Recap | Rapids shut out LAFC to earn first point in BMO Stadium

The Colorado Rapids (4-4-1, 7th West) grab a point on the road against LAFC (5-2-2, 3rd West) following a 0-0 draw at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night.  

In a quick turnaround from their matches this past Saturday, the Rapids and LAFC were set for a Western Conference showdown in California. 

The first half started, and would continue to be, all Rapids. The club took and maintained control for a majority of the first 45 minutes, creating most of the high-quality opportunities between both sides.  

A theme to begin this contest for Colorado was their consistent ability to maintain possession, and if they lost the ball, they implemented their high-octane press on the opposition. Whenever the ball fell to the opponent, multiple Rapids would swoop in with their high work rate in their attempts to regain possession.  

This allowed for the attackers to flourish, creating multiple opportunities for the likes of Dante Sealy, Rafael Navarro, and Darren Yapi to get shots on net. Despite not converting in the first half of play, Colorado held a clear advantage over LAFC in most key stat categories. 

The half ended scoreless, with both clubs looking to break the ice after returning from the break. 

The hosts came out from the locker room with renewed energy to start the second half of play, creating their best opportunities of the match early on. Up to the task was the Colorado back line and goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who set aside any potential danger posed by LAFC. 

After settling in with LA’s newfound attack, the Rapids got back to playing their game. The club regained their possession and started to control the pace once again in the contest. A group of second half subs for Colorado that included Paxten Aaronson and Georgi Minoungou revitalized the side’s attack that had struggled to find their footing since the first half. 

Despite both teams pressing to break the ice, the match would end scoreless, with the Rapids earning their first ever point at BMO Stadium. 

The Rapids will continue their busy schedule with their match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, April 25. Kickoff at BC Place is set for 8:30 p.m. MT with coverage available Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, Tico Sports Spanish Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.