Colorado Rapids 2 defeated STL CITY2 on Saturday night in a 2-1 victory at Ralph Korte Stadium. First team loan Gustavo Vallecilla and midfielder Yosuke Hanya were the two goal scorers of the night, helping the team earn its second consecutive road win.
“There is not going to be any applause or any true rewards outside of winning,” said head coach Erik Bushey. “Tonight, it was evident to me that each player put the team ahead of themselves and that is what is necessary to win games."
Saturday night got off to a quick start as the Rapids pushed up the pitch and earned a penalty kick opportunity in the opening minutes of the match. Defender Gustavo Vallecilla stood over the ball and converted from the spot to give Rapids 2 its first of the night.
“Obviously, we draw the penalty 20 seconds in, and Gustavo (Vallecilla) steps up and buries it,” said Bushey. “With that goal, perhaps comes a little bit more belief.”
The half continued on with STL CITY2 applying major pressure to Colorado’s backline and controlling possession in the attacking third. Goalkeeper Isaac Nehme did well to defend his team making two big saves during the first half and defending against eight St. Louis corner kicks. Meanwhile, defenders Blake Malone and Sebastian Anderson continued to put their bodies on the line for the Colorado backline with aggressive defending and organization in the box.
Colorado found its offensive rhythm heading into the second half after only putting up one shot on target in the first. The team’s first opportunity came in the 49th minute as Yosuke Hanya and Dantouma “Yaya” Toure made overlapping runs to create space at the top of the box. Hanya carried the ball but the chance was stifled by CITY2 keeper Michael Creek.
The dynamic duo of Hanya and Toure found their stride again in the 66th minute, earning the team’s second goal on an end to end counterattack. Nehme scooped up the ball in the box and sent a 60-yard punt to the feet of Toure who collected the ball with composure and poked a pass through to Hanya. Hanya maneuvered his way around the keeper to find the back of the net giving the Rapids their game winning goal of the night.
"As an attacking player, all I have to do is score as many goals as I can,” said Hanya. “Yaya (Dantouma Toure) and Yapi (Darren Yapi) have scored three or four goals so far, so that kind of motivated me. I am really glad that I scored my third goal this season."
Fighting to keep the lead, Colorado continued to put up big performances on the defensive end. Nehme ended the night with five saves against St. Louis and only conceded one goal to the home side in the 97th minute. The Rapids attack was led by Vallecilla, Toure and Hanya who all put up one shot on goal during the match.
The Rapids will look to continue their win streak as they return home next week to take on Sporting KC II on Sunday, July 10 at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT. Purchase tickets for the next Rapids 2 match here.
