The Colorado Rapids (4-2-4, 16 pts.) earned a point against Seattle Sounders FC (3-3-4, 13 pts.) in a 1-1 draw on Saturday night. Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic recorded the Rapids’ lone goal directly off a free kick to even the score at one.
Returning home for the first time in two weeks, Colorado entered Saturday night looking to continue their run of strong performances at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. The club had won their previous two home matches by a combined score of 5-2 against Charlotte FC and San Diego FC.
Right from the opening whistle in Commerce City, the Rapids were on the front foot and created multiple opportunities in the attacking end. While unable to score early, Colorado set the tone for the rest of the match with their play in the final third.
Play went back and forth without a goal for the majority of the first half, with neither side being able to find the back of the net.
Seattle managed to counter the Colorado attack with a few opportunities of their own, eventually leading to the match’s first goal.
After starting a counterattack around midfield, the Sounders broke out along the right wing led by Kalani Kossa-Rienzi. The midfielder then sent in a centering ball to Danny Musovski, who found the back of the net in the 45th minute.
That would be all the scoring for the first half, with more in store for the remaining 45 minutes.
Colorado came out to the break with a sense of urgency and created multiple chances thanks to their suffocating press against the Seattle back line. Those efforts led to an increase in opportunities in the final third, eventually resulting in a free kick right on the edge of the 18-yard-box with Mihailovic stepping up for a chance to equalize.
The midfielder, as he has proved time and time again in his Rapids career, was made for situations like those from a set piece scenario. The Olympian eyed his target and passed the ball under the Seattle wall into the bottom left corner, leaving goalkeeper Stefan Frei no chance to make the stop.
The goal was Mihailovic’s fifth goal of the season and the 36th of his MLS career. Over his last five matches, the 26-year-old has now recorded six total goal contributions with five goals and one assist. The direct free kick goal marked his fourth from a set piece this season, which is good for the second-most by any player in MLS.
From there, the Rapids kept their press up. The club was able to create more chances, including multiple from Rafael Navarro, but were unable to take the lead. The two sides each went home with a point each following a tough battle on both ends.
There was no shortage of accolades for Rapids players in this match, including debuts, career-milestones, and more. Midfielder Josh Atencio made his 100th MLS appearance in the match, coming in his first appearance for Colorado against his former club. Additionally, goalkeeper Nico Hansen made his MLS debut in the match. Defender Jackson Travis also saw his first MLS minutes this season after making the start at left back following surgery on his wrist earlier this year.
The Rapids will shift their focus to the nation's capital, where they will play their next match against D.C. United. Kickoff at Audi Field is set for 5:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids App.
