Photo by Nick Turchiaro/ISIphotos.com

The Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas have a couple of things in common these days.

Both 2010 MLS Cup finalists are looking to avoid backing into the playoffs after recent dips in form, and both are seeking CONCACAF Champions League victories Wednesday night that would set them up in a decent position heading into the final games of the group stage.

The Rapids are in more of a dire situation, with a game against Group B's last-place team Real Espana on the docket Wednesday night (10 p.m., CONCACAF.com live stream). Colorado has slipped to third, two points behind co-leaders Santos Laguna and Isidro Metapan (who face off against each other Thursday), and Colorado's remaining two games are on the road against both group front-runners.

Anything less than a home point against its Honduran opposition would put a serious dent into Colorado's hopes of moving on. That's exactly the result Colorado came up with the last time the two teams met, when the Rapids conceded a late equalizer down in San Pedro Sula to settle for a draw.

FC Dallas hosts Pumas UNAM (8 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel/Galavision) in a bit of a revenge match for the Mexican side, which became the first club in its country to fall at home to MLS opposition.

Dallas is in a bit of an injury crisis but should welcome Brek Shea back from his brief stint on the sidelines with a groin strain. Card accumulation has caught up with FCD, though, as Zach Loyd and Jair Benitez are both suspended for the game, somethign that will take a toll on FCD's defensive quality and depth.

A second win over Pumas would put FCD on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stage, especially considering the club's final two group matches are against lesser competition. A loss, however, would have Dallas in a three-team race with Pumas and Toronto FC for Group C's two qualification spots.

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How do you see FC Dallas and Colorado faring in their matches? Do you think Colorado is in must-win mode?

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