Big Picture
Colorado Rapids 2 (2-14-5, 12 pts.) fell to LAFC2 (8-5-7, 34 pts.) in their road matchup on Friday night.
The opening minutes belonged to Rapids 2, who consistently threatened the LAFC2 back line. Rapids 2 worked their way into dangerous positions as several players made attempts at net. Luis García tried his luck from distance, Bryce Jamison broke free but couldn't quite tuck his shot inside the post, and Edgar Heredia's header drifted just wide. Rogelio Garcia would have the team's first shot on target with a left footed effort that was stopped by LAFC2's goalkeeper. Even with a promising start, LAFC2 would get on the scoreboard first with a goal from Tommy Mihalić in the 33rd minute.
Colorado emerged from the halftime break with renewed attacking intent, creating a steady stream of chances. A handful of players, including Jamison and Heredia, tested the goalkeeper as Rapids 2 searched for a breakthrough. However, LAFC2 would strike again in the 65th and 78th minute to increase their lead. Facing an uphill battle, Rapids 2 couldn't overcome the deficit and fell on the road 3-0.
Despite the result, the Rapids Academy pipeline showed strong once again with Academy midfielder Edgar Heredia making his first professional and Rapids 2 start for the club. This marks Colorado's eighth Academy product to start for the team this season.
Colorado returns home to DICK'S Sporting Goods Park next Saturday, August 8, as they look to swing the season series against St. Louis CITY2 after drawing in their previous two matches.
Notables
- Rapids Academy midfielder Edgar Heredia made his first professional and Rapids 2 start in his third appearance for the club.
- Rapids 2 goalkeeper Bryan Dowd made his second consecutive start for the club.
Lineups:
Colorado Rapids 2: Bryan Dowd, James Cameron [C], Charlie Harper, Jabari De Coteau (87' Kamal Sawadogo), Vincent Rinaldi, Luis García (87' Kai Thomas), Jonathan De La Fuente, Sebastian Siegler (76' Josh Copeland), Rogelio Garcia (70' Chris Aquino), Edgar Heredia (70' Jackson Pomeroy), Bryce Jamison
Unused substitutes: Parker Henry, Grant Gilmore
LAFC2: Cabral Carter, Giuliano Whitchurch, Christian Diaz (82' Luke Goodman), Josh Santiago (82' Travis Babineau), Skylar Kaplan, Decarlo Guerra, Sebastian Nava, Lisandro Torres (64' Liam Lambert), Charlie Kosakoff (74' Nathan Mardaresco), Tommy Mihalić [C], Jacob Machuca (74' Eduardo Villeda)
Unused substitutes: Mark Gamez, Erick Diaz
Officials:
Referee: Iryna Petrunok; Assistants: Oleksii Medviediev, Blanca Viviana Diaz Rodriguez; Fourth Official: Austin Cozzi
