Game Overview
Final: Rapids: 1 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 0
Quick Read
The Rapids fought hard for their first win of 2021 with a 1-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Diego Rubio's impressive strike in the 26th minute off of a free kick just outside of the 18-yard box was the lone score in the contest. The Rapids had a number of chances, specifically in the first half, and maintained poise in the back, led by composed center back pairing on Danny Wilson and Auston Trusty.
Reaction
Head Coach Robin Fraser on the win against Vancouver
Fraser: I thought it was a really hard-fought win. We certainly had some really good moments in the game, a number of chances, felt like we needed to finish one of the other chances earlier, but great free kick by Diego [Rubio], and it was a resolute effort as they started piling on more and more effort, we defended quite well, created some very good counter attacking opportunities. While you could say we would have loved to have scored another goal, at the end of the day, they fought hard, and earned a win on the road.
Fraser on on the team's mentality and success in road matches
Fraser: The mentality has been great. They've really embraced working hard, defending hard on the road, making the game difficult for the opponent. I think that had a lot to do with it. I think a number of our players in the back part of the field had good games in both road games, I think Danny [Wilson] has been really good in both road games. All the defenders around him have worked really hard. I think, overall, our team mentality has been excellent... Overall, the mentality on the road has been great so far.
On the transition game of the defenders
Fraser: I thought tonight when we won the ball, especially late in the game, the reaction of the players to get forward, certain guys, Vinesy was very good, the guys ahead of the ball were very good, and, as a result, we were able to turn some good defending into some very good chances. I think, again, the mentality you could see was very good throughout the night. They were going to do all the work they needed to to help break up plays, but then immediately could switch gears and get ready to go forward.
Defender Auston Trusty on the team's mentality vs Vancouver
Trusty: We came here with a mindset to win. We came here to get points. And we came out and did that.
On left back Sam Vines' return from injury
Trusty: He's explosive. Once he gets on the ball, his touches were clean, his passes are clean and he can just go forward. Also, defensively, he can get back and track. He communicates well with me, and I communicate well with him in term of who's dropping deep, who's going forward, just came in confident and that's what you want from him.
Forward Diego Rubio on his goal
Rubio: We take the time [when it comes to free kicks]. Vines and I talked if he felt confident in taking it, and he said it was all me. Having those conversations make us more relaxed and focused. Those types of balls you can’t believe it goes right in the corner. I always say, if the goal is going to help the team to win then that is the most information thing.
Next Up
On Saturday, Colorado returns to DICK'S Sporting Goods Park to take on Minnesota United FC, in a rematch of the team's first-round matchup in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs
