One of the best things about being a sports fan - the traditions. Traditions are memory makers. They're the glue that unites supporters and connect them to the club. These can range from goal celebrations to chants, but my personal favorite is sitting on the edge of my seat watching two rivals battle for bragging rights over 90 minutes.
It’s the passion of the players and fans that make these matchups the most anticipated moments of the season and before the Rapids take on one of their oldest rivals, Sporting KC, we count down the five most memorable moments between Colorado and Kansas City.
May 5, 1996 | First win against Kansas City Wiz
The rivalry against Sporting Kansas City (originally known as Kansas City Wiz) was built on a foundation that dates to the first game in club history. The Rapids traveled to Kansas City to face the Wiz on April 13, 1996 and fell 3-0. Just a few weeks later, the Wiz paid a visit to Mile High Stadium, where the Rapids were seeking revenge.
It didn’t take long for the home side to grab the early lead as Scott Benedetti netted his second MLS goal within the first four minutes of play. The Rapids won 4-0 thanks to goals from Steve Trittschuh, Chris Henderson and Richard Sharpe.
October 4, 1997 | First-leg playoff upset
The 1997 playoff upset against the Kansas City Wizards was arguably one of the biggest wins in the early years of the club. After finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference during the 1996 season, the Rapids quickly turned things around the next year. They clinched their first playoff berth and faced the top-seeded Wizards.
The Rapids dominated KC winning 3-0 in the first match of the two-legged tie and would advance to the Conference Finals where they beat the Dallas Burn (2-1) to punch their first ticket to the MLS Cup final.
July 4, 2003 | Last-minute Independence Day win
Mark Chung’s game-winner in the 92nd minute to give the Rapids a 3-2 win in front of 60,142 fans at INVESCO Field at Mile High ranks among the most memorable in the history of the rivalry. The midfielder’s goal came just a minute after the Wizards had tied the match at 2-2.
This contest was the turning point in the 2003 season as the Rapids went on an eight-game winning streak, after only having three wins under their belt prior to the July 4 game.
August 29, 2015 | Doyle's goal triggers winning streak over SKC
Kevin Doyle's game-winner on August 29, 2015 ignited a five-game winning streak over Sporting Kansas City that would span nearly 20 months. Doyle headed home a perfectly placed cross from Vicente Sánchez in the 76th minute, giving the Rapids a 2-1 win. It was the Irishman's fourth goal since joining the Rapids in May of 2015.
May 27, 2017 | Kortne Ford’s first professional goal
Last, but not least, is Kortne Ford’s first professional goal, which he dedicated to his mom, Laurie, following the match. His tally was enough to secure the Rapids an emotionally-charged 1-0 win at home and marked a six win in seven meetings with SKC, including four straight wins at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park.
