The Colorado Rapids (5-9-1, 16 pts., 11th West) fell to FC Dallas (7-4-4 25 pts., 4th West) 2-1 at home on Saturday night.
Heading into the night, Colorado was looking to empty the tank against Dallas with this match being the club’s last until mid-July due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup break.
The first half saw plenty of action from both sides, with each club getting chances early in the attacking end. With plenty of action in the final third, the visitors managed to grab the match’s first goal in the 12th minute via a penalty kick from Logan Farrington.
Despite conceding early, the Rapids had an answer almost instantaneously. After stopping a Dallas attack, Colorado began a counter of their own as they charged up the midfield. Wayne Frederick found himself with the ball and threaded a perfect pass to a sprinting Georgi Minoungou. The winger then took control down the right wing and found a lane for a cross to Paxten Aaronson. From there, the Designated Player placed a shot into the back of the net to equalize in the 13th minute.
The goal marked Aaronson's fourth goal of the season and ninth of his MLS career. He has now recorded three goal contributions in his last three MLS appearances (1g, 2a). Frederick’s assist was his fifth of the season, with the midfielder now recording a goal contribution in consecutive MLS appearances.
After back-to-back fireworks, the match slowed down for close to the remainder of the first half.
Right before the halftime whistle, Dallas managed to draw their second penalty kick of the match, this time with Santiago Moreno converting his attempt.
The second half saw much less action in the attacking end, with Dallas maximizing their defense in their attempts to prevent an equalizer.
The Rapids managed to create opportunities in the final third but were unable to convert in the final 45 minutes-plus to level the match at two.
Colorado, along with the rest of MLS, will now take a pause in their schedule due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The club will resume play on July 22, when they will host San Diego FC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
