Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar was named to MLS's Team of the Week on Monday following his performance in Saturday's Rocky Mountain Cup tilt with Real Salt Lake.
The center back recorded his fourth goal in burgundy over the weekend at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in the 1-1 draw with RSL. Throughout his 90 minutes plus stoppage time on the pitch, Abubakar retained a 91.8% passing accuracy and went one-for-one in front of the goal as his sliding effort on Michael Barrios' assist found the back of the net.
The equalizer earned the Rapids a much-needed point to remain unbeaten in 19 regular season home games.
"We don't have to only depend on the forwards to score, we need to contribute also," said Abubakar postgame. "When the ball went wide, I said 'I need to get in the box and try to make a play' and fortunately the ball came to me."
This is the second time Abubakar has earned a spot on the Team of the Week Starting XI following a goal-scoring appearance for the Rapids. The last time the defender was named to the league's lineup was in July 2021 after he scored in the Rapids' 2-0 shutout of FC Dallas.
Team of the Week - Week 5
F: Julian Carranza (PHI), Chicharito (LA), Fafa Picault (HOU)
M: Jonathan Osorio (TOR), Joao Paulo (SEA), Djordje Mihailovic (MTL), Marcelino Moreno (ATL)
D: Lalas Abubakar (COL), Jesus David Murillo (LAFC), Tristan Blackmon (VAN)
GK: Carlos Coronel (RBNY)
Coach: Steve Cherundolo (LAFC)
Bench: Alex Bono (TOR), Derrick Williams (LA), Taylor Washington (NSH), Ilie Sanchez (LAFC), Daniel Gazdag (PHI), Cade Cowell (SJ), Kei Kamara (MTL)
