There may be more at stake than simply progression to the last eight of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup when the Colorado Rapids visit FC Dallas on Wednesday night.
These two sides have been jostling at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings for the last few months and have yet to play each other in the Western Conference. There will be six points at stake when they meet in July and September. That may have a huge influence in the late push for playoff placement, and a psychological edge from this clash could be significant.
Last season, the Rapids beat the Switchbacks FC in their opening fixture and then they went to Texas, falling 1-0 at Houston Dynamo in a weather-affected tie.