The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (12-1-4, 43 pts) defeated Real Monarchs (6-10-2, 21 pts) in a 4-1 victory at Zions Bank Stadium on Friday night. Forward Rémi Cabral and midfielders Oliver Larraz and Yosuke Hanya were the goal scorers on the night. Hanya's goal in tonight's game boosted him back to the top of the league's scoring charts with 10 goals to his name this season. Meanwhile, Larraz recorded his first brace of the season and Cabral has put up an impressive three goals in the past three matches. The team currently leads the league in goals scored with 42 goals while continuing to occupy a first place standing in the Western Conference.
Notable:
- Rapids 2 dominated Real Monarchs at Zions Bank Stadium on Friday night, putting away four goals for their 12th win of the season. Forward Rémi Cabral and midfielders Oliver Larraz and Yosuke Hanya were the goal scorers on the night.
- Midfielder Yosuke Hanya scored his tenth goal of the season and recorded his fourth assist of the season in tonight's match versus Real Monarchs. With his goal in tonight's game, Hanya is now tied for the lead in league goals (10 goals) with four other MLS NEXT Pro players.
- Midfielder Oliver Larraz recorded a brace in tonight's match and added his sixth assist in tonight's game against Real Monarchs. Larraz sits in a second place standing in the league's assists chart with six to his name.
- Forward Rémi Cabral scored his seventh goal in tonight's match against Real Monarchs. Cabral has scored three goals in the past three matches for Rapids 2 on the road.
- Defender Sebastian Anderson recorded his first assist of the season for Rapids 2 in tonight's game versus Real Monarchs.
Postgame Media Availability:
- Head Coach Erik Bushey
- Rapids 2 Midfielder Yosuke Hanya
Select postgame quotes transcribed below.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY
On the match:
“Yeah, it was a great result. It was wonderful to see us put the ball in the back of the net and really create a few more chances that could have been in the back of the net. For the guys to execute in the most important part of the field and to be able to celebrate that and the victory, it was a positive evening for us."
On tonight's four goals:
“I think that is why it is so important to feel that way. I feel like we do have some momentum. It will be momentum if we continue to see it. We have a match Tuesday night against Hoffenheim (U23) and then we go into an incredibly difficult match against Austin. We will see if we can keep it up. I do think that tonight served a great purpose for that reason, at least I hope so."
On Real Monarchs' goal in the dying seconds:
"Adam (Beaudry) responded in times where we were vulnerable. I think overall our hard work in general helped protect our goal tonight. I am proud of the players for that. The goal in the end, I think the players will be disappointed and maybe it was a lapse of concentration. It happens, it's the game. The guys worked exceptionally hard tonight. Thankfully, we scored four goals before that, so we will try to check our pride at the door and keep moving. It shouldn't take away from the players having a very positive game."
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 MIDFIELDER YOSUKE HANYA
On the match:
“It was a pretty tough game. It is the Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry, even if it's a second team game. It is a big game for us. We are really happy to get the three points and bring the result back to Colorado."
On the success in the attacking third:
“We made a lot of good chances, even from the first half. We scored two goals in the first half and two goals in the second half. I think everybody was on the same page in terms of how to attack the goal. It was really good for us to have three different goal scorers. We just want to keep it going now."
On his goal and assist in tonight's match:
"I personally had been struggling a little bit to find the back of the net recently. It was kind of a lucky goal, but I am happy that I scored a goal. This is a good time for me to get my momentum back. I just really want to keep that momentum going."
