This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sandy • The magnitude of the Sunday afternoon match in suburban Denver isn't lost on a youngster like Jordan Allen. The 20-year-old RSL Homegrown player in his second year as a professional said the final chapter of this season's Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry already has a postseason tinge to it.

Because if RSL or the Colorado Rapids fail to secure a win, playoff hopes for both are, for lack of a better term, kaput.

"It's pretty much a playoff game at this point," Allen said.

For the bottom two clubs in the Western Conference to make an unexpected run to the postseason, results must break their way and, above all else, winning out is a necessity. Defender Tony Beltran echoed Allen's descriptions of how Sunday is expected to play out.

"It's going to be both teams fighting for survival," he said. "I'm sure that'll show on the field."

If RSL is to seal three points on the road for just the fourth time in 2015, it'll be through a return to the form established throughout most of September: Methodical possession and finishing chances. In the 1-0 loss at San Jose on Sunday, the Earthquakes were physical and didn't relent. They didn't allow RSL — minus Javier Morales — to establish much of a rhythm offensively.

Against the Rapids, RSL could see a similar tactic installed.

"We just need to get back to keeping the ball and playing the way we want to," Allen said.

"It's about who can get the ball back on the ground and recapture the game," RSL coach Jeff Cassar added.

Who's up top?

In what will essentially be an elimination match for RSL, Jeff Cassar and the staff face questions as to who they'll tab to start in the central forward role. Devon Sandoval has started the last three league matches, scoring a goal at Houston on Sept. 12 and two against L.A. on Sept. 19.

Sebastian Jaime, who missed RSL's match at Houston and CONCACAF Champions League match at Santa Tecla FC two weeks ago due to the birth of his son, started in just one match in September. He was a late substitute against San Jose.

Who gets the nod at Colorado?

"We'll see," Cassar said. "I think this is a week of competition. Again, I think both of them are going to play no matter what, and we're going to need the commitment from both of them."

Cassar continued by saying the spot is "open for competition."

Jaime has five goals and two assists in 2015, while Sandoval has four goals and two assists.

Burrito's lasting impact

Nick Rimando saw the bevy of midseason acquisitions from various clubs across MLS — many of which were by playoff contenders — but RSL's goalkeeper expressed how impressed he's been by RSL's signing Burrito Martinez.

The former Boca Juniors forward signed in August has two goals and assist in his first five weeks at RSL.

"We became a different team when Juan came," Rimando said. "I think the confidence is there. If you bring quality players to teams, it turns things around."

Rimando credited Martinez's influence in possession as a byproduct of RSL's back line stabilizing itself as well.

"I think it settles down because of the possession we have with Juan," he said. "He brings a confidence to bring to the team. When you possess the ball, there's a lot of pressure off the defense."

Will Morales be able to go Sunday?

Expected to join training Friday, Javier Morales was at America First Field Thursday morning working through rehab drills with head athletic trainer Tyson Pace for nearly an hour. RSL's 35-year-old midfielder suffered a hip flexor strain last Thursday against Santa Tecla FC and missed Sunday's match in San Jose.

Morales went through close-range passing drills, took 1-on-1 shots against RSL goalkeeper Jeff Attinella and also practiced crossing the ball into the box with Pace serving as his main target.

-Chris Kamrani

Twitter: @chriskamrani