The Colorado Rapids fell short against Los Angeles FC in their season opener on Saturday afternoon as the Black and Gold's Carlos Vela secured a hat trick at Banc of California Stadium.
LAFC took the lead in the 29th minute when a Kellyn Acosta cross caught defender Lalas Abubakar's arm in the box for a penalty kick. Vela's low right-post shot was converted for a one-goal advantage, which was doubled minutes later by the Mexican striker after his deep through ball run was declared onside and he slipped a ball past Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough.
Colorado entered the second half down by two and a chance to create change, as captain Jack Price tried to deliver on multiple set pieces in LAFC's half. The Rapids' were unlucky in the box, squaring off against the Black and Gold's newly-aquired goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau from Vancouver.
Vela struck for the third time in the 50th minute when he drove into the Rapids' box and put the ball on his left foot for a far-post shot past Yarbrough for a 3-0 score at Banc of California Stadium, where the scoreline remained for the rest of the match.
The Rapids made multiple second-half substitutions, including Diego Rubio, Michael Barrios and Nicolas Mezquida on the attack, but the strikers' offensive efforts and combined three shots and multiple deliveries into the eighteen were not enough to convert a goal.
Yarbrough recorded four saves in the loss, including a one-on-one chance for LAFC's Daniel Musovski late into the second half stoppage time.
Next week, the Rapids return home to DICK'S Sporting Goods Park to host Atlanta United in their 2022 home opener. Kickoff against the Five Stripes is set for 4:00 p.m. MT.
