News & Notes: Rapids Celebrate Teachers & Healthcare Workers All Week Long

This week, there’s a lot to look forward to, as the Colorado Rapids earned their first win of the 2021 season last Sunday against Vancouver Whitecaps FC and get ready for a home matchup with a little bit of revenge on the mind this Saturday against Minnesota United FC. Here’s the latest news & notes around the Rapids this week.

Diego Rubio’s Banger Up for Goal of the Week 

Rubio hit home a remarkable strike that ended up as the game-winner in the Rapids’ matchup on Saturday and put everyone in the league on notice. This week, his strike is up for MLS Goal of the Week. There’s still time to make your voice heard – so vote now!

In case you were wondering how Auston Trusty felt about the goal, look no further. He could only describe the strike in one way: Banger.

Congratulations to Rubio & Kellyn Acosta!  

This weekend, Rubio and Acosta both celebrated impressive milestones. Rubio’s rocket that opened his 2021 account also marked his 30th career MLS goal.

Acosta earned the start for the third straight game this season, marking his 150th career start in MLS. This is a pretty impressive feat for a player who is still only 25 years old.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week 

 To celebrate two teachers who have been going above and beyond, your favorite mascots from the Rapids, Avalanche, Nuggets and Mammoth presented surprise deliveries to each of their schools. Learn more about our honorees below! 

Shana Wilhem – P.E. Teacher & Athletic Director, Morey Middle School  

Nomination summary: Shana has truly gone the extra mile to provide access to sports and exercise for students during the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. She helps break down barriers to access for students and has been a key staff member at Morey Middle School for several years.

Sarah Al-Haj – 1st grade teacher, Ellis Elementary School  

Nomination summary: Sarah recently created a Black Excellence Committee at Ellis Elementary to promote awareness and change regarding the systemic racism that impacts schools, staff, students and families. Additionally, Sarah facilitated adult professional development for Ellis staff to participate in every other week throughout the year in order to provide guidance, opportunities to learn, and broaden perspective regarding how our community of color has been historically marginalized. Sarah does all of this work in her free time to integrate Black excellence and equity into all aspects of Ellis’ learning environment.

Thank You, Healthcare Workers 

This week, we are also celebrating healthcare workers by providing flower deliveries right to the hospitals where they work. Thank you to all of the healthcare workers for their continued service during these difficult times!

This Saturday’s game will be Healthcare Worker Appreciation, presented by HealthONE. Be sure to be in your seats before the game begins to catch all of the celebrations all game long!

Academy Update 

Last weekend, the Rapids Academy traveled to Dallas for a challenging multi-game weekend in the teams’ first road trip in over a year. Sam Bassett and Yaya Toure once again led the way for the U-19s, both notching goals in two consecutive wins.

Saturday 5/1 vs FC Dallas  

U-19 Won 3-2 - Reyes, Bassett, Toure 

U-17 Lost 4-3 - Ovesen, Swett, Aguirre 

U-15 Lost 3-0 

U-14 Tied 1-1 - Simpson 

Sunday 5/2 vs Solar SC 

U-19 Won 3-2 – Nottoli, Bassett, Toure 

U-17 Lost 2-0 

U-15 Won 3-2 – Lahlou x2, Al Saaid 

U-14 Tied 2-2 – Taban, Robles  

Stay tuned next week for the results from a big matchup between the U-17s and the Seattle Sounders. For more information on the latest news from the Academy and for an update on our loanees in the USL Championship, check out this month’s Youth Update.