Written By: Riccardo Cominelli
The moment all Rapids fans have been waiting and dreaming for all season, the sweet taste of victory at a packed DICK’s Sporting Goods Park stadium. A day to celebrate the induction of Colorado Rapids defender Drew Moor into the Gallery of Honor and a fantastic display of the largest fireworks show in Colorado all came with a cherry on top, a Rapids victory.
After going down 1-0 in the first 20 minutes, the Rapids found their sense of urgency and desire to come back and get the victory. Starting off with an Andreas Maxso goal off a corner kick set piece and a perfectly placed panenka penalty kick from Braian Galvan in the second half was all it took for DSGP to erupt into a roar of excitement and celebration.
The Colorado Rapids still sit in 14th place in the Western Conference of MLS, however, this could be the start of something new. A turn of events to a more positive summer. For starters, after failing to score a goal all of June, the Rapids now managed to get two goals at the beginning of July.
Second, the acquisition of Andrew Gutman from Atlanta United FC proved that in his debut match, he was energetic, a threat on the flank, and determined to put a stamp in Colorado. Lastly, this marks the fourth win since May 29th, 2021 at home against FC Dallas.
Starting XI
The Colorado Rapids lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that handled a perfect balance between defense, possession, and explosion in the attack. In the back, William Yarbrough started in goal, and despite the goal, he showed once more that he is capable of making big saves and keeping his team in the game when needed. Keegan Rosenberry and Andrew Gutman started on the flanks, being able to provide width and an extra attacker in the buildup.
At the beginning of the game, both fullbacks found plenty of space and time up the field to provide service and keep possession for the team in the final third. Gutman was an exciting player to watch as he found himself connecting with Harris and creating overlaps and even a shot on goal. Andreas Maxso and Lalas Abubakar paired up in the back to provide a stable presence on set pieces, keeping the Rapids line intact, and engaging in one on one defending to slow down the attackers and win possession.
The double pivot of Bryan Acosta and Connor Ronan showed up again this season, after Acosta was out on international duty, the pair looked to continue their duties as holding possession and creating chances from deep. Ronan looked a lot more dangerous in the game being able to send passes deep to the wingers, breaking down opposition possession, and even getting a chance at goal.
Cole Bassett slotted in the center attacking midfield role ahead of the double pivot to initiate attacks, gather the ball from deep, and initiate transition play. In a game where he found space and the ball in the middle of the park, he was able to put in a good shift both offensively and defensively. The kid is still growing and learning a lot about the game but as more minutes are given to him, he will continue to deliver and play an important role for the Rapids.
Braian Galvan and Calvin Harris started on the flanks, with both players showcasing their speed and ability to get behind defenders on the one on one, which provided a serious threat in the attack. Up top leading the line was Darren Yapi over Kevin Carbal and Jonathan Lewis. The young U.S. international played an important role in getting and holding the ball up top and getting in behind the center backs to lay a shot off. Although a few missed chances, Yapi is starting to get the service needed, and with a little bit more of a clinical sense he is on the path to put a few goals away this year.
Substitutions
- 63’ OUT Calvin Harris IN Michael Barrios
- 63’ OUT Braian Galvan IN Jonathan Lewis
- 82’ OUT Darren Yapi IN Danny Wilson
- 88’ OUT Bryan Acosta IN Ralph Priso
- 88’ OUT Cole Bassett IN Danny Leyva
Discipline
Yellow Cards
- Andrew Gutman
- Bryan Acosta
- Cole Bassett
- Keegan Rosenberry,
- Michael Barrios
Red Cards: None
Goals
- 18th minute; Sam Junqua goal. Shot from the top of the box, deflection off Lalas
Abubakar. - 31st minute; Andreas Maxso goal, assisted by Connor Ronan. Corner kick set
piece, Maxso’s header after crashing in from the back post. - 62nd minute; Braian Galvan goal. Panenka penalty kick from the spot.
What’s Ahead For The Colorado Rapids?
The Colorado Rapids head back to DICK’s Sporting Goods Park two times this week, with a chance to get more wins and start a positive summer. First, they host the Portland Timbers on Wednesday, July 12th to make up the second half of a rescheduled game.
On Saturday, July 15th, the Colorado Rapids hosted Houston Dynamo for another weekend battle. So far this summer the Colorado Rapids have acquired Andrew Gutman from Atlanta United FC and Rafael Navarro from Palmeiras. A new left-back and a striker to bolster the team and push them to a playoff spot. Enjoy the week Rapids fans and see you at the games!
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