The second installment of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Cup between Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids seemed like a total domination by RSL. RSL's offense sprinted to an early lead with two unanswered goals in the first 20 minutes of play in what looked like a certain third-straight RMC victory.
Returning to his natural midfield position, Damir Kreilach sprinted into the 18-yard box just in time to connect his diving header with a cross from Joao Plata. Plata added one for himself just six minutes later.
Then the rains came.
Referee Baldomero Toledo whistled for a weather delay in the 24th minute that lasted over an hour. The Rapids came out of the delay flying. Colorado's pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Toledo awarded Jack McBean a penalty kick. McBean brought Colorado within one in the last goal of the half.
In a back-and-forth game begging for a late game-changing goal, Rapids midfielder Dillon Serna became the hero for Colorado with an 88th minute equalizer. Serna cleaned up a shot by teammate Edgar Castillo that was blocked by RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
With the draw, RSL and Colorado will have to wait until August 25 for the final regular season matchup to find out the fate of the Rocky Mountain Cup.
Goals
- 11' – RSL – Damir Kreilach
- 17' – RSL – Joao Plata
- 33' – COL – Jack McBean (PK) | WATCH
- 88' – COL – Dillon Serna | WATCH
Next Up
- RSL: Saturday, July 28 at San Jose Earthquakes (8:30 PM MT)
- Rapids: Saturday, July 28 at D.C. United (6 PM MT)
