September 15th 2024.
As the Colorado Rapids geared up for an important game, the pressure was on after other MLS results had put them in a do-or-die situation. But their star players stepped up to the challenge and delivered a much-needed win.
Their opponents, the Portland Timbers, had dominated the Rapids in their previous two matches, outscoring them by a whopping 8-1. But this time, the Rapids were determined to turn the tables and show their fans what they were capable of. And that's exactly what they did in front of a roaring crowd of 16,038 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday.
It was an intense match from the start, with both teams playing an open and attacking style. But it was the Rapids who drew first blood in the 14th minute, thanks to some quick and precise passing around Portland's box. The ball eventually found its way to Jonathan Lewis, who coolly slotted it past Timbers' goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau for his third goal of the season.
This goal also marked a personal milestone for Lewis, as he tied Mark Chung for 10th in the club's career goals with 26. But the Timbers were not ones to be left behind, as they responded just 10 minutes later with a tap-in from David Ayala after a corner kick.
The game continued to be evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but unable to find the back of the net. That is, until the 70th minute when the Rapids were awarded a free kick on the right wing, 40 yards out from goal. Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, who had assisted Lewis' goal, delivered a perfect ball into the box for forward Rafael Navarro to head home, giving the Rapids a 2-1 lead.
Mihailovic's assist also marked his 14th of the year, while Navarro's goal brought him within two of tying the Rapids' club record for most goals in a season. But it wasn't just the offense that shone for the Rapids. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who had recently been named best goalkeeper in the Leagues Cup, came up big yet again with some crucial saves to keep the Timbers at bay.
The only sour note of the night was a red card given to substitute Darren Yapi in the dying minutes of the game for a minor push on Dario Zuparic. The call was upheld after a VAR review, much to the confusion and frustration of the Rapids.
But overall, it was a night to celebrate for the Rapids and their fans. With this win and a loss for Real Salt Lake, the Rapids have now moved up to third place in a tightly contested Western Conference. And as they continue to solidify their spot in the top four, the team is looking forward to more victories and a successful end to the regular season.
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