Austin, Texas- The Colorado Rapids earned a point on the road for the first time since May 13 against Austin FC. Coming off the back of a disappointing 3-0 loss away at Columbus, the Rapids needed a result against Austin FC, who entered the match below the playoff line.
Colorado scraped a win at home against Austin FC in the reverse fixture. This time, a Paxten Aaronson volley in the 22nd minute had the Rapids cruising. Austin put the pressure on and found the equalizer in the 79th minute.
The Rapids return home to face Montreal on Saturday.
Nico Hansen
Hansen was back in the starting lineup after his injury. He played well and made several key stops. His distribution and playing out of the back was also quality. The equalizer is a world class header, and not much he could do to stop it. 7/10
Reggie Cannon
Another solid defensive performance. Cannon was physical and got forward extremely well. Unfortunately, his yellow card means the Rapids will be without Cannon for Saturday’s match against Montreal. 6/10
Loic Williams
Williams delivered a much better performance against Austin FC. Defensively, Williams was positive, physical, and defended well. There were still some gaps in the defense, but it was much more positive. 6/10
Rob Holding
Holding was better in possession and defending. He had good presence in the backline, but Austin FC exploited some of the gaps left through the middle of the pitch. Overall, a good performance. 6/10
Miguel Navarro
He’s been one of the most consistent performers the second half of the MLS season. Navarro defended physically, and was once again an integral part of building out. He gets on the wrong side of Facundo Torres on the goal. He inverted into the midfield multiple times to provide an outlet. He came off in the 86th minute for Jackson Travis. 7/10
Hamzat Ojediran
Ojediran was back into the midfield after missing out on the Columbus match. He was strong in the midfield, and he limited a lot of gaps that were open against Columbus. Going forward, he made the right decisions and kept possession of the ball. 7/10
Wayne Frederick
Another start for Frederick. He was exceptional picking the ball up in pockets of space and driving forward. He had an excellent mentality to defend, and he showed a lot of energy and fitness. 7/10
Youssef Maziz
Maziz looked bright, energetic, and active. He had a shot on target that could have ended in a goal early on in the first half. Maziz was brought off after 27 minutes due to an injury. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. 6/10
Paxten Aaronson
A good night for Aaronson. He got himself a goal early on in the 22nd minute. It was a sweet volley from outside of the box, off the post, and in the back of the net. He was active and a catalyst for a result. Matt Wells is always demanding more. 8/10 man of the match
Darren Yapi
Yapi was back at striker for the Colorado Rapids against Austin FC. He was more energetic and impactful on the wing. He had himself a few sniffs of goal on the night and brought danger. Yapi was brought off in the 86th minute for Alex Harris. 6/10
Donavan Phillip
Phillip got the nod for his first MLS start against Austin. It was a good night for the youngster. His work rate allowed some more freedom for Aaronson and Maziz, and he brought danger in behind. Phillip was subbed off in the 69th minute for Georgi Minoungou. 7/10
Substitutes
Josh Atencio
Atencio entered the match in the 27th minute for Maziz. He slotted into more of a defensive role, and he showed quality in possessing the ball and his defensive work. 6/10
Georgi Minoungou, Alex Harris, and Jackson Travis subbed on too late to be judged fairly
Matt Wells
It’s the Rapids first result away from home for nearly four months. The Colorado Rapids looked the better side at times over Austin FC, but the draw was the fair result. The Rapids looked more technical and defended much better.
Wells’ side remains in seventh place and in a good position for the playoff race. Colorado showed spirit and defensive quality. Wells still wants to focus on the mentality after going down a goal, and he wants this team to show that fighting spirit.
It will be an important few remaining weeks of the season that will show what Colorado is made of, but for now Wells has this team in a positive place. 7/10
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Matt Pollard 
Spencer Baldwin 