Player Ratings: Colorado Rapids Win at Home Again, Defeat LAFC 1-0

Commerce City, Colo.- The Colorado Rapids recorded another win at home against LAFC to remain undefeated at home since the World Cup break. 

LAFC have historically been poor in Colorado, and it was a night where Colorado could have scored two or three goals. 

Youssef Maziz got his first career start, Rafael Navarro started despite the transfer rumors, and Nico Hansen delivered a world-class performance. The Rapids opened the scoring off a set piece. Maziz put a dangerous ball in the box that ricocheted off Jeremy Ebobisse into the back of the net. 

LAFC had danger, but the Rapids got a crucial three points in their search for playoffs against a top MLS side. 

Nico Hansen

A clean sheet and a world-class performance from Nico Hansen. Throughout the match, he had several important saves that would have otherwise been LAFC goals. His distribution was good and he commanded his box well. 9/10 man of the match

Reggie Cannon

Cannon has found his form since MLS play resumed. He’s been physical, composed, and approached defense with the right mentality. He played out of the back excellently, finding the open man in attack and attacking forward with pace. 8/10

Loic Williams

Another solid performance from Williams. He was able to stop most of LAFC’s attacks consistently. Williams, in possession, found the open space and remained composed on the ball. A deserved clean sheet. 7/10

Rob Holding 

Holding continues to consistently perform and assist in earning important wins. Last year, Colorado consistently struggled to win against LAFC and MLS teams in close games. Holding was excellent in holding off LAFC’s strong attack and their late push. 7/10

Miguel Navarro 

It was a good performance from the left back. He continued to invert into the middle and link up play with Paxten Aaronson and Rafael Navarro. He was strong in tackles, and hopefully the knock he took at the end is nothing serious. 7/10

Hamzat Ojediran

He won the man of the match award on the night and for good reason. Ojediran was everywhere on the pitch. He showed strength in tackles, got into pockets well, and linked up play in between lines. Ojediran came off in the 83rd minute for Kosi Thompson. 8.5/10

Wayne Frederick

Frederick was again, consistent and delivered a strong performance. He was influential in the Rapids win over LAFC. He paired well with Aaronson in the middle of the pitch. Frederick created several dangerous opportunities and went the full 90. 7/10 

Paxten Aaronson 

Aaronson delivered another strong night from the ten position. He got forward well and drove with intent and physicality. He again, was unlucky, not to be on the scoresheet. There was a massive chance near the hour mark right in front of the net. He continues to carry a threat. 7.5/10

Youssef Maziz

His first career MLS start, and it was an impressive performance. He was active from out wide and dynamic. He created numerous dangerous chances and his dead ball ability is exceptional. Maziz created the cross that caused Ebobisse to deflect the ball into his own net, the winning goal of the night. 8/10

Darren Yapi

Yapi was back in the starting lineup and played well. He was active and dynamic down the wing. Colorado has struggled to put the ball in the back of the net, despite not struggling to create. Yapi was subbed off in the 62nd minute for Dante Sealy. 7/10

Rafael Navarro

A good night for the striker. Navarro was able to get into good areas and should have gotten on the scoresheet. Navarro still looked dangerous. He missed a penalty and several opportunities that he will want to have back. 6/10

Substitutes

Georgi Minoungou

Minoungou entered in the 55th minute for Maziz as he continued to gain match fitness. He was good defensively holding the lead, but again struggled on finishing the play. 6/10

Dante Sealy

Another switch out wide for Matt Wells. Sealy entered the match in the 62nd minute for Yapi. Sealy was dangerous out wide and had multiple chances. It was a good showing. 7/10

Kosi Thompson subbed on too late to be judged fairly

Matt Wells

An all-important Rapids win over LAFC. The three points puts them in seventh position and means Colorado remains unbeaten at home since MLS play resumed. 

Wells’ side has been solid defensively, only conceding once to St. Louis, while down to ten men. Offensively, they haven’t scored as much as they have created, but they’ve gotten the goals to put them in a good position. His tactical setup limited LAFC through the middle and allowed Colorado to keep the pressure on.

With San Diego on Saturday, Colorado has another chance for another three points to put them in strong playoff contention. It can still get better from here, and Wells continues to push this team in the right direction. 8/10

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