The Colorado Rapids played to a 2-2 draw with Cruz Azul on Thursday night at Dignity Health Sports Park. Colorado was led by goals from Rafael Navarro and Andreas Maxsø, with Sydney Wathuta and Cole Bassett notching assists. Cruz Azul took the second point in the tournament standings after coming out on top in the shootout, 5-4.
Despite having already been mathematically eliminated from advancing to the Leagues Cup Knockout Round heading into Thursday’s match, there was still a clear competitiveness from both sides to try and put on a good performance. For Colorado, their Starting XI featured multiple club debuts, including Wathuta and recently acquired defender Noah Cobb.
With the Rapids putting out one of their youngest starting groups that they have had all season long, the club came out of the gate with high energy as they looked to press the Cruz Azul back line early. This press led to multiple opportunities in the attacking third, leading to the match’s eventual opening goal in the third minute.
Following an errant goal kick from the Cruz Azul goalkeeper, the ball quickly found the foot of Wathuta from around 25 yards out. Without hesitation, the debutant played a one-touch pass to a wide-open Rafael Navarro, who sent in a curling shot with pace to find the back of the net and give his side the early lead.
The Rapids attack in the first half did not end there, with the club continuing to put pressure on the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup winners. That pressure eventually led to an opportunity led by Alex Harris, who made his first start as a member of the club. The 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick used his body to start a break down the left side of the pitch, eventually getting into position to take a shot on net. Following a save from the goalkeeper, the ball rebounded right to Wathuta, who just missed an opportunity to double the Colorado lead.
On the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Nico Hansen, who was making his first start since July 9, continued exactly where he left off. In the 27th minute, the goalkeeper made an incredible pair of saves in quick succession to maintain the Rapids' lead.
While taking advantage of strong play from the back line and Hansen, Colorado maintained their impressive attack in the final third. The club would add another in the 41st minute following a set piece opportunity. From about 35 yards out, Cole Bassett launched a free kick into the penalty area, looking to find Andreas Maxsø. The ball perfectly found the right foot of the defender, who sent in a shot with one touch to put Colorado up 2-0.
Right before the halftime break, Cruz Azul found their first goal of the match. A deflected shot from Willer Ditta caught Hansen off guard, leading Cruz Azul to halve their deficit.
Colorado entered the second half with four substitutions, giving the squad a new look for the remainder of the match. An almost entirely new back line would lead the Rapids the rest of the way against Cruz Azul.
Play opened up significantly in the second half, with both sides trading high-quality chances in their respective attacking ends. Hansen continued his strong play from the first half, making big saves when called upon in important moments.
Despite Hansen’s performance, Cruz Azul would find an equalizer in the 78th minute from Ignacio Rivero, which eventually led to this contest going to a shootout following a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation.
In the shootout, the Rapids looked to their young talent to step up and take shots from the spot. Converting their attempts were Darren Yapi, Harris, Wathuta, and Sam Bassett. Despite their conversions, Cruz Azul managed to maintain a slight edge and take the second point after winning the shootout 5-4.
Colorado will return to MLS play this Sunday when they will hit the road to take on Minnesota united FC. Kickoff at Allianz Field is set for 4:00 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
