The Rapids are back in action tonight to take on FC Cincinnati in the team's first matchup in three weeks, following a mid-season international break. Colorado and Cincinnati have only faced off once since FCC joined the league in 2019, a Rapids 3-1 win, and the two teams have never battled on Cincinnati's home turf. Follow along for live updates all game long.
Starting XI: William Yarbrough, Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Danny Wilson, Auston Trusty, Sam Vines, Kellyn Acosta, Jack Price, Cole Bassett, Michael Barrios, Diego Rubio
Bench: Nicolas Benezet, Braian Galvan, Clint Irwin, Oliver Larraz, Jonathan Lewis, Nicolas Mezquida, Drew Moor, Andre Shinyashiki, Collen Warner
The Rapids are using a similar lineup to the one they used on the road against LAFC, opening up Keegan Rosenberry and Sam Vines into wing back roles, allowing them the flexibility to move up with the offense more frequently. This match also marks the second start of the year for Lalas Abubakar.
1' - Aaaaand we're off! The Rapids and FC Cincinnati are both wearing special jersey numbers in honor of Juneteenth tonight, so keep an eye on those.
3' - Lalas Abubakar does a good job intercepting the FCC forward, and beginning the Rapids counter attack. Diego Rubio plays a long ball to Michael Barrios, who challenges the 'keeper and is likely fouled, but there is no call.
8' - Yarbrough is put on the spot, and he steps up to the challenge. He makes a point-blank save off a shot from around the six-yard box.
10' - Jack Price suffers a giveaway in the middle of the field, but Danny Wilson is right there to step up and stop the FCC attack before it can really start. Good supportive plan in the middle of the field.
12' - Diego Rubio heads in a goal, but it is called back due to a foul on Abubakar against the FCC 'keeper, Vermeer.
16' - The Rapids with their best chance of the game. Price starts the attack, plays Rubio in the center who plays a great ball to Cole Bassett down the left wing. Bassett makes a good heads-up play by throwing a cross to Barrios, and Barrios once again challenges the 'keeper and is on the wrong side of a hard tackle. Nice quick movement from the Rapids there.
21' - GOAL - Diego Rubio nets his third goal of the season to give the Rapids the lead! The play starts with a perfect ball over the top from Danny Wilson. He plays Barrios, who leaves the Cincinnati defense in his dust with a speedy run. He takes the ball to the right hand side, and slots it back to Diego Rubio, who easily sends it home on the out of position 'keeper. 1-0 Rapids.
28' - Kellyn Acosta appreciation post. Acosta has been solid all game, picking up interceptions and slowing down counter attacks. Now, he's out here schooling players on FCC with his foot skills (and confidence) in the middle of the field.
34' - Back-to-back saves by Yarbrough keeps the shutout alive. If he maintains this scoreline through the final 10 minutes of the half, he'll be at 180-straight minutes without a goal conceded. Very good stuff from him.
45' + 2' - Barrios goes 1-on-1 against FCC defender Geoff Cameron and does more than holds his own. He looks to be about a foot shorter than him - 11 inches according to MLSSoccer.com - but Barrios' quick touches and strong stance allow him to readily control the ball.
46' - Rapids make two big substitutions to kick off the second half. Nicolas Benezet and Jonathan Lewis enter the game for Diego Rubio and Michael Barrios.
48' - Jonathan Lewis gets a good opportunity with the ball near the top of the box, and it looks like it might have results in a foul in the box, but the referee determines Lewis was offside.
52' - Yarbrough comes out and wins the ball in the midst of a crowded box, and Yarbrough suffers a hard challenge. He stays on the ground for several minutes getting attention from the Rapids staff, but he stays on the field.
68' - FCC definitely has a bit of momentum right now. They just fired in a shot that bounced around the box before being cleared near the goal line by Price, who immediately urges the Rapids to press up. Colorado needs to weather this storm, but you can hear the crowd growing in volume and the on-field confrontations are getting chippier.
69' - Another nice save by Yarbrough, this one off of a free kick from about 30 yards out.
69' - SUBSTITUTION - Drew Moor enters the game for Lalas Abubakar. Moor's calming presence and experience will be a good addition to this game.
72' - GOAL - Price plays a through ball to Jonathan Lewis, and Lewis finds the far post from a difficult angle off the side. Rapids extend their lead to 2-0.
81' - Another big stop from Yarbrough, who makes a solid near post stop on an FCC shot from just outside the box.
84' - SUBSTITUTION - Nicolas Mezquida enters the game for Bassett to help close out the win.
90' - SUBSTITUTION - Braian Galvan enters the game for the first time in 2021, coming on for Sam Vines.
90'+ 4' - Annnnd another one. Yarbrough makes a great save to maintain his second consecutive clean sheet.
