeded Los Angeles Galaxy in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoff series. After suffering a crushing 5-0 loss in the series opener, the Rapids are hoping that the return of key players can provide the spark they need to keep their season alive.
Galaxy Dominant but Cautious of a Rejuvenated Rapids Team
The Galaxy enter Game 2 with momentum from a convincing performance in the first game, where forwards Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig both scored twice. The Galaxy will look to replicate that success on the road but know that Colorado’s home-field advantage in Commerce City, coupled with potential lineup reinforcements, could make this game much tougher.
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The Galaxy boasted an impressive home record during the regular season, losing only once. However, their away record of 6-7-4 reflects more vulnerability on the road, something Rapids coach Chris Armas will likely aim to exploit. With the return of key players, the Rapids hope to put a stop to their five-game losing streak, which includes both regular season and playoff games.
Potential Returns of Mihailovic and Bassett Offer Hope
Djordje Mihailovic, who has enjoyed a breakout season with 11 goals and 14 assists, practiced fully on Thursday and could return to the lineup. His presence has been sorely missed since an ankle injury sidelined him in the regular-season finale against Austin on Oct. 19. Cole Bassett, dealing with a quad injury, also practiced on Thursday, although mainly in individual drills, and his status remains uncertain.
Colorado coach Chris Armas expressed hope that Mihailovic and Bassett might play, acknowledging the importance of having core players back on the field.
“As a head coach, I don’t often talk about in the media who we’re missing, ‘cause it sounds like an excuse,” Armas said. “But when you’re missing your key guys, some stress comes because oftentimes that’s your focal point. It’s your reference point. It’s good to have both of them back in some regard.”
Both players are expected to be game-time decisions, but their return could give the Rapids a major boost in creativity and stability.
Galaxy Prepared for a Fiercer, More Aggressive Rapids
Los Angeles coach Greg Vanney is preparing his squad for what he anticipates will be a high-pressure approach from Colorado, with the Rapids potentially playing more aggressively from the opening whistle.
“They’re either going to come pressing and pressing really hard, or they’re going to try and protect themselves a little bit and hurt us on the counter,” Vanney said. “But I suspect that it’s going to be the first, and that they’ll come pretty hard and see if they can’t disrupt and get something early on and see if they can get some momentum in this thing.”
Vanney’s approach suggests that he expects Colorado to play with urgency and attempt to dictate the game, something the Rapids struggled to do in Game 1.
Rapids’ Strategy: Win at All Costs
For Colorado, this game is about survival. They’ll need to take risks and bring intensity from the first minute, particularly if Mihailovic and Bassett are in the lineup. The Rapids have been unable to match the Galaxy’s firepower this season, as evidenced by their 0-3 record against Los Angeles with a combined score of 11-3.
Yet with their season on the line, the Rapids will hope that their home crowd, combined with a possible return of their star players, can help them turn the tide. It’s all or nothing for Colorado on Friday night as they fight to extend their playoff run and force a decisive Game 3 back in Los Angeles.
