Dominique Badji, Diego Rubio and Braian Galván lit the match for the Colorado Rapids (15-6-10, 55 points) in their 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers (14-13-4, 46 points) on Saturday night at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. The win marks the Rapids 300th all-time in the regular season and clinches Colorado a spot in the playoffs for the second year in a row under head coach Robin Fraser.
"To see where we are now, compared to where we were two years ago, it's really really gratifying," Fraser said. "After having been through it last year, each player is better now, and more prepared for this time of year and the pressure that comes along with it and that was evident tonight."
Seconds before the halftime whistle, Braian Galván drove down the sideline to deliver a lofting cross into the six-yard box, where Badji was able to head the ball into the net for his 27th goal with the Rapids. The first-half stoppage time goal echoed Badji’s header that put the Rapids up in their 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday night and marked his second goal in two games. The win over the Timbers also recorded Badji’s 100th appearance with the club.
Galván’s assisting performance didn’t stop there, as he delivered another cross into the box in the 63rd minute to find Diego Rubio’s head for the Rapids’ second goal of the night. Rubio’s goal was his fifth of the season and third goal in six career matchups with Portland.
Galván tripled his assists record on Saturday night, tallying three total on the season. The Argentinian has now contributed to five goals in 22 games played in 2021.
"I didn't know that we made playoffs but I'm very happy," Galván said after the game. "I'm very happy that we did it at home. I'm very happy for my teammates because we all fought really hard. We've had a lot of highs and lows this year, but we're on to the playoffs. And I'm telling you we're all, we're all fighting for the Cup."
The victory marks the 15th game in an unbeaten streak at home for the Rapids and third time Colorado has topped Portland to clinch a playoff berth. In 2016 and 2020, the Burgundy Boys defeated the Timbers by a score of 1-0 to secure a playoff spot. Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough recorded his 12th clean sheet of the season in the win.
With three games remaining, the Rapids first look to their road matchup with Eastern Conference leaders New England Revolution on October 27. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM at Gillette Stadium.
