The Colorado Rapids concluded their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign after a 1-0 loss to LAFC at BMO Stadium on Tuesday night, finishing the two-leg series tied 2-2 on aggregate and exiting the tournament on away goals.
After a 2-1 victory for Colorado in Leg 1, the club came into a tough environment at BMO Stadium for Leg 2 two against LAFC. With away goals being the lone tiebreaker, the Rapids looked to hold their opposition to as few chances as possible to ensure that their one goal lead was good enough to advance to the Round of 16.
Right at the opening whistle, the Rapids applied their usual pressure. The club was attacking the LA backline at any chance they could get, leading to positive results in the final third. Rafael Navarro started things off with a rocket of a shot from around 25 yards out, only just missing the net wide left.
In addition to the attack, the Rapids’ defensive front stood strong in the first half. The back line of Keegan Rosenberry, Chidozie Awaziem, Ian Murphy, and Reggie Cannon allowed little to no opportunities from their opposition while also building up attacking play. Part of that grouping came from the midfield as well, where Josh Atencio acted as a solid pivot to funnel the ball into the attack.
The two sides went into the halftime break all level in leg two, but the Rapids were still on top in aggregate scoring, 2-1.
LA came out of the break looking to put pressure on, and they managed to find a breakthrough. David Martinez led the attack down the wing and sent in a cross to Mark Delgado, who slid and tapped the ball home to go up 1-0 and give LAFC the advantage in aggregate scoring with their away goal tiebreaker.
Multiple Rapids players saw various debuts on Tuesday night in LA. Josh Atencio, Alex Harris, Wayne Frederick and Kimani Stewart-Baynes all made their CCC debuts, while Alex Harris also made his club debut. The 2025 SuperDraft selection stepped onto the pitch in the 83rd minute as a substitute for Rosenberry to finish out the match.
Colorado now turns its attention to MLS play, returning home to host FC Dallas in the home opener on Saturday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. MT.
