VANCOUVER — As a busy week continued for the Rapids, the Colorado team made their way up north to face off against Western Conference opponent Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Despite best efforts, the second ranked team defeated the Rapids 3-1 in first half domination.
As the clock struck 8:30 p.m. in Colorado, BC Place Stadium was filled with fans, confident in their highly ranked team. As aspected, the credited Vancouver team opened the gate showcasing heavy offensive pressure, an on-the-road strategy the Rapids were unprepared for.
Earlier this week, the Colorado team drawed with Los Angeles Football Club, bringing their overall regular season record to 4-4-1 and establishing their first draw of the season. On the hunt for away wins and a goal to maintain energy outside of their hometown, a win tonight against the conferences second ranked team would have helped the momentum and reputation of the young team.
Back-to-back attempts from the Whitecaps in the fourth minute kept the Rapids team on their toes early on. First, forward Emmanuel Sabbi hardly missed to the right, directly followed by an additional shot by midfielder Sebastrian Berhalter that was blocked by 18-year-old Lucas Herrington.
Herrington, who has remained persistent in the starting lineup, was named to the Team of the Matchday for his defensive performance earlier this week against LAFC. contributing to the first point earned by Colorado at BMO Stadium.
Alongside Herrington, Rapids head coach Matt Wells produced a starting XI full of frequent names. Zack Steffen remained in goal with the captains band, while Rob Holding, Miguel Navarro and Kosi Thompson joined Herrington to maintain the back line. Wayne Frederick, Hamzat Ojediran and Paxten Aaronson returned to the midfield while Georgi Minoungou, Rafael Navarro and Dante Sealy fought to increase offensive pressure.
Similar energy remained for the home team throughout the early first half showcasing their extensive offensive ability. A successful goal to the central bottom zone from Whitecaps forward Cheikh Sabaly brought the team to an early 1-0 lead. Assisted by Thomas Müller and a second assist from Sabbi.
Numerous free kicks and corners from both rosters filled the first 45 before a second Vancouver goal further extended their lead. Leaving the Rapids scoreless in the 23rd minute, forward Brian White found the net with a shot to the lower right zone, assisted by Andrés Cubas and a second assist by Tate Johnson, leaving the Whitecaps with two successful goals for the remainder of the first half.
It was evident that the home team remained dominant throughout the match. Additional shots from White, Berhalter and Müller were saved by Zack Steffen going into halftime, contributing to his total of five saves throughout the match.
In the 31st minute, the Rapids dynamic shifted, showcasing their first attempt of the game and a different agenda. Dante Sealy missed back to back attempts, before a successful shot from Rafael Navarro established the Rapids late scoreboard entry in the 33rd minute.
The goal, caused by a fortunate “pile up” of players near the net, marked Navarro’s seventh goal of the season, adding to his 50th regular-season goal contribution with the Rapids. The finish marks Navarro to be only the eighth player in club history to reach the achievement and secures him to be the MLS player with the most goal contributions (7g, 4a) in regular season play thus far.
Despite a successful first half, Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen made his (and the matches) first changes of the game before entering the second half. Sabbi exited the game allowing for the entrance of midfielder Jeevan Badwal.
Once again, the Whitecaps entered the pitch with immediate pressure, displaying their high ranking and ability to maintain pressure as the match progressed.
In the 53rd minute Vancouver’s Sabaly had an additional missed attempt. In immediate response, Wells entered Darren Yappi for Aaronson in an attempt to alternate strategy. Yapi has proven on numerous occasions his ability to motivate the offensive line and make quick changes.
The homegrown player was a response for a Rapids goal earlier this month against Inter Miami FC. The goal, which caused a mid-match tiebreaker occurred only two minutes after Yapi’s entry into the game, highlighting the depth of the roster.
Numerous shots from both rosters occurred throughout the early-mid second half. Rapids presence on both sides of the pitch held the Whitecaps to remain at 2-1. A missed attempt to the left from Rapids Frederick occurred in the 57th minute as offensive pressure increased. Steffen saved a shot from Tristan Blackmon minutes later.
Despite the intensity, the match remained rather unphysical. The first yellow card was given to M. Navarro in the 82nd minute before being substituted out.
Substitutions from both rosters occurred as the match progressed, adding a new layer of depth to the pitch. Rapids Thompson and M. Navarro were replaced for Keegan Rosenberry and Alexis Manyoma, while Vancouver introduced Bruno Caicedo and Mihail Gherasimencov for Sabaly and Johnson.
Missed attempts remain frequent, with numerous blocks and unsuccessful shots from both clubs. What was seen as an evenly played match left Rapids with the majority of possession (55.2%) though remaining close.
Despite a total of 13 shots, including 3 shots on goal and 6 blocks by the end of the match, the Rapids were unable to stop Vancouver’s offensive power. A successful shot by White in the 85th minute secured the teams lead to 3-1 as the match came to an end, leaving the Rapids unsuccessful in British Columbia.
The Rapids will return home to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday for a Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup match against fellow Colorado opponents the Colorado Spring Switchbacks, kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Match roster will likely incorporate a variation of starting players, seen in the teams first round win, as the Rapids attempt to regain motivation following tonight’s loss.
