Rapids surprise LAFC

Colorado Rapids 1-0 LAFC

COMMERCE CITY, CO–Colorado Rapids got a big boost to their playoff chances as they defeated LAFC, 1-0, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday night. The win–their third in the last four–vaulted the Rapids to seventh in the Western Conference table. LAFC miss out on a chance to move level on points with Vancouver (losers against Houston) and have lost back-to-back matches since the Leagues Cup. .

both Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min were on the bench to start,, and Cabral Carter was starting in goal in place of Hugo Lloris. However, Carter could do nothing about Jeremy Ebobisse’s errant touch off a free kick from Youssef Maziz in the 22nd minute. That turned out to be the game’s only score. Nico Hansen made a great save against Tyler Boyd a couple minutes later.

Carter would make a key save in the 42nd minute stopping a penalty kick from Rafael Navarro. The penalty awarded after Darren Yapi was felled in the box by Nkosi Tafari.

The Rapids were more the aggressor in the second half looking to extend their lead. They were not able to either because of inaccuracy or Carter who made four saves on the evening. Jacob Shaffelburg came close for LAFC with his shot deflecting off the post.

It would be the Rapids’ night though as they get a boost to their playoff chances while LAFC now have San Jose closely approaching them in the Western Conference table for third.

The Rapids will go on the road on Saturday to face San Diego FC (8:30pm MT, Apple TV), while LAFC will host Portland on Saturday (7:30pm PT, Apple TV).

Photos by LA Brothers