The end of September is here and it likely means no playoff appearance for the Colorado Rapids (9-18-4). Colorado managed only a draw at home on Sunday with the Los Angeles Galaxy, meaning two more points were left on the field as they chase the Vancouver Whitecaps (10-12-9) for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
Colorado has 31 points through 31 games on the season while Vancouver has 39. The maximum Colorado can gain is nine more points in its final three games as well. FC Dallas (9-12-10) is also ahead of Dallas between the Rapids and Whitecaps with 37 points from 31 games.
Colorado hosts Western Conference leading San Jose on October 6 and it is a must-win game now. Colorado then travels to Chivas USA on October 20th and hosts FC Houston on October 27th. Colorado must win all three games and get some help to make the playoffs, as Vancouver can gain no more than a point in its final three games and Dallas can gain no more than three points.