Colorado Rapids facing crucial MLS clash with Real Salt Lake, says Clint Irwin

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin believes Sunday’s Major League Soccer game against Real Salt Lake is a must-win match for his side.

The Rapids travel to Salt Lake City four points adrift at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and facing an uphill battle to secure a top-six spot and a place in the play-offs.

However, they do have games in hand on a number of the teams above them and will close within a point of ninth-placed Real Salt Lake with a victory.

Irwin told Sky Sports News HQ: “It’s a big rivalry match for us, important in the standings as well. We have been preparing hard this week and trying to get ready for a tough environment in Salt Lake and we are ready to get three points on Sunday.

“We need to make some ground up on the teams ahead of us so we have set our goal for three points, nothing less, and to shoot back up the table is our main aim.”

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Irwin was left out of the team at one stage last season but has produced some impressive performances between the sticks for the Rapids this term.

“I’ve been pleased (with my form) but the main aim is to get more wins,” he added.

“As long as I can contribute to that and give us a strong platform to get those wins, and to get three points every weekend, that’s our focus.

“We all know there is improvement to be had throughout the team and that’s our goal, starting on Sunday.”

Watch Real Salt Lake v Colorado live on Sky Sports 1 at 10pm on Sunday.