Badji scores two goals, Rapids clinch first-round bye with win
HOUSTON (AP) — Dominique Badji scored goals in each half and the Colorado Rapids beat the Houston Dynamo 3-2 on Saturday night to clinch a top-two seed and first-round bye in the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Rapids (14-5-12) also gained ground in the Supporters' Shield race, closing within two points of league-leading FC Dallas. Colorado has three games left to play and FC Dallas has two. Houston (7-13-11) was eliminated from playoff contention.
Dillon Powers assisted Badji's goals in the 12th and 54th minutes.
Shkelzen Gashi gave Colorado a 3-1 lead in the 79th minute with a low skidder from beyond the area. Two minutes later, Houston pulled back within one as Mauro Manotas' free kick skidded through off two Rapids defenders.
Manotas, who also tied it at 1-all in the 45th minute, took the team lead with six goals this season.
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