Rapids boost playoff hopes with win over Whitecaps

Photo: LA Brothers / Prost International

Colorado Rapids 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps

COMMERCE CITY, CO–The Rapids got a much-needed win to boost their playoff hopes defeated the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps, 1-0, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. It was the Rapids’ first win in six matches and with results elsewhere, the Rapids move up to eighth in the West and three points clear of the playoff line with three matches to go. The Whitecaps’ lead at the top of the Western table is now just one point following FC Dallas’s win over San Jose.

Colorado outshot Vancouver, 18-8, and had an expected goals of 3.1 compared to 0.8 for Vancouver. However, for most of the match, it appeared heading for a goalless draw. Yohei Takakoka made seven saves for the Whitecaps while Nico Hansen made three for the Rapids.

Photo: LA Brothers

However, the breakthrough for the Rapids came in the 81st minute. Donovan Phillip’s shot took deflection off a defender and then off Takaoka and off the crossbar, but Morgan Whittaker was on the spot to head it into the net to put the Rapids ahead and it would be all that they would need on this night.

Both teams have matches on Wednesday night. The Rapids travel to San Jose for what could be a playoff six-pointe (8:30pm MT, Apple TV). The Whitecaps host San Diego FC on Wednesday (7:30pm PT, Apple TV).

Photos by LA Brothers