COMMERCE CITY, Colo – For the second week in a row, the Colorado Rapids remained unable to secure a successful goal, while holding their opponent to one.
Though not having played at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park since early April, home advantage was anticipated to prevail, as the team had remained undefeated at home across all competitions in 2026 prior to the matchup. However, St. Louis CITY SC earned a singular goal to secure the three and defeat the Rapids 1:0.
As the clock struck 8:30 p.m. MT, the Rapids welcomed Western Conference opponent St. Louis CITY SC to their home turf for a highly anticipated matchup, with the Missouri team entering the pitch only having one win throughout their opening 10 regular season matches and none since March 21.
After describing numerous players as “half injured” last week, the Rapids announced an adjusted last minute availability report that left many fans curious on the health of the team and the impact it would have tonight.
As expected, Ted Ku-DiPietro remained sidelined as he continues to undergo shoulder surgery rehabilitation. Wayne Frederick remained out for a second week with a leg injury. However, Connor Ronan returned to the roster after being out for multiple weeks after sustaining an injury in the club’s home match against LA Galaxy on March 7.
Josh Atencio was out for a first week due to a head injury (likely concussion) that was sustained during last week’s match, leaving the midfielder increasingly empty. Jackson Travis was marked as questionable with a leg injury, but saw the pitch early in the second half.
Though not on the original availability report, senior goalkeeper and regular captain Zack Steffen was marked unavailable for the match as of this morning, due to a recurring shoulder injury that has caused absences throughout the season.
In Steffen’s absence, Nico Hansen returned to goal, while Designated Player Rafael Navarro obtained the captain’s band for the home team.
Happy about the goalkeeper depth, Rapids head coach Matt Wells utilized Hansen in an attempt to withhold St. Louis offensive pressure, and allow for Navarro and the Rapids front line to continue home momentum.
Out of the gate, physicality was evident. A yellow card was given to Rapids midfielder Hamzat Ojediran in the 19th minute, marking his fifth yellow card of the season, and making him ineligible to compete in Wednesday night’s match against Minnesota United FC.
Five minutes later, the sole goal of the match occurred. After defeating the Rapids defensive line and drawing Hansen off the net, St. Louis forward Sangbin Jeong opened the scoreboard with a successful goal. Due to his contribution, Jeong was later named the team’s Man of the Match.
A relatively quiet first half of play progressed, as the score remained the same entering halftime, with the Rapids trailing the Missouri team 0:1. Rafael Navarro received a yellow card in the final minute.
During the 44th minute a moment of silence was held, in addition to a pregame memorial, honoring longtime Centennial 38 (The Rapids Fan Organization) member Ryan Sabin, who passed away earlier this month.
An official statement was released by the organization earlier this month. “Our club is built on the bond between the team and our fans, and the loss of a member of our community is felt deeply by every player, coach, and staff member. We are incredibly grateful for the passion Ryan shared with us, and we stand in solidarity with C38 as we grieve. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ryan’s family and loved ones during this time. Out of respect for their privacy, the club will not be providing further details or updates.”
In recognition, the team additionally wore black armbands during their match against the Houston Dynamo last week. Sabin’s family was in attendance tonight and were presented with an honorary customized Oar reading, “Forever Burgundy. In Loving Memory, Ryan.”
With emotions running high, both teams and fans came together to celebrate the community that supports the league so heavily. Over 16,000 fans were in attendance for tonight’s rainy match.
St. Louis made the decision to substitute their man of the match early in the second half, marking the first substitution of the game.
Things changed heavily for the Rapids in the 51st minute, with Rob Holding being given a red card, forcing his one match suspension and the club to play the rest of the match with ten men, transitioning players into new roles. Navarro was forced to play position eight, central midfielder, for the first time in his career.
“With ten men I thought we were incredible,” Wells said. “Everyone is doing extra jobs, going to another level to compensate for the fact that we have lost a man.”
Directly following, Miquel Navarro received an additional yellow card for the team, demonstrating the continuous physicality and frustration of the home club.
After the late changes and continuous cards, Wells implemented his first changes. For the first time since March, Ronan entered the match alongside Jackson Travis, despite injury concerns. Dante Sealy and Darren Yapi exited in replacement. Kosi Thompson and Alex Harris were later substituted for Keegan Rosenberry and Ojediran.
In an attempt to maintain their lead, St. Louis’ energy changed as the second half developed. A total of four yellow cards were given to their roster throughout the half, including back-to-back cards to midfielder Chris Durkin resulting in a red card. With the final, St. Louis dominated the game in cards, outnumbering the Rapids 5-4.
Despite the physicality of the match, the Rapids’ offensive intensity was unable to regain control and find the net. Attempts from R. Navarro, Georgi Minonugou and Travis closed out the game, giving unreciprocated hope to the hometown crowd.
“All the pressing opportunities were there. I still feel like the intensity and the pressure is coming from me on the sideline, and it needs to be coming from the players on the pitch,” Wells said.
The Rapids will return to the pitch for another two match away stretch this upcoming week. On Wednesday night, the young team will travel North to face Minnesota United at Allianz Field before facing Real Salt Lake Saturday evening, giving the Rapids multiple opportunities to transition previously showcased hometown momentum on the road. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m MT Wednesday and 8:30 p.m MT Saturday.
