The Colorado Rapids (6-8-4, 22 pts.) fell at home to Orlando City SC (8-4-6, 30 pts.) 0-1. Martín Ojeda scored the match’s lone goal in the 24th minute.
Hosting their second of three consecutive matches at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, the Rapids were looking to get back to winning ways in an inter-conference matchup against Orlando City SC.
Colorado started the match in control and maintained a majority of the possession in the early goings. Despite their attacking efforts, the club was unable to find a breakthrough and take the first lead of the match. In the 24th minute, it would be the visitors who score the opening, and lone, goal.
Following a counterattack, Marco Pašalić played a pass across the top of the eighteen-yard box to Ojeda, who took a touch and sent in a shot with his left foot and into the back of the net.
From there, the Rapids kept their pressure up in the hopes of finding an equalizer. Colorado did end up creating opportunities in the attacking third, but came up short to close out the first half as the two sides went into the halftime break.
The Rapids came out of the break on the front foot, putting multiple shots on target and creating opportunities in the final third.
Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett made his return to game action in this match after being subbed on in the 65th minute. The 23-year-old had been sidelined since May 17 after suffering an ankle injury against Real Salt Lake.
Despite the chances created, Colorado was unable to find the back of the net, giving Orlando all three points following the final whistle.
Following the loss, Head Coach Chris Armas spoke on the current state of his squad:
“The break comes at a good time. We will take a step back. We will look hard. We will stick together. We have a process. Nights like this at home again, to lose is really disappointing for the locker room that puts an awful lot into it, and for our fans that came out in big numbers again. So, listen, we're not going anywhere. We have a lot to play for. So much of the season left, let's say, half a season. Lots of home games are coming up, so we just have to get back to work. After the break, we'll get ready to go.”
Colorado will have a week break in their schedule before getting set to host LA Galaxy on Wednesday, June 25. 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.
