The third and final installment of the Rocky Mountain Cup takes place this Friday at Rio Tinto Stadium as Real Salt Lake hosts the Colorado Rapids. Real Salt Lake has already clinched the cup for the 2014 season and now turns their attention to the Western Conference playoff race. A win for RSL will put them right back in the hunt for second place in the West.

The Colorado Rapids still have a chance at the postseason but they are at a point where they need every point possible along with some slips by the clubs ahead of them. If they are able to get a win over RSL and the game between Portland and Vancouver ends in a draw, then they will be right back in the conversation for that last postseason position. Now here are the questions from Bryan Kvitek to Stockton Mair.

BK: With six games to go in the regular season, can RSL overtake LA for the second spot in the West?

SM: It depends on how both teams play. First, it starts with an RSL win over Colorado. But based on how they're currently playing, I think the top three will be Seattle, then LA, then RSL. RSL isn't getting the right results, so I doubt they'll pass LA. We can always hope though.

BK: RSL took the RMC after just two games, so is this just another game to RSL supporters?

SM: Despite taking the RMC back, I doubt it's just another game. The two teams are rivals, and always will be. Even with the RMC won, both teams have a reason to win. Both teams are trying to make it into the playoffs. There's no reason to see this as "just another match".

BK: The Rapids are on an eight game winless streak and in bad need of a dominating win, does this concern you (facing a "caged animal")?

SM: Not really. RSL has all of their necessary players back, plus a new player who should be dynamic, so I'm not worried. Plus this is a home match for RSL. RSL gains momentum when they play at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Colorado hasn't played well enough to worry me. I'm not going to be too overconfident though, because being overconfident sets you up for disappointment. 

BK: This is the first year with Cassar as head coach. What has been your impression of his coaching style?

SM: Jeff Cassar brings the same things Jason Kreis did to the table. That's mostly because he was Kreis' assistant coach, so he knows the system well. Why fix something that isn't broken? Cassar has done well for his first season as a Head Coach. He’s made a few subbing mistakes, but that should be expected for a new head coach. 

Bonus:

Starting 11: Nick Rimando, Chris Wingert, Chris Schuler, Carlos Salcedo, Tony Beltran, Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales, Luke Mulholland, Ned Grabavoy, Joao Plata, and Olmes Garcia.

Scoring: Plata in the 10', Beckerman in the 32', Brown in the 53', and Saborio in the 79'. RSL 3, Colorado 1

And now here are the questions from Stockton Mair to Bryan Kvitek

SM: With Colorado's eight game winless streak, do you still think the Rapids can make it to the Playoffs? 

BK: No I don’t. Even though they are technically still in the playoffs, the way the team has been playing during this winless streak has been abysmal. There seems to be a lack of strategy from a coaching stand point, some lack of communication on the pitch, and players playing out of position. Even with the 8 game winless streak there has been one surprise though. The play of Thomas Piermayr since he has stepped in at center back has somewhat steadied the middle, and with the return of Shane O’Neill last week the defense should be strong Friday.

SM: What player should RSL look out for on Friday? 

BK: Dillon Powers. Powers has had a down few games since he has taken over the captaincy and needs to have a big game. Does that mean scoring? Maybe not, but he is going to have to be creative and distribute the ball to the strikers well.

SM: Do Colorado fans think this is just another game, or is it important to you? 

BK: Like you said this is a rivalry and a coach’s record against RSL really matters to the supporters. While the Rocky Mountain Cup is not in play, a good showing Friday night can give the fans something to look forward to for the rest of the year and into next year.

SM: Who is the most dangerous player the Rapids should look out for? 

BK: Like every game, the Rapids need to look out for Kyle Beckerman. Everything the RSL does goes through him. While they need to keep Beckerman in check, they have to be careful not to be too focused on him and allow Plata and/or Morales to hurt them.

Bonus:

Starting 11: Joe Nasco, Marvell Wynne, Thomas Piermayr, Shane O’Neill, Chris Klute, Jose Mari, Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna, Marlon Hairston, Deshorn Brown, and Edson Buddle. 

Scoring: Brown 23’ Plata 55’ Buddle 70’; Colorado 2, RSL 1