The Colorado Rapids (6-7-4, 22 pts.) fell at home to Austin FC (6-7-3, 23 pts.) by a final score of 0-2 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on Saturday night. A goal from Mikkel Desler and an own goal were enough to give Austin all three points.
Things started off slow on both ends as each club settled into the flow of the match. However, striking first would be the visitors, who found a breakthrough early. Austin opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with Desler finding the back of the net with a deflected shot on target.
From there, the Rapids increased their attacking pressure, spending most of the remaining time of the first half in the attacking third. Despite the pressure, Colorado was unable to level things in the first 45 minutes.
On the defensive end, goalkeeper Nico Hansen continued his current run of form, making crucial saves to keep Colorado in the match and limit any extra damage.
The scoreline would remain the same following the Austin goal, with the visitors holding a 0-1 lead heading into halftime.
The Rapids came out of the break with positive energy from their attack, but the club was unable to break through and find a goal before Austin would double their lead.
Austin defender Brendan Hines-Ike found himself on the receiving end of a corner kick and sent in a headed shot that deflected off Rapids forward Rafael Navarro and into the back of the net to double the lead.
While the scoreline would suggest otherwise, Hansen continued a solid night of work in net to keep Colorado in the match. The goalkeeper made impressive saves in the second half, including a massive stop to deny Austin forward Brandon Vázquez from a free kick goal.
Colorado made changes to their attack through multiple substitutions, but the club remained scoreless for the rest of the match, securing the victory for Austin.
Head Coach Chris Armas spoke on the result and detailed how his side will view the road ahead:
“There is more to come in terms of opportunity. Disappointing, always, for our fans that came out in big numbers that don't leave truly satisfied and a locker room full of guys that put a lot into things around here all week. There was a good feeling about good training and lots of things that we were working on, and to not get the reward for that, again, it’s disappointing. Nothing to celebrate tonight, for sure, but we take an honest look and look forward, and that's what we'll be focusing on. Recovering and getting ready for next weekend and get a big three points before for the break.”
The Rapids will shift their focus to another home match next weekend against Orlando City SC. Kickoff at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids App.
