Despite finding the equalizer before intermission, the Colorado Rapids couldn’t capitalize on their offensive momentum in the Twin Cities on Saturday night as they dropped a 3-1 result with Minnesota United FC on the road.
Defender and newest player in burgundy, Gustavo Vallecilla, earned his first appearance with the Rapids in the loss after subbing on in the 83rd minute.
“We came out in the second half and had a very strong start, in the first 15 minutes we had a number of chances, we’d certainly like to think if we put one of those away the game may have been different,” said head coach Robin Fraser postgame. “It’s overall disappointing because we had been playing well and we did play well in moments of the game and created a number of very good chances.”
It took until nearly halftime for either side to break the ice at Allianz Field on Saturday night. Minnesota got on the board first after a dangerous Emmanuel Reynoso sent the ball sailing into a crowded box to find the head of Bakaye Dibassy, but the Rapids answered quickly with a goal of their own.
Striker Diego Rubio’s equalizer was nearly called offsides after he found the ball at his feet between Dibassy and Loons’ goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the box following a Mark-Anthony Kaye delivery, but the odds turned in his––and the Rapids’––favor after a consultation with VAR to even the score in stoppage time.
Rubio’s goal marks his fourth of the 2022 season. The Chilean striker found the Rapids’ only goal in their 3-1 loss to FC Dallas last week, as well.
The second half seemed to also be in Colorado’s favor, as the Rapids recorded 11 shots, four of them on frame. Rubio was denied by the woodwork twice in his six shots taken over the course of the game, while teammates Jonathan Lewis, Michael Barrios and Lucas Esteves were stopped by St. Clair.
“We created a lot of opportunities, but hell of a game from [St. Clair],” said midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, a Canadian national squad teammate of the 'keeper. “He stood on his head and they kind of rode that momentum and then finished their chances. It’s a frustrating one because we felt like we could’ve done more in this game.”
The Loons took the upper hand with minutes left in the match, as strikers Robin Lod and Abu Danladi took a goal apiece in the 77th and 79th minute, respectively. Colorado was unable to respond in the waning moments at Allianz Field and will return to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park next week for their first-ever matchup with MLS newcomers, Charlotte FC.
Kickoff against the Queen City’s expansion side is set for 7:00 p.m. at altitude.
