The Colorado Rapids are trending in the wrong direction

Why it matters: Losing the team's top scorer and second-highest paid player while carrying a measly 8-6-11 record won't inspire much confidence as playoffs beckon.

Yes, but: A post-season berth is feasible, but the team will need to find some magic to overcome its poor form.

The latest: Rapids added defender Rob Holding from Premier League club Crystal Palace this week, replacing Chidozie Awaziem, who left the Rapids to play in France last month, per the Denver Post.

• The club also waived forward Kévin Cabral last month. The Frenchman was the team's highest-paid player, but he was having a dreadful season, with zero goal contributions in 20 games.

The intrigue: The Rapids squeaked out a win last week in the Leagues Cup, where the team shined last year.

• The international competition pits clubs from the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

What's next: The Rapids play Mexican club Cruz Azul on Thursday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show the Colorado Rapids game against Cruz Azul will be played in California (not in Commerce City).