Braian Galván Panenka Lifts Rapids to First Home win of 2023

COMMERCE CITY – It’s finally over. For the first time in ten games, the Colorado Rapids have won a game. For the first time this MLS season, the Rapids have won a home game. The Soccer Gods did not allow the weather or FC Dallas to ruin Drew Moor’s induction into the Gallery of Honor. A lucky bounce followed by a Braian Galván Panenka of all things, and the Burgundy Boys got it done.

Head Coach Robin Fraser rotated the squad significantly. His lineup for Wednesday’s reschedule second half was already locked. This lineup likely took into account load management for next Saturday’s home match against Houston Dynamo. Braian Galván started in attack alongside Darren Yapi and Calvin Harris. Andrew Gutman made his Rapids debut in his first game available. Marko Ilić did not make the team with his loan expired and status in limbo. Goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez was on the bench.

Colorado once again had a good start at home but conceded first. Harris and Gutman were electric on the right flank for the home side. Yapi got good service on multiple occasions. Sebastien Ibeagha was fantastic on several plays at center back for the visitors. Cole Bassett had looks.

In the 18th minute, Sam Junqua cut inside and shot a ball off the head of Lalas Abubakar and into the net. It was officially scored a goal for Junqua.

Colorado responded in the 31st minute. Connor Ronan founds Andreas Maxsø at the far post on a corner to make it 1-1. It was Maxsø’s first for the club and the first goal for the Rapids since May 31. The half ended 1-1.

Things opened up in the second half. Harris and Facundo Quignon both had 1-v-1s with the goalkeeper but were not able to score. Andrew Gutman had a goal called off for a handball with it appearing to go off his shoulder in the 55th.

Colorado wanted a penalty for a handball on Junqua on the hour mark. Rosenberry played on, getting the ball to Yapi inside the six yard box but he skied it. Marcos de Oliveira went to the monitor and reversed the call.

Galván did a Panenka to make it 2-1. It was his first MLS goal since August 14, 2021. The two sides traded chances but the Rapids held on to win the match. It was their first home win of the season, their last coming against Dallas last October.

Relief and joy

Colorado finally won a home game. It did not matter how bad the performance was as long as they won it. They had a decent first half other than the goal conceded. They created plenty of chances in the second half. A bounce and a call went their way. They made it count. This is something to build on.

“For us to stay with it tonight and continue to press forward, and score a pretty good set piece goal. Braian to have the courage to take it and take it the way he did, it felt like a really important moment for us as a team”, Fraser exhailed with relief after the match.

“Once you get out there, you just get your second wind, you’re able to get through it. I figured it out the first 10-15 minutes, I was trying to understand everyone’s tendencies. I felt like we were clicking well. Hopefully we continue to grow”, Gutman added.

“It was a relief. Especially with how we performed in the game, we needed to win the game. Finding a result today was huge”, said Harris.

Galván’s ball skills

Braian Galván was all sauce in the game. Tekkers in the first half to get out of pressure. Aggression and confidence going forward. For a small guy, he’s got a big dog in him. We’ve seen his emotions and energy be a negative for the team when he gets sent off. This was Galván at his best. The Panenka was *chef’s kiss*. The audacity to try it and pull it off.

“To pull off a Panenka in front of a crowd like this in a tied game, it’s a lot of self-belief”, said Fraser.

“It was perfect. Right underneath the bar. For maybe half a second, my heart stopped”, Harris said with a smile.

Legs for Wednesday

Fraser did a good job resting players for this Wednesday’s second half against Portland Timbers. Only four field players who will have to restart the second half in that game played 90 minutes in this match against Dallas: Rosenberry, Ronan, Abubakar, and Maxsø. Three defenders and the most fit midfielder on the team. Let’s see what Fraser does subs wise midweek and next Saturday to triage this strange schedule.

Gutman, who is not eligible for Wednesday, went 90 minutes.

“For people who came to the stadium tonight who didn’t know Andrew, you got a very good look at what he is. A very aggressive and energetic, talented and smart attacking fullback. Happy to have him”, Fraser said of Gutman. 

With a Rapids yell, we cry Moor Moor Moor

Drew Moor was inducted into the Rapids Gallery of Honor at halftime. It was a touching moment for a club legend. Fitting the club got a 2-1 win against FC Dallas, just like in that 2010 MLS Cup Moor played in. Harris told BW that Moor addressed the locker room after the matching, congratulating them and encouraging them to build on the result.

“I’m so happy that he finished his career here playing for me. He’s a class person. I’m so pleased that he’s still here and that we get to see him on a daily basis and that we get to utilize his talents”, Fraser said of Moor.

Photo Credit: John Babiak.

Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. If you want to support us, join our Patreon starting at $5/month.