Colorado Rapids v Minnesota United: 'Things are in our control' – Armas determined to earn playoff berth

Chris Armas is delighted that the Colorado Rapids' playoff hopes are in their own hands as they aim to take one step closer to the postseason against Minnesota United.

The Rapids are eighth in the Western Conference on 39 points, with a three-point cushion over the Houston Dynamo in 10th, with three games to go.

They have, however, won just one of their last four matches, which came at home, but lost 3-1 to fellow playoff hopefuls FC Dallas last weekend.

Despite that run, Armas is confident Colorado's home form can get them over the line as they try to stay in the fight to the final day.

"We're really excited for the weekend. A home game, with three games to go, but it's one at a time," he said.

"They're [Minnesota] a team we know well. They're playing for something big in positioning. We're excited that this time of year, we're in a good spot to make the playoffs.

"Things are in our control or at least on our terms. We're ready to wrap it up in front of our own fans."

Minnesota have endured a tough week, going out of the U.S. Open Cup semi-final with a late loss to Austin FC before being beaten 3-0 by the Chicago Fire on Saturday.

They are third in the West, three points off San Diego FC, and only six points behind the Philadelphia Union, who are currently leading the charge for the Supporters' Shield.

Head coach Eric Ramsay believes his side will bounce back from that disappointment to finish strongly.

"It shows the way in terms of what we have to get back to over the last three games," Ramsay said of their recent performances.

"There is a silver lining that we aren't playing midweek games now, and we can concentrate on one game a week to put our efforts into becoming the team we have been for the majority of this season."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro

Rafael Navarro is Colorado's leading scorer this season with 12 goals, netting seven of those at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

He has had 44 shots at home, with a shot conversion rate of 15.9%, while he averages a goal every 162 minutes in Colorado.

Minnesota United – Mamadou Dieng

Minnesota managed 12 shots against Chicago last weekend, worth 1.0 expected goals (xG) as they failed to find their scoring touch.

Mamadou Dieng was responsible for three of those attempts, though he did not manage to hit the target, despite contributing 0.6 xG to the team's total.

MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN

The previous MLS fixture between the teams saw Colorado triumph 2-1 at Allianz Field in August, with Darren Yapi leading the Rapids with goals in the 60th and 70th minutes.

However, prior to that victory, Minnesota were unbeaten in four against Colorado (W3 D1), though they have not won away at the Rapids since March 2023.

The Loons are unbeaten in their last eight road matches, a run that dates back to May 15, and they have lost just twice away from home in 2025 (W8 D5).

Colorado, meanwhile, have won eight of their matches at Dick's Sporting Goods Park this term (D2 L5), and are currently unbeaten in their last three such outings.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 30.9%

Draw – 25.1%

Minnesota United – 44%