Rapids Late Show Gets Them to Quarterfinals

Photo: Linda Brothers

Toluca 1-2 Colorado Rapids

COMMERCE CITY, CO–The Rapids struck late in the first half and late in stoppage time to stun Toluca, 2-1, and advance to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Saturday. The Rapids, who were ranked 46th of 47 teams in Leagues Cup, handed the 11th-ranked Diablos Rojos their first loss in all competitions this season.

The first half was mostly one-way traffic in Toluca’s direction with two shots going off the post and a couple more chances forcing saves of Zak Steffen. In the 45th minute, the Rapids would get a rare chance at goal and made the most of it. Cole Bassett sent a diagonal ball that found Sam Vines who sent a low cross to Rafael Navarro for an easy tap-in. It was the Rapids’ first shot on goal in the match.

Toluca outshot the Rapids, 21-4, in the match. They finally got one to go in in the 83rd minute as Jaime Gallardo sent a low cross in front of goal that was put in with a cheeky back heel from Paulinho for his first goal of Leagues Cup.

Djordje Mihailovic, fresh from coming back from the Olympics, thought he had scored the winner one minute into stoppage time in the second half, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Just as it seemed the match was destined for a penalty shootout, Milhailovic sent a low cross into the box that was misplayed by Bruno Mendez and Darren Yapi would poke it in for the winner.

“Our team responds. That is a good team that we played tonight. We got pushed to the limit in every way: physically, emotionally, tactically. I give our group a lot of credit that they stick to it. And that they responded in the big moments.” Rapids coach Chris Armas said after the match.

It has been those big moments that see the Rapids with an 11-match unbeaten streak at home in all competitions, fourth place in the West, and now in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. However, the Rapids will have to travel to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, to take on top-ranked Club America (4-2 winners over St. Louis on Tuesday night) on Saturday. Kickoff is at 8pm MT on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass.

For more of Linda Brothers’s photos from the night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, please click on the link to her gallery.