The Colorado Rapids (4-4-0, 12 pts., 6th West) played to a 3-2 loss against reigning MLS Cup Champions Inter Miami CF (4-1-3, 15 pts., 2nd East) at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday. Colorado went head-to-head against one of MLS’ top sides in front of the second-largest crowd in league history with a total attendance of 75,824 fans.
After months of anticipation, the Rapids were finally set to host Inter Miami for the club’s 30th Anniversary Match to celebrate Colorado’s rich history as one of MLS’ original teams.
The match started off in the Rapids’ favor, with the club maintaining most of the possession and controlling the pace of play through all phases. The club put the first few shots of the match on target, but it would be the visitors that would strike first.
After drawing a penalty in the 18th minute, Lionel Messi converted his shot to put Miami up 1-0 early on.
Despite conceding, the Rapids continued to control the match and play their style of soccer. The club created multiple opportunities, with Paxten Aaronson and Georgi Minoungou both getting high quality chances for Colorado.
Right before halftime, it was Miami who would add another to their tally. After receiving a cross from Mateo Silvetti, German Berterame sent home a header to double his side’s advantage right before the halftime whistle.
Despite being down 2-0 at the half, the Rapids came out of the break with the same energy they had in the first half, leading to instant results. After creating chances left and right in the attacking third, Colorado found their first of the day in the 58th minute.
The club started the play as they have many times this season, out from the back line. Colorado connected numerous passes up the pitch throughout the midfield, eventually finding the foot of Rafael Navarro. The Designated Player received the ball from around 45 yards and began to charge his way through the Miami defense. After carrying the ball for about 25 yards, the Brazilian did what he does best, making a sharp move to his right foot and sending the Miami defender to the ground. Navarro took one touch and calmly placed home a shot to bring Colorado within one.
Scoring his sixth of the season, Navarro now ranks second in MLS in total goals scored this season. Additionally, the forward ranks first in total goal contributions in MLS this season with 10 (6g, 4a), all coming within his last six appearances.
That wouldn’t be all for the Rapids, who kept their patented press up in the hunt for an equalizer. That hunt proved to work, as the club found their second just five minutes later.
In another play that initiated from the back line, defender Lucas Herrington found himself with the ball around midfield. The 18-year-old, looking like a seasoned veteran, sent a perfect ball over the Miami back line to find a sprinting Darren Yapi. The Homegrown then went to work and dribbled toward net and sent in a shot with his left foot to beat former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Claire to bring the Rapids level.
From there, Colorado continued their press for the match winner. The club created multiple opportunities in the attacking end but were unable to grab another.
It was Miami that would get the final goal to claim all three points, with Messi curling a shot into the back of the net in the 79th minute. That would be all the scoring for the match.
Despite the loss, Colorado made history with Saturday’s match breaking the club’s previous all-time record 61,213 set in 2002.
The Rapids will continue their busy schedule with a double match week starting on Wednesday. Colorado will travel to California for a matchup with LAFC on April 22. Kickoff at BMO Stadium is set for 8:30 p.m. MT with coverage available Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, Tico Sports Spanish Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
