The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (1-6-1, 4 pts) fell to Sporting KC II (5-3-1, 16 points) 2-1 on the road Sunday in a matinee matchup. U-17 Academy striker Noah Strellnauer bagged his first professional goal for the Rapids in the Frontier Division contest, after Facundo Núñez picked the ball off in the midfield and sent a defense-splitting ball into Strellnauer for his low, far-post shot in the 52nd minute. Núñez's assist was his first in Burgundy, as well. SKCII responded with two second-half goals of their own, as Beto Avila found the back of the net twice before the final whistle blew to give the home side the victory.
Defender Steve Flores wore the captain's armaband for the first time Sunday, leading the team in his second game played in 2024 after coming back from injury.
Notable:
- D Steve Flores wore the captain's armband for the first time for Rapids 2.
- F Noah Strellnauer recorded his first professional goal, striking in the 52nd minute.
- M Facundo Núñez recorded his first assist for the Rapids with his pass to Strellnauer.
- With his start on Sunday Daouda Amadou tied Micheal Edwards for the fourth-most regular season starts in Rapids 2 history.
Postgame Media Availability:
Select postgame quotes transcribed below.
COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY
On the match:
Good game, tough game. Both teams gave a lot. An excellent goal that was scored [by Noah Strellnauer], I think deservedly so. But credit to SKCII, they kept coming, which made sure it was a good fight throughout the 90. But I believe that we did that, I believe that we fought for the 90 plus minutes. So it's a difficult result but there's certainly progress in what we're doing. For the players, I feel for them, but as a team, the progress to me is clear. That motivates me to keep going.
On Strellnauer's first goal, Núñez's first assist, and how they've grown with the team this season:
I think the appropriate part of the question is how they've grown with the team. I don't think the players are feeling that way right now, but the team is progressing. They are growing. Noah has served an incredible role for us. He's played multiple positions, he brings consistency with his work, tireless effort, and just a lovely take on his goal. That's what happens when you put in the effort, day in and day out consistently. He's certainly that player. And Facundo has had such a learning curve. New team, new country, new way. Today was, I think, his best overall performance. I think it's a sign of things to come. Hopefully the assist propels him to do more, because we think he can and we know we need him to produce. I'm very encouraged by both.
On playing at home for the next three games:
There's always a good feeling playing in Colorado and everybody else having to come and play at altitude. But this is just me, generally speaking, I don't really care home or away. I think going home means we go back to training, and that's where our improvement comes. How do we score more goals? How do we produce, how do we win games? That's what we're doing Monday to Saturday. So I look forward to getting home for that reason.
COLORADO RAPIDS DEFENDER STEVE FLORES
On the match:
Obviously, the game didn't go our way. I feel like we could have done better on those two goals. We've just got to move on now with our heads up, and that's it.
On wearing the captain's armband and feeling trust from teammates:
It's exciting to be back. I love playing, so I always want to be on the field as much as I can. It's an honor wearing the captain armband. Being able to lead the team on the field, I feel like they do trust me, or else I don't think I'd get the opportunity to wear it. So it's a good feeling. I know it's much love from the team, so I appreciate it from them and the coaching staff.
