Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (3-16-7, 18 pts.) fell to Minnesota United FC 2 (10-10-5, 37 pts.) 2-0 on Saturday evening.
With defense setting the tone from the start, Rapids 2 worked to stifle Minnesota’s early attempts to find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo anchored the effort with several key saves, denying a dangerous set piece and direct shot to keep the home side off the scoresheet. Though they struggled to find a shot on target, Colorado's Sydney Wathuta and Josh Copeland kept up the offensive pressure. A Minnesota goal was called back for offsides right before half, keeping both teams level at zero before the break.
The hosts had a quick rush at goal to start off the second period of play, but Charlie Harper put his body on the line to block a shot right in front of the net. Rapids 2 continued to press for an opening, but MNUFC 2 held firm before scoring in the 72nd minute. Colorado’s task grew steeper several minutes later when Minnesota struck again, doubling their advantage and putting Rapids 2 in a difficult position late in the match. Rapids 2 continued to search for a way back into the match but ultimately came up short in a 2-0 road defeat.
Rapids 2 will remain on the road as they take Austin FC II on September 13. Kickoff at Parmer Field in Austin, Texas is set for 6:30 p.m. MT, with coverage available on OneFootball.com and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Notables
- Rapids Academy defender Jordan Camacho made his first Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro start.
Lineups:
Colorado Rapids 2: Zack Campagnolo, Jordan Camacho, Charlie Harper, Grant Gilmore, Jonathan De La Fuente [C], Sebastian Siegler (84' Kellen Lowery), Luis García (84' Chris Aquino), Josh Copeland (77' Kimani Stewart-Baynes), Sydney Wathuta, Nathan Tchoumba (84' Jackson Pomeroy), Rogelio Garcia (63' Hamdoin Altayeb)
Unused substitutes: Parker Henry, Niccolo Del Carmen, Kamal Sawadogo, Kai Thomas
Minnesota United FC 2: Keane Perkins, DJ Taylor [C], Andy Farris (86' Kluiverth Aguilar), Jack Clarkson, Julian Gressel, Jakob Friedman (65' Hector Cruz), Alpha Kabia (79' Maxwell Harwood), Alisa Randell, Mamadou Dieng, Samuel Vigilante (65' Philip Tarnue), Jordan Adebayo-Smith (65' Luke Hille)
Unused substitutes: Kage Romanshyn, Issa Saidi, Luciano Pechota, Kristers Bite
Officials:
Referee: Gloria Martinez Resendiz; Assistants: Daniel Simich, Brendan Sweetman; Fourth Official: Ryan Farrell
