LAFC 2 – 3, Colorado Rapids 2 – 2
MLS NEXT Pro Match Week 9 | Sunday, May 4, 2025
Titan Stadium, Fullerton, CA
The Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (4-3-1, 13 pts.) fell to LAFC 2 (3-2-2, 12 pts.) in a 3-2 result at Titan Stadium on Sunday night. Despite finding the equalizer twice during the match, the Rapids were not able to net a third, resulting in the team’s third loss of the season. Rapids 2 remains in the top half of the Western Conference table as they look to a fast turnaround to face Houston Dynamo 2 on Friday, May 9.
Colorado was quick to get the attack started on Sunday evening with forwards Mamadou Billo Diop and Alex Harris finding opportunities in the opening five minutes of the match. The home side was able to conjure up a response of their own, asking goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo to make four saves in the first 45.
Despite the dangerous chances for both sides, the first goal would be scored off the foot of Decarlo Guerra after being fouled in the box for a penalty kick in the 43rd minute. The home side’s lead wouldn’t last long as Colorado’s Malik Pinto immediately responded to the opening goal with one of his own.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Pinto found just enough space in traffic outside of the box to slot a shot with pace into the lower right corner of Thomas Hasal’s goal. The goal marked Pinto’s second of the 2025 season for Colorado.
The whistle would blow for the half with the two sides level at 1-1 with a lot more action to come.
LAFC 2 was first to get the jump in second half with Matt Evans and Tommy Mihalic combining for the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute. However, Colorado’s persistence would carry on throughout the half with the team finding its second equalizer just nine minutes later.
Forward Alex Harris found the ball at his feet and carried it into the box before being fouled for the second penalty kick attempt of the night. Harris stood over the spot and converted for his second goal in consecutive matches for Rapids 2 to give Colorado yet another fighting chance at three points.
The points would prove hard to come by as the third and final penalty kick was awarded to LAFC 2 later in the second half. The 79th minute conversion from Guerra was enough to give LA its third win of the season and end the night in a 3-2 result.
Rapids 2 play next on Friday, May 9, against Houston Dynamo 2 at SaberCats Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled at 5:00 p.m. MT with coverage on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Scoring Summary:
LAFC – Decarlo Guerra (PK) 43’
COL – Malik Pinto 45+1’
LAFC – Tommy Mihalic (Matt Evans) 54’
COL – Alex Harris (PK) 63’
LAFC – Decarlo Guerra (PK) 79’
Notables:
Game Stats
- M Malik Pinto scored his second goal of the season in stoppage time of the first half.
- F Alex Harris netted his second goal of the season off a penalty kick, scoring in consecutive matches for Rapids 2.
- Rapids Academy D Jaden Chan Tack made his professional debut in tonight’s match, recording his first start for Colorado.
- F Antony García recorded his first start of the 2025 season for Rapids 2.
- F Sydney Wathuta made his return from injury, appearing as a sub in the 78th minute.
- GK Zackory Campagnolo recorded his 13th appearance for Rapids 2, tying Ethan Bandré for the third-most appearances by a goalkeeper in team history.
