The Colorado Rapids (11-14-7, 40 pts., 8th West) drew 1-1 at home against Minnesota United (15-7-10, 55 pts., 3rd West) on Saturday night at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Defender Rafael Santos scored the Rapids’ lone goal from a free kick in first-half stoppage time.
Heading into the night, the Rapids were looking to keep their playoff hopes alive while their opposition was eyeing a top finish in the Western Conference. Colorado entered the match in eighth place and ahold of a Wild Card spot, and Minnesota stood at third place, only three points out of the top spot in the West.
The match kicked off with play going back-and forth, but it would be the Rapids who would create the best chances of the night early. Despite Minnesota maintaining most of the possession in the opening stages, the Rapids and their high-pressing play managed to force mistakes and put the Loons on their heels.
Colorado held the best chances of the first half, leading to the eventual opener in the late stages thanks to a free kick drawn by Rafael Navarro. Stepping up to take the kick was Rafael Santos and Cole Bassett. The two eyed their target, with Santos being the one to make the run up and rip a shot home with pace into the lower left corner of the net.
The goal marked Santos’ first with the club and his first of the season in MLS. The defender has now recorded four goal contributions in his last four appearances (1g, 3a). That would be the only scoring for the half, with the Rapids holding a one goal lead at home.
Minnesota picked up their attacking play to start the second half and created their best opportunities of the match. That increase in pressure led to their eventual equalizer, with Nectarios Triantis netting a shot from 30 yards out to level the score.
The Rapids tried to strike back, with substitutes managing to bring added energy in the final third.
Those attempts to find the winner ended up being unsuccessful, with the scoreline remaining the same by the time the final whistle blew and the sides taking home a point each.
Colorado will shift their focus to their final road match of the year in a Rocky Mountain Cup finale against Real Salt Lake. The Rapids hold the season series after winning in the first contest back in May by a final score of 1-0. The two sides will face off on Saturday, October 4, at America First Field with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. MT.
