LOS ANGELES — Returning to the pitch following an unforgettable, record breaking matchup Saturday against Inter Miami FC, the Colorado Rapids (8th West) headed to the West Coast for Matchday 9, prepared to face Western Conference opponent Los Angeles Football Club (3rd West). Ending in a 0-0 draw, the Rapids remain on the hunt for away wins.
On Saturday, the Mile High City welcomed Lionel Messi and Inter Miami FC to Colorado. Match attendance totaled 75,824 marking the second-highest single-game attendance in MLS History. Despite losing in full time 2-3, the young team’s energy remained evident as they looked to transfer logistics into tonight’s match.
“Unforgegatble. Fell just short but I thank God for the moment,” defender Jackson Travis said on an Instagram post following the match (via Instagram: jacksontravis10). “We will keep improving.”
Being the first regular season two match week of the season, the Rapids entered BMO Stadium with a seemingly different approach in comparison to past weeks.
For the first time in the regular season this year, Paxten Aaronson was not featured in the starting XI. Rather, Darren Yapi regained his spot amongst many other typical starters.
Yapi, who remains one of the most well known homegrown players, was subbed in on Saturday in the 61st minute and immediately established his presence. Moments after entering the pitch, he found the goal for the third time this season, bringing the match to an initial tie. Tonight’s match marks the 21-year-old’s 100th regular season appearance
Other notable changes of gameday availability include the return of defender Reggie Canon, who was announced as a substitute this week after being sidelined since Matchweek 3 against LA Galaxy.
The Rapids produced their most available roster of the season, with only two out for the week. Miquel Navarro was out Saturday due to a hamstring injury but both he and other concerns were available for matchday. Connor Ronan remains sidelined for another week due to injury and Ted Ku-DiPietro is receiving treatment following shoulder surgery earlier this month.
Out of the gate, both teams showcased high physicality and defense. With multiple free kicks in the first ten minutes from both sides of the pitch, Travis was unsuccessful in both of his attempts.
As the first half progressed, a rather quiet match remained. Things changed however in the 22nd minute with an exciting opportunity for the away team. A shot from Rafael Navarro was able to be saved by LAFC goal keeper Hugo Lloris, as the teams continued through the first half not having scored.
Lloris remained consistent, saving an additional shot from Dante Sealy minutes later. The left footed shot to the right side of the box and second Rapids attempt of the game was unsuccessful.
Another five free kicks occur as the first half comes to an end, all unable to finish. In a showcase of the matches physicality, Colorado’s Kosi Thompson received the matches first yellow card of the game in the 40th minute after fouling Jacob Shaffelburg. The match also marked Thompson’s 100th MLS appearance.
Entering the half the match remained at a draw with both teams looking to carry momentum into the second half.
Immediately, LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos switched things up. The first substitutions of the match occurred for the home team over halftime. Timothy Tillman entered for Tyler Boyd and Nkosi Tafari entered for Aaron Long to add a new element to both the front and back lines.
To further switch things up, Travis exited the game for the Rapids in the 56th minute, entering M. Navarro. Aaronson was subbed in for Yapi moments later, alongside Georgi Minongou for Sealy.
Both Aaronson and Minongou are names expected to have been in starting roles. Showcasing his Rapids starting debut Saturday, Minongou and other new acquisition Thompson have made immediate strides for the Rapids after signing last month.
With the addition of new players on the pitch, both teams remained fighting neck and neck to find the goal and begin match scoring.
Beginning in the 60th minute, LAFC began to showcase a different pace. A yellow card given to Sergi Palencia after fouling Minongou set it off. Back-to-back shots from Jacob Shaffelburg, a near miss and a successful save for Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen kept the match tight.
A corner directly followed, with yet another unsuccessful attempt, a theme that both rosters battled all night. LAFC began to drastically switch key players, making three more additional substitutions going into the 67th.
Both Rapids Hamzat Ojediran, Minongou and Josh Atencio received yellow cards for the Rapids as the physical match continued. Following his yellow, Ojediran was subbed out, allowing for Alexis Manyoma to enter the match. A final yellow of the match was given to LAFCs Tafari in 90+2, as the match came to a conclusion.
The Rapids held 71.3% possession in the match with a 93% passing accuracy against the home side despite being unable to find the goal. Marking their first draw of the season, the Colorado team earned notably their first point.
For what will continue to be a busy week for the Rapids, the team is now looking onward to Vancouver for a matchup set to take place Saturday at 8:30 for the team’s first international trip this season. The team will continue to progress in hopes of an outcome that was unable to take place tonight.
