The Colorado Rapids’ playoff match came down to exactly what head coach Robin Fraser said it would: execution.
Though Colorado and Minnesota traded opportunities for much of their first-round 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoff match, the Loons were clinical with their finishing. Minnesota won 3-0 on two goals from leading scorer Kevin Molino and one from Robin Lod.
The Rapids started the match with positivity, getting several shots off in the early minutes to test Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The Rapids forced six saves from St. Clair.
Much as he has throughout the season, Fraser relied upon the Rapids youngsters. 19-year-old Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett became the youngest Rapids player to start a playoff game, and 2019 AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year Andre Shinyashiki also made his playoff debut. 21-year-old Homegrown defender Sam Vines became the third Rapids Homegrown to appear in a playoff match.
Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough made five saves, including several key one-on-one stops, in his first MLS Cup playoff match.
It was Colorado’s first MLS Cup Playoff appearance since 2016, when the club advanced to the Western Conference Final. Head coach Robin Fraser became the first Rapids manager to lead his team to the postseason in his first full year in charge since Fernando Clavijo in 2005.
