Recap | Rapids blank LAFC 1-0 for fourth consecutive home shutout victory

The Colorado Rapids (9-10-1, 28 pts., 7th West) earn their fourth consecutive clean sheet victory at home with a 1-0 win over LAFC (10-7-4, 34 pts., 3rd West) on Saturday night at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. 

Heading into the night, the Rapids had their eyes on extending their top form at home. In their way was one of the top sides in all of MLS, LAFC, but Colorado was up for the task in a Western Conference clash. 

The Rapids started the night with all the momentum, creating chances early in the final third. LAFC struggled to find their footing defensively, allowing Colorado space and time around their box. 

Those struggles led directly to the match’s first goal of the night in the 22nd minute. After drawing a foul from around 25 yards out, Colorado’s newest signing Youssef Maziz stepped up to take the set piece in first start with the club. The midfielder zipped in a curling ball, catching LAFC off guard and leading Jeremy Ebobisse to deflect the cross into the back of the net for an own goal.

Colorado continued their press from there, but LAFC sharpened their attacking play and put more chances on the board. Despite their efforts, the Rapids defense stood firm alongside goalkeeper Nico Hansen, who made a pair of crucial saves to keep the opposition off the board. 

The Rapids had a chance to double the lead right before the halftime whistle, with a penalty kick awarded, but LAFC goalkeeper Cabral Carter made the save to keep their deficit at one. 

LAFC came out of the break with another increase in their attacking efforts, but Colorado quickly adjusted to prevent any opportunities. Keeping his form up over the past month was Hansen, who stopped multiple quality shots to maintain the lead. 

From there, the Colorado defense stood strong. LAFC brought in attacking reinforcements with Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son, but they were not enough to grab an equalizer with the Rapids taking all three points at home yet again. 

With the clean sheet victory, Colorado has now posted four consecutive shutouts at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. The streak marks the second longest in club history. With another at DSGP against Salt Lake on August 29, Colorado would tie the club record for consecutive clean sheets at home with five. Additionally, the Rapids have now recorded seven clean sheets in 12 matches at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park this season across all competitions. 

The Rapids will have another quick turnaround before their next match on the road against San Diego FC on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff at Snapdragon Stadium is set for 8:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.