The Colorado Rapids extended their unbeaten run to five games on Saturday night after Michael Barrios came off the bench to score his second stoppage-time goal in as many games to equalize with Western Conference leaders, St. Louis CITY SC. The Centennial State's squad has proven time and time again in 2023 that its depth is one of its biggest strengths.
In 2023, four of the Rapids’ six goals have come from substitutes. Both Barrios and Kevin Cabral entered the game late in Austin before securing Cabral’s first goal in burgundy; Max was subbed on for an injured Cole Bassett in Charlotte before scoring in the next half while Barrios stepped into the game in the 74th minute prior to a stoppage-time equalizer; and Saturday’s match saw Ralph Priso and Barrios come off the bench to combine for a last-minute goal.
Only the Portland Timbers have scored more goals from substitutes this season with five.
Despite some goal contributors subbing on as a result of injuries sustained, such as Max’s entrance onto Charlotte’s pitch and Priso coming on for Bryan Acosta on Saturday night, the energy that comes off the Rapids’ bench is undeniable.
Saturday’s performance saw five substitutions after St. Louis CITY scored the opening goal early into the second half. Despite the Rapids outshooting the expansion side 11 to 2 in the first half, a change of pace provided another spark of creativity to lead to the Barrios equalizer.
Immediately after stepping onto the pitch, Barrios was beating his defenders and getting crosses into the box.
“I think it re-ignited us--recognizing that we can get in behind and we can get into dangerous situations,” head coach Robin Fraser said after the draw. “…The energy was really good. It’s what you want. I talk so much about this team being a team. In the first half the guys were really, really good and dangerous. Then, we had a little bit of a lull and letdown on the goal. The four guys came in and picked up our energy again and we were at it.”
Priso’s defense-splitting pass and Diego Rubio’s flick on to continue Barrios’ run into the box found the Colombian in the perfect position to take a touch before nailing the near-post strike in the 92nd minute.
“I’m happy on a personal level, it's my second goal coming off the bench,” the striker said after the game. “I always prepare to be at 100%, to be available for the coaches. I give thanks to God, to my teammates for their support—I’ll always be working hard for when they need me.”
Since he arrived from FC Dallas in 2021, all 12 of Barrios’ goals scored in burgundy have come in the second half of matches. He has three goal contributions in 2023 thus far.
“It's not only those two equalizing goals, the goal in Austin that he created for Kevin was absolutely fantastic,” said Fraser. “Mikey's been nothing short of sensational for us this year. Whether he starts, or comes off the bench, he's an important player for us.
“And currently in this stretch, he has come off the bench for us and changed games. So [he has] has been really, really tremendous for us.”
The energy from the bench brings out the best in Fraser’s belief in the resilient nature of his team. With each equalizer scored and each unbeaten result earned, Colorado continues to combat doubts from around the league.
“I think getting a draw against a really good St. Louis team is a little infuriating for the team because they felt like they created enough chances to win,” said Fraser. “I've been saying this for a number of weeks. I feel like we are improving, we're more solid defensively, we are more threatening offensively.
“I know at the end of the day, this is a results-oriented business and people look at the record and go what's wrong with Colorado after this performance tonight, I'm more convinced than ever that it's coming.”