Friday’s trip to Real Salt Lake has triple significance for the Colorado Rapids.

After Pablo Mastroeni’s men dropped to third place in the Supporters’ Shield standings following Toronto’s mid-week win, they need a restorative victory to regain momentum.

Their disappointing draw with Orlando at the weekend saw pursuants Real Salt Lake gain ground in the race for the Western Conference. However, RSL's win over leaders Dallas did see the Rapids recover a point on Oscar Pareja’s men. They only have to win one of their two games in hand to take over the top spot.

The third and final significance is the Rocky Mountain Cup. Having split 1-0 home wins so far, this is the rubber match for the 2016 season. As holders, Rapids merely need to avoid defeat. However, their loss at Rio Tinto on April 9, one of only three in MLS this season, was the most disjointed performance of the campaign. The winning goal, a mix-up between Axel Sjoberg and Zac MacMath, typified the display.

After that day, Mastroeni marshaled a 15-game unbeaten run that remains the backbone of the campaign.

But that very success has moved the goalposts for the Rapids and, despite finishing 19th out of 20 last season, a significant proportion of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park faithful will be disappointed if their side do not put in a serious push for the Supporters’ Shield as we approach the final straight. This explains their disappointment with a record of 2-1-6 in the last nine games. Unbeaten runs are one thing, winning runs another.

The continuing absence of Jermaine Jones is a factor but a refashioned side with Shkëlzen Gashi at #10 and Dillon Powers alongside Sam Cronin showed promise in the win over Vancouver and the draw at LA Galaxy. Less so in the goalless game with Orlando.

Current evidence suggests the Rapids will get their wins at home and grind out what they can on the road. Most players, coaches and fans would sign up for a gritty point at Rio Tinto given what is at stake.

However, a swashbuckling victory would ignite their charge for the remaining nine games of the season.

OPPOSITION

Like the Rapids, Real Salt Lake are unbeaten at home this season. And, like the Rapids, they have been suffering from a spate of draws. Their most recent games at Rio Tinto, against Dallas and Chicago, have resulted in victories. But before that, Jeff Cassar’s side endured a run of five successive stalemates. A record of 4-4-3 in their last 11 games has not been enough to close the gap on the Rapids and Dallas at the top of the Western Conference. But they have been a part of the chasing pack all season.

Joao Plata (7 goals, 9 assists) is the outstanding offensive contributor, though Yura Movsisyan (7 goals, 2 assists) is close behind.

At the other end of the pitch, keeper Nick Rimando is tied with Kevin Hartman for the highest number of MLS victories with 182. Nineteen have come against the Rapids, four more than any other club.

Real have never been beaten by the Rapids at Rio Tinto. The Rapids are 0-7-4 at the venue, having last won in Utah at the Rice-Eccles Stadium on April 30, 2007. In all, Real are unbeaten in their last 13 home games against the Rapids.

But then records are made to be broken.

MATCH INFO

Referee: Jair Marrufo

Injury Report:

Colorado: Jermaine Junior (questionable - knee), Dillon Serna (knee).

Real Salt Lake: Welshman (hip flexor), Maund (foot), Stephen (questionable - face), Allen (questionable - adductor)

Broadcast:

TV: Univision

Radio: Altitude950 and La Invasora