After 18 games of the regular season, the Colorado Rapids sit on 19 points. They lie 10th in the standings, one point clear of Minnesota United FC, but only five points off a playoff spot. The Rapids also have games in hand on the three teams immediately above them.

The Good

After an indifferent start to the season, the Rapids looked to have turned a corner at home, winning six out of seven (in all competitions). This included dramatic victories over Columbus Crew SC and Portland Timbers, in which super-sub Alan Gordon bagged late winners.

Twice this season the Rapids have netted three goals in a league game, with both performances heralded as among their best. They dominated San Jose Earthquakes on May 13 to emerge with a 3-0 win, before surging second half to overcome Houston Dynamo 3-1 on July 1.

They also came from 2-0 down by the break to avoid an early exit in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, to defeat Oklahoma City Energy 3-2.

The Bad

After going unbeaten at home throughout the 2016 regular season, the Rapids have seen that record slide in 2017. Through 11 games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park they have a 6-4-1 record, following losses to Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps, LA Galaxy, and Seattle Sounders FC.

The 19 points gathered in Commerce City are all they have to show for the season, as their record on the road is currently the worst in MLS. They are the only team yet to collect a point on the road, with a 0-7-0 record.

The Ugly

The Rapids have only fielded the same starting lineup in successive games twice. Much of this has been due to the numerous and various injuries, as well as suspensions.

Nana Boateng missed 10 games following a back injury, sustained during his first start at Dick’s Sporting Goods Parks. He fell while Axel Sjöberg was recovering from a hamstring injury, picked up in game two of 2017. The Swede missed eight games with that particular injury. Further set-backs have restricted him to just five appearances this season.

Designated Player Shkëlzen Gashi has also endured a frustrating first half of the campaign. He has suffered Achilles, hamstring and calf injuries, limiting him to nine appearances (seven starts).

Central defender Bobby Burling (foot) was ruled out for between four and six weeks. Mohammed Saeid, Eric Miller, Dillon Serna, Dillon Powers, Joshua Gatt, and Caleb Calvert are others to have spent time on the treatment table.

On top of that, suspensions have been served by Tim Howard (three games), Micheal Azira, Bobby Burling, Caleb Calvert, Kortne Ford, Jared Watts, and Mekeil Williams.

Consistency of lineup has been a struggle. Healthy bodies will allow Pablo Mastroeni options, as the chase for the playoffs picks up pace in the second half of the season.