Colorado Rapids 2 are Coming Together Despite Home Opener Loss

COMMERCE CITY – Five road games to start a soccer season is tough. So is an offseason rebuild after drafting nine players. But Erik Bushey and company are making it work. Colorado Rapids 2 are coming together with new faces and renewed hope for player development.

After a 3-1-1 start on that long road trip, R2 had their home opener against Minnesota United 2 on Thursday. It was a tough first half and some lessons learned in the second half. Generation Adidas forward Alex Harris hit the crossbar on 10 minutes. Six minutes later, Loic Mesanvi overhead kicked the ball from the end line, looping it over R2 goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo and in.

Colorado responded with some good passing sequences. Ted Ku-DiPietro had a look. So did Harris and Colton Swan. Those shots were saved or blocked. The second half was better between the boxes but the final product was missing. Minnesota were comfortable being compact and protecting the lead. Again, R2 got into good areas but just did not execute.

“We didn’t have the ball the majority of the half, the majority of the game. It was frustrating. We were working so hard defensively but weren’t getting anything out of the game offensively. Our attitude going into (preseason), it’s a different vibe. We come in knowing we’re capable of winning. Erik has done a good job instilling a sense of ruthlessness in the team. Tough result tonight but it happens. Got to bounce back,” Generation Adidas winger Kimani Stewart-Baynes told Burgundy Wave.

“The body language wasn’t right. The game wasn’t under control. I know we’re working hard. Three wins in a row, but two games where the subs come on and change the game for us. We couldn’t make it happen. I’m proud of our work. I know what our guys have. We have more to give. I don’t think that performance was quite representative of who we are and certainly who we can be. I’m really grateful for that game. I hope we can learn from it and be better,” R2 head coach Erik Bushey said.

Prior to this match, they had won three games in a row, all on the road. The defense was growing and gaining chemistry. They’d been ruthless in the attack, especially KSB. For a team that’s a lot of unfamiliar individuals, they’ve done well.

“Our preseason was the best (in R2 history). It was guys willing to be part of a team. Most of those draft picks went to Mexico with the first team. They all came in and said let’s go to work. The amateur players took things to a new level. They showed real development. Guys right now are willing. That’s the foundational piece,” Bushey added.

R2 are back at home at the University of Denver on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. MT.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

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