The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (2-6-1, 7 pts) defeated Whitecaps FC 2 (2-4-2, 10 pts) in a 3-2 victory, breaking their five-game losing streak with their second win of the season. First Team forward Darren Yapi kicked off the scoring in the 39th minute, finding a ball at the top of the box and striking it into the back of the net for his first goal of the 2024 season. Minutes later, Whitecaps' Jeevan Badwal found the equalizer, sending the teams into the half at a level 1-1. The go-ahead goal came from Rapids Academy striker Noah Strellnauer off a service from Facundo Núñez in the 65th minute. The pair combined for their second consecutive goal contribution, adding an assist and a goal in last weekend's match against Sporting KC II. First-year forward Antony García sealed the deal in the 75th minute with his first goal for Rapids 2 off another assist from Núñez, making him tonight's Man of the Match.
Rapids 2 will face MNUFC2 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park on Sunday, May 26, for their third match at the stadium.
Notable:
- F Darren Yapi scored his first goal of the 2024 season in tonight's MLS NEXT Pro match against Whitecaps FC 2. Yapi's goal tied him with Marlon Vargas for the third-most goals (10) in Rapids 2 history.
- Academy forward Noah Strellnauer has scored in back-to-back matches, bringing his season total to two goals.
- F Antony García scored his first goal for Rapids 2 in tonight's match against Whitecaps FC 2.
F Facundo Núñez recorded two assists in tonight's match, adding three goal contributions in back-to-back matches for Rapids 2. He now leads the team with three assists this season.
- M Wayne Frederick recorded his second assist of the season for Rapids 2 in tonight's match against Whitecaps FC 2.
- F Jonathan Lewis made his first appearance with Rapids 2 of the 2024 season after returning from an injury to his knee.
- M Daouda Amadou tied former Rapids 2 player Blake Malone for the third-most appearances (42) in team history.
Postgame Media Availability:
Select postgame quotes transcribed below.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY
On the match:
“Well, a good three points, they all are. We have been searching for the next game that we are going to earn those points, so it was good for the guys to get. I think it was well deserved. We are disappointed with the two goals we conceded and the time that we concede them at the death of both halves. Really, the only reason I bring those up in this manner is to get it out of the way because those two goals, where they provide us areas where we need to improve, they don't come close to defining the game. I thought there was some nice soccer, I thought our goals were brilliant and I thought there were a lot of very positive performances on the night. I thought the attitude of the players was, well to be honest, it was closer to what we expect. I think if we can do that in a consistent way, then we can parlay this win into future wins. For tonight, we will take it for what it is, a very valuable three points against a good team."
On the breaking the team's five game losing streak:
“You don't develop fully without winning. Guys need to feel what it's like to, everybody needs a reward, it doesn't matter what you do, for your hard work. Sometimes you don't have the control that you might want to get that reward. You have to be diligent; you have to be patient, you have to persevere, and you have to be good, you have to earn it and when you are not good enough, you have to get better. It is just an everyday thing. I am hurt and sad when we don't win, most of that is for the players. When we win, I will sleep well tonight, hoping that the players at least have a chance to breathe and smile and enjoy the three points. Listen, there is plenty of work we have ahead of us. There are guys who are still seeking more and there are guys in that locker room who aren't happy. Everybody is going to feel good for the team, but there are still guys who are saying they want more and that's what we need. Yes, grateful for the victory and look forward to getting back to work on Tuesday so the guys can feel this again."
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 FORWARD NOAH STRELLNAUER
On the match:
“Well, of course it is obviously great to play at home in the stadium and thank you to all the fans that came out here. Possession shows, stats show, that we dominated the game, had a lot of shots. We had a lot of momentum going into the halftime talk and then coming out of halftime, I thought it was great to score those two goals to give us the 3-1 lead. Obviously, it was a little disappointing to concede that late into the game. Overall, I thought it was a huge and positive team performance and we just have to keep the momentum going."
On the lessons learned from the Rapids Academy:
“It feels great to score in back-to-back games, but I can't take all of the credit. The [Rapids] Academy has helped me grow so much. I have been at the Academy since I was 14-years-old. Elliot [Prost], Janny [Rivera], Carts [Chris Cartlidge], they have helped me so much and obviously my teammates around me. I can't give enough to the Academy and how much they have let me grow and let me develop."
