The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (11-1-3, 38 pts) beat St. Louis CITY2 (4-7-6, 23 pts) in a 0-1 win at CITYPARK on Sunday night. Forward Rémi Cabral scored the lone goal of the night off an assist from midfielder Yosuke Hanya on his return from injury. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez made five saves to keep his first clean sheet of the season for Rapids 2. The team has yet to drop a game on the road and currently maintains a 6-0-1 away record.
Notable:
- Rapids 2 collected three points in tonight's 0-1 win over St. Louis CITY2. The Rapids have yet to drop a game on the road so far this season with a 6-0-1 away record.
- Forward Rémi Cabral scored his fifth goal of the season in tonight's match against St. Louis CITY2 on his return from injury.
- Midfielder Yosuke Hanya recorded his third assist in tonight's game against St. Louis CITY2.
- Goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez recorded his first clean sheet of the season for Rapids 2 in the game against St. Louis CITY2. He made five saves in total during tonight's match.
- Midfielder Dillon Serna made his first start of the season in tonight's match versus St. Louis CITY2. The last time Serna started in a match for Rapids 2 was the inaugural home opener on March 27, 2022.
- Defender Blake Malone reached the 1,000-minute mark for Rapids 2 in tonight's match versus St. Louis CITY2.
Postgame Media Availability:
Select postgame quotes transcribed below.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY
On the match:
“It was a hard game and a great win for many reasons. We were so poor in the first half. Credit to our opponents, they played a big role in that. Things just weren't clicking. The game wasn't easy, it was tough in every aspect. We struggled to get pressure to the ball, and we struggled to maintain possession of the ball. There were four or five plays I thought that could have changed the game on its head because they were so nice. In terms of our consistent soccer, you know it was a real struggle. I kind of emphasized the fact that it was a struggle because of how well I thought that players answered in the second half. Experienced guys, guys with less experience, ultimately answered the call. The level of their play was higher, the mistakes were fewer, and the game began to change. Then we were able to make quality changes and guys come off the bench that can impact the game. It is a big deal, and it is also important for teams if they want to continue to win. A very tough game. St. Louis is a team that plays us very, very well. They are a tough team to play against. The emphasis here should not be on the caliber of our play in the first half, it should be on how well guys answered the call in the second. Then to get the reward is so nice. A beautiful ball in by Yos (Yosuke Hanya), a wonderful finish by Rém (Rémi Cabral) and then a very tough end to the game. That always makes you feel like you've done a little bit more to earn it. As I have told the guys, full credit to St. Louis for the questions that they asked, but just a bit more credit to our guys because in the end they came up with the answers."
On the team's clean sheet:
“Bump (Brandyn Bumpas) had said that it was his (Abraham Rodriguez's) first shutout and then I confirmed with him. I said, 'That's unbelievable'. It doesn't feel like it, that's because he has made too many saves in his time. Yeah, really proud because he has earned it. It's not like he sat back there and made a few passes and then he's collected a clean sheet. I mean, he was on guard for 90 plus minutes. The set pieces he had to defend that were awkward, the scrambles in front of goal, yeah brilliant. Stoked for Abe (Abraham Rodriguez) and again, his presence is incredible. His leadership in the locker room ahead of time was excellent, just really, really positive. I am happy for him."
On Rémi Cabral's goal:
"It's an excellent goal, a good take, a lovely ball by Yos (Yosuke Hanya). Those two are quality. In this case, we are talking about Rémi (Cabral), he just offers so much. Caique (de Brito) who started up front had really come into the game in the second half and had the chance early on, a real presence. To be able to make the change after what was a positive second half and then at that point take a step forward, super. I don't know what to say about Rémi. I think he is real quality. I know we have other guys in the group as well, but he would be one of the guys who I consider to be one of the best players in the league."
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 FORWARD RÉMI CABRAL
On the match:
“It was a really tough game today with the heat. It was really hard to play against a good team, but we did the most important thing and we go back with three points."
On what he saw during the first half as a substitue:
“I saw it was a team that pressed really high and really strong, so I know I can help them with my runs in behind. That is what I tried to do when I came in to help the team."
On the team's unbeaten road record:
"I think we are a really strong team, a really strong family. We try to defend well first and afterwards, the quality we have up front with everyone, we know we can win."
On his return from injury:
"It was a really long recovery. I think we work really well with the trainer. Everyone helped me to stay with the team even when I didn't play, I didn't train, I kept looking at them. I think because I stayed close to the guys, everyone wanted me to come back fast. They helped me to come back stronger and score to help the team and to win."
On his goal in tonight's match:
"We start with the ball with Oli (Oliver Larraz) in midfield and first me and Yos (Yosuke Hanya) we made the run. I think Oli chose the best option to play to Yos. I know Yos can go in one versus one, so I just waited for the cross. When I saw it go on his right foot, I raised my hand and he saw me, and he gave me a perfect ball. I just tried to finish with my left foot."
