In the first meeting between the sides since 2019, the Colorado Rapids drew with NYCFC 1-1 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Striker Michael Barrios scored the lone Colorado goal to open his 2022 account in the 68th minute to give the Rapids a point on the road.
"To be successful in this league you have to get results on the road and when you are where we are [in the standings] we have to fight and we have to grind," said head coach Robin Fraser postgame. "This was a really good example of the group just rolling up their sleeves and working really hard and earning a point on the road against a very, very good team with very, very good players."
NYCFC took to their home pitch for the first time without former head coach Ronny Delia, as assistant-turned-interim head coach Nick Cushing led the home side in the draw.
The sides went head–to–head without result in the first half. NYCFC put up six shots to Colorado’s two in the first 45, eventually tallying 16 to six by the final whistle, respectively.
The Rapids saw a promising chance from Lucas Esteves in the 40th minute when the Brazilian winger sent in a low cross to the near post, but Barrios and Gyasi Zardes tangled with NYCFC’s defense in the box and the ball skittered out of bounds.
The 2021 MLS Cup champions delivered an offensive onslaught to open the second half, recording the first corners of the game in back-to-back succession. The Rapids defense remained steadfast in their own half, keeping NYCFC to four shots on goal.
Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough recorded three saves on Sunday afternoon.
Barrios opened his 2022 account in the 68th minute when Mark-Anthony Kaye sent a leading pass to the Colombian striker, sending him down the middle of the pitch for his eventual low drive into the left post past NYCFC's Sean Johnson. The goal marks Barrios' 40th in MLS play.
Barrios’ game-opener tallied the first goal scored on the reigning MLS Cup champions since April.
NYCFC responded quickly with a goal of their own in the 71st minute with a Talles Magno volley. NYCFC went unbeaten in eight games prior to their matchup with the Rapids.
Colorado’s draw at Yankee Stadium marks their second tie on the road of the season.
The Rapids will go back on the road next week as they take on the Portland Timbers on Saturday. Fraser's side defeated the Timbers 2-0 at home in April after Diego Rubio and Mark-Anthony Kaye tallied a goal apiece at altitude. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. at Providence Park.
