The Big Picture
The Colorado Rapids concluded their 2022 home campaign three points richer on Saturday afternoon as they took a 1-0 result against FC Dallas. Striker Diego Rubio collected the first and only goal of the day inside DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in the 66th minute for the victory.
Goalkeeper William Yarbrough recorded his 26th shutout with the Rapids in the Western Conference matchup, tying him with Clint Irwin for second-most in club history.
"I thought over 90 minutes it was a really, really solid game," said head coach Robin Fraser after the match. "One of the biggest things, which is the giveaways, have gotten us in trouble. We didn't really see that today, guys were so efficient with the ball. The fact that you're not in the playoffs, and there's all the reasons why they could not have concentration, I thought today was excellent."
Rubio’s second-half goal was built by Sam Nicholson and Michael Barrios, as Nicholson drove the ball into the top of the 18 and laid off to the right side for Barrios. Barrio’s eagle-eyed look across the box found a square ball splitting nearly the entire Dallas lineup to Rubio, whose low, one-touch shot saw the back of the net.
Major League Soccer and Rapids legend Drew Moor made his final appearance at altitude on Saturday, subbing in at the 80th minute. The defender came on after teammate Gustavo Vallecilla saw red, putting the Burgundy Boys down to ten men. His efforts on the backline solidified the win for his longtime club.
“My team needed me and I had to deal with the situation that was presented to me and I think we did really well with it,” he said postgame. “Yeah, a crazy situation to come into but again, one that I've seen a bunch of times and so we dealt with it well and it makes it extra sweet to go out that way.”
The Rapids’ celebration of Fan Appreciation Night saw a total attendance of 17,193 inside DSGP to send off the Burgundy Boys with raucous support.
"To end at home with a performance like that, with an effort like that in front of what was a really good crowd," said Fraser. "It was really kind of a storybook day, not only for Drew, but for all of us because we needed to prove to not only ourselves, but our fans that we're a good team.
"We have character and we fight and we care, and to do all that in front of this crowd today was fantastic because this is Colorado Rapids fans last in-person impression of the team this year. And what they saw today is what we want them to remember because this is who we think we are."
Game Notes
- GK William Yarbrough recorded his 26th shutout with the Rapids on Saturday, tying with Clint Irwin for second-most in club history.
- F Rubio collected his 13th game-winning goal, surpassing Paul Bravo for most in club history.
- Rubio is now only one goal away from tying Conor Casey (16) for most goals in a single-season in club history.
Up Next
The Rapids will close out the 2022 regular season on the road when they face Austin FC next Sunday. Kickoff at Q2 Stadium is set for 3:00 p.m. MT.
