The Colorado Rapids (2-1-2, 8 pts.) suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Portland Timbers (2-2-1, 7 pts.) on Saturday night. Portland found the back of the net three times in the contest, coming out on top 0-3 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
Heading into Saturday’s match, both teams had their eyes set on different goals early on in the MLS season. For Colorado, the squad was looking to continue their unbeaten stretch in league play, while Portland needed a positive result to start building momentum in the Western Conference table.
The Rapids started the match on the front foot, creating quality chances in the attacking end and putting Portland on their heels. Link-up play from the Colorado forwards was there, with Kévin Cabral, Rafael Navarro, and Djordje Mihailovic all connecting for chances, but the group was unable to find the back of the net.
Portland would end up on the scoresheet first as a result of a counterattack in stoppage time right before the end of the first half. Midfielder David Da Costa sent in a cross that deflected off Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio and into the goal to give the visitors the lead.
The score would remain at 0-1 for halftime, but Portland eventually added to their lead throughout the second half.
Shortly after the break, the Timbers doubled their lead. After finding a seam down the center of the field, forward Antony placed a shot into the lower left corner of the goal to go up 0-2.
The visitors would add a third in the 75th minute, with forward Kevin Kelsy capping off his club’s three-goal night.
The match ended there, with the Rapids’ club record four match undefeated stretch to start the MLS season coming to an end.
Positives from match for the Rapids included goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, who made his home debut on Saturday night. The 18-year-old became the youngest goalkeeper in club history to start in a match in his debut last season against Austin FC on October 19.
Making his first appearance for the Rapids this season was Darren Yapi, who returned to play after suffering an injury in the offseason.
Colorado will shift their focus to next Saturday where they will host Charlotte FC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
