The Colorado Rapids (11-7-14) tied with the Minnesota United FC (15-10-7) 1-1 on Saturday night. Despite Minnesota being one of the top teams in the Western Conference, Colorado dominated most of the match.
Rapids Head Coach Chris Armas elected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation with Paxten Aaronson as the 10 and Rafael Navarro as the lone striker. Defensive midfielder Josh Atencio made his return to the starting lineup after missing almost two months due to an injury.
Colorado was responsible for all of the offensive highlights in the first half. Wingers Calvin Harris and Cole Bassett both had opportunities to score the night’s first goal, but were unable to guide the ball past MUFC keeper Dayne St. Clair.
In the first minute of the first halves stoppage time, Colorado defender Rafael Santos was able to power the ball into the back of the net during a set piece. In five games as a Rapid the Brazilian already has three goal contributions.
Heading into halftime, the burgundy boys had a 1-0 lead over the west’s third-placed squad. The Rapids’ defense had frustrated their attack while being able to score minutes before the first half whistle.
In the 65th minute, Minnesota midfielder Nectarios Triantis curled a shot from over 20 yards out, past Colorado keeper Zack Steffen to level the score. The Rapids’s backline has not kept a clean sheet since July 12, 12 games ago.
Despite an inspired effort from the Colorado attack, neither team was able to take the lead in the final 25 minutes.
“We had most of the control,” Steffen said after the game. “It’s been tough. A lot of the goals come from bad giveaways … we’ve got to get connected better and keep them away from our net.”
Although the Rapids came away with a point from the fixture, they had hoped for the full three. With two games remaining, the burgundy boys sit in eighth place with 40 points, currently in the first wildcard spot. Both FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake are within three points with a game in hand.
The Colorado Rapids head to America First Field to defend the Rocky Mountain Cup against Salt Lake (11-4-16) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MT (MLS Season Pass via Apple TV). If the Rapids lose, they will most likely be eliminated from playoff contention.
