Colorado Rapids La Paz Blowout: Pids Roll in Final Mexico Friendly

SANTIAGO DE QUERÉTARO – The Colorado Rapids played their final Mexico-based preseason friendly on Friday morning. They took on second division side, Club Atlético La Paz. It was a fantastic way to end the week for the Rapids.

Firstly, we again need to say information on this match was limited. La Paz did not put much out on this game. They’re also in the Mexican second division and Colorado are a side that beat Club America six months ago. We did get another four minute highlight video. Check that out here. This match was 120 minutes, with two 45 minute halves and 30 minutes of extra time. Here’s how they lined up:

First Half: Adam Beaudry, Jackson Travis, Chidozie Awaziem, Andreas Maxsø (Ian Murphy 25’), Reggie Cannon, Cole Bassett (Wayne Frederick 60’), Oliver Larraz, Connor Ronan, Djordje Mihailovic (Sam Bassett 45’), Calvin Harris, Rafael Navarro

Second Half: Zackory Campagnolo, Keegan Rosenberry, Ian Murphy (Michael Edwards 91’), Daouda Amadou, Anderson Rosa, Wayne Frederick, Sam Bassett, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Sydney Wathuta, Noah Strellnauer, Alex Harris

Outside of the omission of captain Keegan Rosenberry and Zack Steffen, that starting lineup looked like a first choice squad. Rosenberry started the second half. Steffen was absent from the game but played last Sunday. BW has reported that Sam Vines has a quad injury that isn’t believed to be serious. Also, Maxsø was subbed off in the 25th, which suggests an injury.

Performance wise, it was a great first half for Colorado Rafael Navarro pressed the goalkeeper in the 13th. It was a case of ‘when playing it out of the back goes wrong.” Navarro got a piece of the ball, are it down, and tapped it in.

Two minutes later, Colorado sprung a counter attack up the middle. Mihailović delivered a weighted ball into space for Navarro to bag a brace. He now has three goals and one assist this preseason.

Just before halftime, Mihailović scored on a free kick.

That was it for goals. Colorado were open on the counter and had good pressing moments from the video we saw. The kids gave up some chances. But they kept a clean sheet and the Pids won 3-0.

The Rapids are on their way back to Colorado. They’ll then head to Palm Beach, Fla. on February 5. Their next game is February 7 against D.C. United.

Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids

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