Temperature at kickoff: 28 degrees
The one that started it all and likely the most iconic soccer match ever played in Colorado saw the US face Costa Rica in a 2014 World Cup Qualifying contest. The game kicked off at 8:00 PM and the snow was already steadily falling at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
By the time Clint Dempsey put the US in front in the 16th minute, social media had caught on to the scene in Commerce City and the game was coined the ‘SnowClasico’.
As the snow increased to full blizzard status, Jermaine Jones’ famous SnoFro, the Colorado soccer fans braving the cold and the fluffy white powder on the pitch made for an instant internet sensation.
Ultimately the US would hang on for a vital 1-0 win that would provide a boost to help them qualify for the following year’s FIFA World Cup.
Temperature at kickoff: 31 degrees
SnowClasico2 was played in a wet spring blizzard early in the 2016 season between the Rapids and visiting New York Red Bulls. Kickoff was delayed 30 minutes due to the conditions, but the field was ultimately deemed suitable for play.
US international Jermaine Jones made his debut for the Rapids, and put in a thoroughly dominant performance in the middle of the park. Jones opened the scoring in the 21st minute as he calmy slotted home a cross and then provided a brilliant assist to spring Dominque Badji for the late winner and iconic snow kneeslide celebration.
Temperature at kickoff: 18 degrees
SnowClasico3 completed the trilogy of snow games at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park as the Rapids opened their 2019 season against the visiting Portland Timbers. The third installment was an epic back-and-forth affair that included just about everything a game of soccer can: Late drama, red cards, big tackles, beautiful goals, memorable celebrations and plenty of storylines. When the game kicked off at just after 4:00 PM, with the temperature reading just 18 degrees, it officially became the coldest MLS game in history.
Despite the biting wind and blizzard snow that worsened over the course of the game, the Rapids jumped in front as newcomer
Kei Kamara opened his goalscoring account early in the first half with a beautifully worked team goal. Just a quarter-hour later the home side would go down a man after defender Axel Sjöberg was shown a red card for handling the ball in the box. For the next 60 minutes, the Rapids would overcome the man-disadvantage not once, but twice, ultimately sharing the points in a 3-3 draw. The story of the night came in stoppage time from Denver University rookie Andre Shinyashiki who slammed home a bouncing ball from close range in the final seconds. The short-sleeved #99 then celebrated his first MLS goal (on his debut no less) with teammates and provided Rapids fans near and far with a moment they won’t soon forget.
