Colorado Rapids 2 closed out their preseason at IMG Academy with a match against MLS side CF Montréal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Yosuke Hanya netting the lone goal of the match for Colorado.
In what would be their toughest match of preseason, Rapids 2 came out of the gates searching for a successful end to their two weeks in Florida.
The first 10 minutes of the match were marked by precision for the Rapids as they worked to maintain possession and solidify their press. As the minutes ticked on, the visitors found their footing, putting up their first scoring attempt in the 16th minute. The Rapids’ trialist goalkeeper held it down between the sticks with the assistance of his backline, highlighted by 2022 World Cup alum Daniel Chacón and first team defender Gustavo Vallecilla.
On the opposing end of the pitch, the trio of Marlon Vargas, Pariss Mitchell and Yosuke Hanya eagerly searched for the back of the net. Success came in the 19th minute when midfielder Robinson Aguirre won a ball off the press in Montréal’s half and delivered a pass to first team midfielder Oliver Larraz. Larraz managed to find space in the box and slipped a pass through to Hanya who calmly chipped the keeper for the opening goal of the match.
With the home side up by one, Montréal immediately returned the pressure in the attacking third. However, Aguirre was quick to respond, clearing the ball twice out of traffic in back to back opportunities in the box.
The Rapids rounded out the half with a shot on goal from Larraz, Mitchell and Vallecilla, ending the first 45 with five shots on target.
Montréal made quick work of the second half, evening the score in the 59th minute.
The Rapids continued on and subbed in some fresh feet, allowing the team to continue the search for the go ahead goal.
Cain Castellon was a standout in the second half, earning two dangerous scoring opportunities before the final whistle. The best attempt of the half came in the dying minutes as Castellon carried the ball all the way to the end line and played one across the front of the net to a trialist who got a head on the ball. Ultimately, he was not able to convert the opportunity, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
The Rapids will return home to Denver after their two week long stint at IMG Academy.
After returning to Denver, the Rapids will take on four more teams throughout the months of February and March: USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks, USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm, University of Denver and the Air Force Academy.
To view the full 2023 preseason schedule, click here.
