The Colorado Rapids (11-15-7, 40 pts., 10th West) fell on the road to Real Salt Lake (12-16-4, 40 pts., 9th West) 1-0 at America First Field on Saturday night. With the season series tied and each side only scoring one goal across the two matches, the Rapids reclaimed the Rocky Mountain Cup for the second consecutive season.
Heading into the night, both sides had plenty to play for with both a playoff spot and the 2025 Rocky Mountain Cup on the line. In the Western Conference standings, the Rapids entered the match in eighth place with Real Salt Lake just three points behind in 11th. For the RMC, Colorado needed a win or a loss by no more than one goal to reclaim the trophy for the second year in a row.
Things started off slow in this match, with both clubs needing time to settle into the pace of play. The Rapids created the majority of the high-quality chances early but were unable to convert in the hopes of taking the first lead of the match.
Despite the Colorado attack creating opportunities, it was the opposition who broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the first half. Salt Lake struck first, with Diogo Gonçalves finding the back of the net in the 39th minute to go up 1-0.
The defenses were stingy in the second half, with both sides preventing any real opportunities.
It wouldn’t be until the Rapids made multiple substitutions that the attack would regain its form in the second half. Midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro came on and ripped a shot that struck the right post, but Salt Lake managed to clear the ball before any more danger arose.
No more scoring would come in the second half of play, with the hosts taking all three points in a 1-0 victory.
Head Coach Chris Armas spoke on the mindset of the team going into Decision Day:
“We have a bye next weekend, and we will give everything. We will give everything to each other, and we will give everything to our fans in our building.”
Colorado will shift their focus to Decision Day on Saturday, October 18, when they will host LAFC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Coverage for the match will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
