Goals:
- 19' – COL – Kei Kamara
- 36' – MIN – Ethan Finlay
- 43' – MIN – Ethan Finlay
- 59' – COL – Jonathan Lewis
Quick Read:
The Rapids started off strong thanks to Kei Kamara, who gave the club a 1-0 lead, scoring the 1,000th regular season goal in the team's history. After a couple quick goals put Minnesota in front at the end of the first half, Colorado equalized when Jonathan Lewis once again scored soon after being subbed on. Head coach Robin Fraser's second half subs gave the team the energy it needed, but it wasn't enough for the victory. The back-and-forth match ended in a tie, with the Rapids drawing to 2-2-1 on the season.
MLSSoccer.com Recap
Minnesota United clinched second place in Group D Thursday at the MLS is Back Tournament, battling the Colorado Rapids to a 2-2 draw in the nightcap at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Colorado were already eliminated after Sporting Kansas City’s 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake earlier in the day.
The scoring got underway in the 19th minute via Colorado striker Kei Kamara, as he slotted home at the near post for a 1-0 lead after being played through by Nicolas Benezet.
But the Rapids’ lead was short-lived, as Ethan Finlay made it 1-1 in the 36th minute with his first of two goals. The Minnesota winger flicked home a low, driven cross from Jan Gregus off a free kick, showing clever instincts.
Finlay then bagged his brace in the 43rd minute, one-timing a Romain Metanire cross home after a powerful run from the Minnesota right back. He peeled of the Rapids’ back line with precise movement in the 18-yard box.
The back-and-forth nature continued into the 59th minute, when Jonathan Lewis made it 2-2 with a powerful half-volley following a free kick. The US men’s national team winger was quickest to a loose ball and smashed it home.
Colorado striker Diego Rubio had several golden chances to equalize before Lewis’ strike, most notably hitting the post in the 46th minute. William Yarbrough also made six saves in his second start for the Rapids, even as they depart with a 0-2-1 tournament record.
