The Colorado Rapids (5-5-4, 18 pts.) took all three points in the first matchup of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Cup against Real Salt Lake (4-8-2, 14 pts.) by a final score of 1-0 at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Djordje Mihailovic recorded the match’s lone goal in the 70th minute thanks to a setup from Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett. The series will now shift to Sandy, Utah on October 4, to decide who will lift the 2025 Rocky Mountain Cup.
In the first installment of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Cup, Colorado had its eyes on setting the tone for the season series with a positive result at home against rivals Real Salt Lake. The two sides are scheduled for two MLS regular season matchups this season, with the club who earns the most points by the end of the second matchup claiming the Cup. In the event that points are tied at the end of the season, the team with the better goal differential in the series shall claim the cup.
Making his second appearance of the season in net for Colorado was goalkeeper Nico Hansen, who replaced Zack Steffen who was sidelined with an oblique injury suffered in the club’s previous match against San Diego.
The match kicked off slowly, with both clubs taking their time to settle into the pace of play. Salt Lake managed to create a few chances in the final third, but every attempt on net was calmly handled by Hansen, who looked extremely comfortable manning his position.
Colorado created their share of chances as well, but both sides would head into the halftime scoreless looking to break the ice.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, but it wouldn’t take too long for the match to see the eventual game winner find the back of the net.
Colorado began their attack down the right side of the field, with substitute Ted Ku-DiPietro finding his way through a heavily congested area of the pitch. The ball made its way to defender Reggie Cannon, who sent in a centering pass, eventually finding Bassett. The Homegrown then shielded the ball with his back to the goal right on the edge of the six-yard box before laying off a pass to Mihailovic. The Olympian then rocketed a shot to the far post, giving Colorado the first, and only, lead of the match.
Mihailovic’s goal was his sixth of the season, marking his ninth goal contribution of 2025 (6g, 3a).
Bassett’s assist was his second of the season and the fourth of his career against Real Salt Lake, the most of any Rapids player in club history. Bassett also became just the sixth player in club history to record 50 or more regular-season goal contributions as a member of the Rapids.
From there, the Colorado back line and Hansen stood strong. Any opportunity that Salt Lake had was quickly dealt with and cleared away. The club held the line until the final whistle, securing the shutout and the victory.
Both the clean sheet and the win were career firsts for Hansen, who finished with four saves on the night. The victory also marked the 50th of Chris Armas’ coaching career.
The second and final leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup will be held on October 4 at America First Field. The winner of the cup is determined at the conclusion of the deciding game of the series between the two teams. In the event that points are tied at the end of the season, the team with the better goal differential in the series shall take the Cup home. If goal differential is also tied, the current holders of the Cup shall maintain it.
In addition to the first team securing the win, the Rapids Unified had a Rocky Mountain Cup matchup of their own against Real Salt Lake Unified. The Rapids, looking to retain their title, fought to a 0-0 draw thanks to an incredible all-around performance. Since they were the most recent winners, Rapids Unified maintained their title for the third consecutive year.
Colorado will look to keep the positive results coming next weekend when they host St. Louis CITY SC. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids App.
