The Rapids 2 team (0-1-1, 2 pts) is hitting the road for its second consecutive road match of the season as they take on Minnesota United 2 (1-2-0, 3 pts) on Sunday, April 17 at Allianz Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. MT and the match will be broadcast on www.mlsnextpro.com.
“I think Minnesota is going to offer us some new pictures in terms of how they defend and press against us. I think they have some weapons in the attack and certainly on an individual level that could cause problems,” said Rapids 2 head coach Erik Bushey. “We are going to be prepared for that. We will make sure that we are prepared to defend in ones and twos so that we can win based upon team performance, which shouldn't be that different from each game going forward. It really is about our group and how we can play as a collective.”
Colorado heads to Minnesota searching for its first three points of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season. Last weekend’s match saw the team take the early lead against North Texas SC when first team loan Yaya Toure slotted home his first goal of the season off of an assist from defender Sebastian Anderson. The Rapids 2 squad continued to put the pressure on in the attacking third, taking 13 shots and controlling nearly half of the possession throughout the match. However, the Texas-based side answered the Rapids lead with three goals of their own, ultimately sending the team home with their first loss of the year.
The first road match of the season was highlighted by a Rapids debut moment from first team loan Gustavo Vallecilla. The Ecuadorian center back joined the organization in late March to occupy a U22 Initiative slot on the Rapids’ first team roster. His presence on the pitch for Rapids 2 this past weekend brought a punch of defensive maturity to a young Rapids 2 team that is looking to build momentum as they head into the third match of the season.
MNUFC2 returns home after collecting their first win of the season in a 3-2 victory over Real Monarchs. Minnesota took a two point lead early on in the match when defender Nabilai Kibunguchy and midfielder Aziel Jackson recorded their first goals of the season. The Monarchs returned the favor in the first few minutes of the second half, but a slick finish from MNUFC2’s Diogo Pacheco put the nail in the Monarchs’ coffin, securing the win for the away side.
