The Colorado Rapids fell to Comunicaciones FC 1-0 on Thursday night in Guatemala City in the first leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16. The Rapids were locked in on defense throughout the matchup and created numerous chances on goal, but an unlucky deflection in the final seconds of the game put the score in Coomunicaciones' favor.
The back-and-forth play between the boxes left the match scoreless at the half, despite multiple set piece opportunities in Comunicaciones' half. Rapids' captain Jack Price, midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye and defender Keegan Rosenberry were integral to Colorado's attacking presence in the first 45 but were ultimately unable to find the back of the net.
Goalkeeper William Yarbrough stood tall in the Rapids' goal on Thursday night, blocking two shots and organizing his defense to 32 clearances out of danger.
Midfielders Bryan Acosta and Max Alves recorded their first competitive debut in burgundy against Comunicaciones as they both subbed on in the second half. Both created chances on goal after stepping onto the pitch, Max recording a shot of his own and nearly assisting Acosta in the 88th minute.
Comunicaciones took the advantage in the 89th minute as Karel Espino was handed the ball at the top of the box and sent a shot on frame––the ball deflected off of a defending Acosta and missed the hands of Yarbrough to put the Guatemalan side up for the remainder of the match.
Up next, the Rapids will return home to DICK'S Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday, February 23 to host Comunicaciones on their home turf for the second leg of Round of 16 play. Kickoff is set for 6:30 MT in Commerce City.
