The Colorado Rapids (7-10-5, 26 pts., 10th West) fell on the road to LAFC (8-5-5, 20 pts., 6th West) by a final score of 3-0. An early red card issued to Colorado gave LA the advantage for a majority of the match, leading to goals from Denis Bouanga, Nathan Ordaz, and Javairô Dilrosun all finding the back of the net.
Despite this contest being the first in MLS between these two sides, the matchup marked the third time Colorado has clashed with LAFC in 2025. Back in February, these clubs faced off in a two-legged tie in Round One of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, where LAFC advanced based on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate scoring.
Pace started off slow in the match, with each side looking to find their footing to kickstart their attacking play. Momentum would take a major shift early on in the sixth minute, when Rapids defender Jackson Travis was issued a red card, leaving Colorado to finish the remainder of the match with 10 men.
From there, the LA attack found added energy as they attempted to open the scoring. Despite the disadvantage, the Colorado back line stood strong for much of the first half. The Rapids defense was able to deny all opportunities from their opposition, including a double goal-line clearance from captain Keegan Rosenberry.
The Rapids’ efforts defensively, while strong, were not enough to keep up with the potent LAFC attack, who eventually broke the ice in the 42nd minute. After being awarded a penalty kick, Bouanga converted the shot to give his side the lead at home.
That would be the only scoring in the first half, with LA eventually adding on shortly after play resumed. In the 48th minute, Ordaz tapped home a pass into an open net to double the LAFC lead.
The hosts added another in the 59th minute, with Dilrosun finding the back of the net to go up 3-0.
That would be all for the scoring on Wednesday night, with the Rapids shifting their focus to hosting Vancouver this Saturday following a quick turnaround.
The Rapids are set to host the Whitecaps this Saturday, July 12. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids App.
Final Score
LAFC - 3 (Denis Bouanga 42’, Nathan Ordaz 48’, Javairô Dilrosun 59’)
COL - 0
Starting XI
Nico Hansen, Reggie Cannon, Andreas Maxsø (C), Chidozie Awaziem, Jackson Travis (red card 6'), Oliver Larraz (Calvin Harris 64’), Djordje Mihailovic (Connor Ronan 64’), Josh Atencio, Cole Bassett (Sam Bassett 71’), Rafael Navarro (Ted Ku-DiPietro 64’), Darren Yapi (Keegan Rosenberry 15’)
Substitutes
Adam Beaudry, Ian Murphy, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Kévin Cabral
