google.com, pub-7058379508891613, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 Rapids 2 Beat Real Monarchs to Clinch Western Conference
Wed. May 8th, 2024
rapids 2Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

DENVER – Colorado Rapids 2 hosted Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro action on Saturday night.

With the first team on a bye week due to the international window, it was an interesting lineup. Mike Edwards and Aboubacar Keita started at center back. Oli Larraz was in midfield. Jonathan Lewis started at winger but was on a minutes restriction. He played only 35 minutes. It was his first game action since July 15. Yosuke Hanya and Darren Yapi were also in the attack.

R2 opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Colorado won a set piece. Larraz sent in a good ball that was met at the back post. Robinson Aguirre found the kick taker Larraz. Some fancy footwork later and the 21-year-old finished with the outside of his foot.

The half ended 1-0. It was fairly even. Real hit the post once in the first half and had a close call on a shot off a defender for a corner.

Rapids 2 tried for an insurance goal in the second half. Rémi Cabral had several opportunities. Snake bitten Yapi had a great chance denied as well. Their set pieces came up short.

Monarchs had their moments in transition. Abraham Rodriguez made several good saves from close range. On the hour mark, AbeRod came off his line to punch the call on a cross. He didn’t get enough of it and there was almost an open goal to shoot at. Colorado’s back line did well to press and give the keeper time to get back into position.

It was a tight second half. R2 came away with the 2-0 victory. In the 85th, Hanya and Cabral got in behind. Hanya found Cabral for the open goal tap in for his 14th goal of the season.

With that result, Colorado clinched first place in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference. With that comes a first round bye in the playoffs.

A win over a team from Salt Lake!

For supporters of the Burgundy and Blue, R2 have been a breath of fresh air. A home win. Multiple goals. And a win over a team affiliated with Real Salt Lake. This team should be considered a favorite for playoff title.

Ginger sauce:

Larraz has yet to get a real run with the first, but he’s been great for R2. He’s worn the armband at times. He’s been the tempo setter in midfield in all phases. Larraz’s passing in particular have been a game changer and improved at this level. His set pieces have been effective. He’s shown his quality with long range shots and ball control skills. This goal might be his nicest of the year.

This game needs a name, right?!

It’s not the Rocky Mountain Cup. We need a name a trophy to go with this matchup. A mug is smaller than a cup and more specific. Rocky Mountain Cup? Rocky Mountain Sauce Pan? Fans, comment below with your name ideas. C38 members, where’d the Committee of 10 get the RMC trophy made?

C38 support R2, express their feelings:

A number of members of the Centennial 38 supporters group showed up to this game with no first team match on the weekend. They wore black, stood, and chanted in support of the reserves. Their chants reflected their feelings and the state of the club. There were some colorful jeers directed at the visitors. “Oli Oli Oli” after the Larraz goal. “Fire Pádraig” referring to President Pádraig Smith. “Rapids Thuglife” after a hard tackle. “We want better” referring to the state of the first team. “We want Serna” for wanting former Rapids Homegrown Dillon Serna to sub in. Upon his entrance into the game in the 89th, they gave out a loud cheer.

We’ll see if next Saturday’s home game brings a more formal public statement or protests regarding the results and the running of the club.

Keep Fighting Colin Moore!

Colin Moore turned 9-years-old the day of this match. He lives in the same neighborhood as Larraz. Colin’s had heart surgery recently. It went well enough for him to be able to attend this match. They’ve become friends and he’s been a bundle of joy for R2 to rally around. Whatever’s next for you Colin, keep fighting!

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken.

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