Thu. Nov 21st, 2024
max first mls goal
Photo Credit: John Babiak.

Colorado Rapids got a fourth positive result in the row on Saturday night, coming from behind to draw Charlotte FC 2-2 on the road behind a Max first MLS goal and a stoppage time finish from Michael Barrios.

It was another chop-and-change lineup from Head Coach Robin Fraser. Andreas Maxsø was out having suffered a concussion in the club’s first win of the season last week. Steven Beitashour stepped into the defense. Cole Bassett returned to the lineup, having missed two games with a hamstring injury. Darren Yapi started in front of him. For Charlotte, former Rookie of the Year Andre Shinyashiki did not make the matchday squad.

The first half lacked real action on goal. Notably, Bassett was subbed out a half hour in, having re-injured his hamstring. Concerns and questions remain for how Burgundy Boys keep getting hurt.

The one good chance came right at the end of the half on a set piece. Lalas Abubakar headed the cross in front of goal. There was a scramble but goalkeeper George Marks collected it.

Colorado struck first ten minutes into the half in transition. Diego Rubio played Sam Nicholson into space in transition. He squared it for an easy finish for Max Alves.

CLTFC would respond with two goals in three minutes. First Harrison Afful and Karol Swiderski went through three defenders before Kerwin Vargas picked out the bottom right corner.

Then in the 65th minute, Vargas found Swiderski with a pass into a gap, putting the Rapids defense out of sorts. Kamil Józwiak beat Sam Nicholson to the cross in the air for the finish to make it 2-1 to the home side.

The Rapids took control of the game but were limited to shots from distance. Brian Acosta, who was at fault for the first Charlotte goal, hit the post with a hard shot in the 83rd minute.

Colorado secured the draw in the first minute of stoppage time. Rubio sent a hopeful long ball towards substitute Michael Barrios. Marks got to the ball a moment sooner but fumbled it. Barrios passed it into the net.

The match ended 2-2. The Rapids return home this Saturday April 22 to play their first ever game against expansion side St. Louis CITY SC.

Photo Credit: John Babiak.

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