Rapids2 played after the big Burgundy boys in a doubleheader Sunday
The Rapids2 took on Tacoma in the second half of a first-ever MLS/MLSNext Pro doubleheader at DSGP in Commerce City late Sunday night. It was the first home game away from Denver University for the Rapids2 in the young season.
The visitors had much of the possession in the first 20 minutes, keeping Colorado defending but not giving up much for chances in their box. In fact, it was Rapids2 with the game’s first outstanding look off a Sebastian Anderson-delivered corner kick from the left side. The near post drive was headed sharply by Michael Edwards, but a point-blank reaction save by the keeper kept things scoreless.
Some better minutes of possession by Colorado between 35-40 minutes didn’t yield much. However, more looks into Darren Yapi by Yosuke Hanya and Philip Mayaka at least put Tacoma on notice for the second half.
The theme of giving Tacoma play just across midfield and defending in their half continued for Rapids2 as they looked to counter with quick takeaways. Yapi started a promising-looking run with possession towards Tacoma’s box and Yapi supporting on the right in the 52nd minute. The pass looking for the connection was just off the mark, though for Colorado.
A tough miscue for Rapids2 gave Tacoma a golden chance to take the lead in the 59th minute, which they did. Following a short goal kick, Colorado played the ball out of the back. However, a wayward pass by Mayaka was intercepted inside the penalty area and driven past Abe Rodriguez from short range at the right post and the 1-0 Tacoma lead in the 59th minute.
Colorado would threaten for a solid 8-10 minutes afterwards with a series of corner and free-kicks, putting Tacoma under pressure in their own area, but only Robinson Aguirre’s low freekick came close to making the keeper do much work.
A second goal sealed the deal for Tacoma in the 72nd minute as pressure in front allowed a chipped ball into the middle for Vargas. He was able to poke the shot past an onrushing Rodriquez to the right side and the 2-0 lead for the Defiance.
The Rapids2 saw their best chance of the half in the 90th minute to try and claw back late. A neat throughball to the back post by Yosuke was spotted by Toure, but his lunging toe-poke drifted wide and Colorado was shutout on the night.
Of note: Daouda Amadou made a late-game appearance coming on for Colorado in the 85th minute for his first action since recently joining the squad on loan.