The Colorado Rapids had nothing on the lineWednesday when it came to postseason positioning, but they sure didn’t play like it.

Entering Wednesday, the Rapids had no chance of finishing above Real Salt Lake for second to last in the Western Conference, let alone qualifying for the postseason. But the Rapids earned three points Wednesday night with a 2-0 win against Sporting KC in Kansas City, putting a trip to the playoffs into some uncertainty for Sporting, who could have locked up a postseason berth with a win.

Despite having no ramifications in the postseason race for his team, Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni said the win was about much more than sealing November soccer.

“Guys are playing for something greater than the playoffs and that’s their careers,” Mastroeni said. “We are all playing for careers here and so that was my message, and I think today was a reflection of the attitude with which we approached the game.”

Mastroeni is reported to be continuing next season despite his struggles at the helm of the Rapids. The Denver Post reported in Sept. that the Rapids have plans to keep him in the job.

Midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, who scored the game’s second goal, showed his support for Mastroeni after the match, going so far as to dedicate the hard-earned victory to the second-year head coach.

“This is important for everyone, for Pablo especially,” Sarvas said, “because he’s a good guy, a very good coach, and I think this result is for him.”

Dillon Powers grabbed the first goal for the Rapids on the night, a chip of Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia before Sarvas’ breakaway goal sealed the win. The unlikely win was accomplished with quick counterattacking and steady defense, which Mastroeni said was “definitely the space we were trying to exploit”.

“I thought it was a great performance from the team,” Powers said. “We didn’t have a lot to play for but we battled for each other and it felt great.”

Mastroeni said the Rapids enjoyed the last 10 days of practice, which were without the pressure of making a playoff run. He said this was a testament to the attitude of his team and the willingness to keep playing hard despite the tumultuous season.

“It’s so easy to not have a chance and give in,” Mastroeni said. “It’s so easy to lay down and let anyone run over you. But what I saw over the last week said to me something really important about the group.”

“I hope it’s a reflection of everything that I talk about, the mentality of the group.”