Recap | Ojediran, Herrington score as Rapids blank Portland 2-0 in Home Opener

The Colorado Rapids (1-1-0, 3 pts, 9th West) secured their first victory of the season in the club’s home opener against the Portland Timbers (1-1-0, 3 pts., 10th West) by a final score of 2-0. 

On a picture-perfect day in Colorado, the Rapids were set to host their home fans for the first time in 2026 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Matt Wells’ starting group saw just two changes from last weekend’s season opener in Seattle, Rob Holding slotting in at center back and winger Alex Harris making his first MLS start.  

The Rapids opened the match on the front foot, maintaining a majority of the possession and creating positive plays in the attacking third. The dominance led to the first goal of the match within the first 10 minutes of play. 

After a Colorado corner kick was cleared by the Timbers, Paxten Aaronson quickly regained possession to set up another chance on net. The midfielder played back to Hamzat Ojediran, who took one touch on the ball before ripping a shot on net from approximately 30 yards out. After a deflection from a Timbers defender, the ball easily found the back of the net to secure Ojediran’s first goal since joining the Rapids this offseason.

Following the opening goal, Colorado maintained their hold on the match in all aspects of the game. The team dominated possession and continued to create chances in the attacking third. 

Ojediran’s goal would mark the only scoring through the first 45 minutes plus, with the Rapids holding a 1-0 lead as they went into the halftime break. 

Colorado came out of the break with the same sense of urgency and kept their pressure up to find a second goal. Portland began to find their footing but still saw issues creating consistent chances from their attackers. Any threat of danger presented by the Timbers was thwarted by the Rapids back line and goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who made crucial saves to keep the opposition off the board. The strong defensive play allowed the attack to thrive, leading to Colorado doubling their lead off a set piece. 

Stepping up for a corner kick in the 73rd minute was Dante Sealy, who sent in a perfect cross into the middle of the box. Rising up through traffic was 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, who sent a header in on frame and found the back of the net for his first goal with the club.  

​

Ojediran and Herrington both notching their first goals for the club marked the fourth time in club history that multiple players scored their first goal for the club in their home debuts. 

From there, the Rapids maintained their defensive fortitude and prevented any chances from Portland. After a red card in the 77th minute from Timbers’ defender Jimer Fory, Colorado cruised to the victory. The win marked the first for Head Coach Matt Wells since joining the club this past offseason. 

Colorado will stay home for their next contest against LA Galaxy on Saturday, March 7. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, Tico Sports Spanish Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.