The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (8-0-2, 27 pts) defeated MNUFC2 (4-3-3,16 pts) in tonight's 4-1 victory at the National Sports Center. With tonight's result, Rapids 2 has tied the all-time MLS NEXT Pro unbeaten streak with 10 games unbeaten and remains the only team in the league with an unbeaten record. Forward Rémi Cabral earned himself a brace in tonight's game, in addition to goals scored by Oliver Larraz and Connor Miller. Larraz also added his fifth assist of the season, which tied him for a first-place spot as the league's leader in assists (5 assists).
Notable:
- Rapids 2 earned its eighth win of the season in tonight's 1-4 win over MNUFC2. With tonight's result, Rapids 2 has tied the all-time MLS NEXT Pro unbeaten streak (10 games).
- Rapids 2 remains the only team in the league with an unbeaten record and continues to maintain its first place standing in both the Western Conference and the league overall.
- Goalkeeper Adam Beaudry made three saves on the night for Rapids 2 in the match versus MNUFC2.
- Midfielder Connor Miller scored his first goal of the season in tonight's game versus MNUFC2.
- Forward Rémi Cabral recorded a brace in tonight's game against MNUFC2. He has now scored four goals this season for Rapids 2.
- Midfielder Oliver Larraz scored his third goal of the season in tonight's match versus MNUFC2.
- Defender Jackson Travis put up his second assist of the season on Connor Miller's opening goal against MNUFC2.
- Midfielder Oliver Larraz added his fifth assist of the season in tonight's game against MNUFC2. He is now tied for first in the league for the overall lead in assists (5 assists).
- Midfielder Marlon Vargas added his third assist of the season on Oliver Larraz's goal against MNUFC2.
- Defender Steve Flores added his first assist of the season on Rémi's Cabral second goal in the game against MNUFC2.
Postgame Media Availability:
- Head Coach Erik Bushey
- Rapids 2 Midfielder Connor Miller
Select postgame quotes transcribed below.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY
On the match:
“Good soccer from the first whistle to the last. It was a massive improvement in terms of Thursday to Sunday, so we are really pleased by that. There were a lot of really good performances. I think the guys represented themselves well tonight. I thought we were composed in our build. We offered a threat against their last line and really when it comes down to it, the game is about scoring goals. Credit to the guys because we scored some really lovely goals tonight."
On the challenges heading into tonight's match:
“The back-to-back road games were going to be tough. It was always going to be a challenge. You have very short rest in between games, even a day shorter in between Minnesota. They were home both games, we were on the road both games. The guys responded very well to that. They were, as always, very hard-working, but disciplined as well in their recovery. It is a massive challenge, and I am super happy that they came out on the right side of it. The guys that were coming in and out, that was a challenge, but that is not new. The travel made it a particular challenge, or perhaps maybe a bit more unique compared to what we have faced so far this year. Both the guys who were traveling in and out and the guys that were here throughout, everybody had to adapt, and they did that very well. They are used to moving pieces, so this week was no different."
On the team's ability to maintain possession:
"It was good. Obviously, there was the last 10 minutes of the first half where we defended a bit more and then the last third of the second half where we defended more. They were pushing. It was 3-1 for a lot of that time, so naturally it is going to be the case that we defend more. Even when we were getting pressed, we maintained composure in our effort to play. I thought it was a really nice display of soccer and thought and composure. When you put that with really hard work, good things happen. I thought good things happened tonight."
\On tying the all-time MLS NEXT Pro unbeaten streak: \
"It means little in the big picture. It is us being proud of our performance in this game knowing that we have a very, very difficult game at home this weekend. These little things that bring positive attention to our team and club make me happy and proud, but the record or tying a record means very little if we don't sustain our success, if we don't keep backing it up week after week and if we don't progress guys from this program up. If we keep doing what we did tonight, then those things can happen."
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 MIDFIELDER CONNOR MILLER
On the match:
“I think it was a very hard-working performance from the boys. We came out really strong in the first half and dominated for most of the first half. We got a reward in the first two goals and getting that third goal was crucial. It was a bit hard to concede that soon after the third goal, but we did well, kept our composure and didn't lose our heads and then we got the fourth to seal out the game. Overall, it was a really good performance."
On his first goal of the season:
“I got the ball square from Jackson Travis and when I took my touch, I realized I could face forward. Once I did, I realized that no one was really pressing me, so I took the space. I think it was Caique de Brito that made a nice run to draw both center backs back, so I kept going to the box. I ultimately saw the goalkeeper was kind of guessing to his left, so I went back near post to get my first goal of the season. The first goal is always the hardest, so I am really proud that I did it, really proud that I did it against a really quality opponent on a really hard road trip. To kick off the game and ultimately get us on the right foot was a very proud moment."
\On tying the all-time MLS NEXT Pro unbeaten streak: \
"It is a great accomplishment. It is credit to how well we have done this season so far. Ultimately, it is not something to get too stuck up on and let our heads get too big because there are still a lot of games to come. We have about 18 more games to come this season, so if we let it go now and we lose out the season, we won't make it to playoffs. It is obviously fantastic to have it. It is fantastic to get to go into this next match to break the record and have it just to ourselves, but it is a reality check. This is where we are at. We are a team that has been dominating most games and getting the results. We have to keep going from there and we can't stop now."
On the areas left for improvement:
"I think there has been great improvement over the last few games. You saw it in the Austin FC game, you saw it tonight, of just closing out games, especially when ones that are close or the team is putting on some pressure at the end. I think that is still an area of improvement. Honestly, it was a bit crushing to concede the goal after we scored our third, so trying to see out the game and get those clean sheets, I think that is an area of improvement for us. Ultimately, I think we have done well so far, but we need to keep growing in that area."
