Seattle Sounders are set to clash with Colorado Rapids as both Major League Soccer sides chase playoff spots. The league is set to observe the international break before both sides clash on Tuesday in Colorado.

The Rapids are hoping to continue their fine run after their 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo. That victory helped them three points off the playoff spots. Getting a crucial victory on the road as this can be difficult but it would be very helpful ahead of the second half of the season.

Ahead of the match, the head coach Pablo Mastroeni said the game would be the eighth in 22 days but that the key issues are a strong mentality. He adds that the team would be focused on playing the right way as it involves a lot of heart and determination.

The Sounders are two points ahead. Unlike last year, the club is hoping to avoid poor results that forced them to chase a playoff spot. That same issue is persisting with the current record being one win in four matches.

The club recently acquired former Vitesse defender Kevin Leerdam. The player is cleared for the July 10 fixture but the morale in the team is important for the team to get the required results in Colorado.

Sounders defeated their rival last year 1-0 to get a ticket to the MLS Cup final after the Western Conference final return leg. The team has to fight for the three points as Rapids have three points sealed. Seattle have a full squad with just Seyi Adekoya sidelined unlike Rapids that are missing several stars like Axel Sjoberg, Bobby Burling, Josh Gatt and the rest. They are slim favourites at the moment but if you click here you can see whether the odds change in the run-up to the match.

Meanwhile, because of a match played last week, FC Dallas are atop the MLS Western Conference – their 4-2 triumph over DC United took them to the top.

Ian Harkes had scored first after 30 minutes but Dallas quickly turned things around. Eleven minutes after Harkes’ opener, Atiba Harris equalized. Roland Lamah sent Dallas up when he scored their second in stoppage time. Maximiliano Urruti added his in the second half before Lamah made it 4-1. Deshorn Brown got a late consolation to see the game off at 4-2.

Elsewhere, Columbus Crew defeated Minnesota United 1-0 to pick up maximum points. Kekuta Manneh scored the sole goal that separated both sides. Los Angeles Galaxy were shocked by Real Salt Lake 6-2. Real used to be at the bottom of the Western Conference so it was shocking when Jefferson Savarino, Albert Rusnak, Kyle Beckerman, Yura Movsisyan and Joao Plata combined to net six goals. The goals rendered the efforts of former Chelsea star Ashley Cole and that of Bradford Jamieson as mere consolation.

In another MLS clash, Atlanta United thrashed San Jose Earthquakes 4-2. Earthquakes were ahead courtesy of Tommy Thompson before Carlos Carmona and Josef Martinez changed the scoreline. Chris Wondolowski scored for his side but Anton Walkes and Martinez added two more in the final minutes to earn United three points from the game.