Carson, Calif.- The Rapids fell 3-2 to the La Galaxy on Saturday night, marking another away defeat and another game they defensively failed to close out.
It was a strange formation for Matt Wells. Donavan Phillip was at striker, all four available wingbacks started, and Morgan Whittaker also was involved. Whatever the tactical plan was it worked, and by halftime the Rapids found themselves two goals up on the LA Galaxy.
In the second half, Colorado capitulated and left all three points on the table. Focus now turns towards Oct. 10 at home against San Jose.
Nico Hansen
An uncharacteristic night for the goalkeeper. Hansen has had a solid season, filling in for the injured Zack Steffen well. Unfortunately, tonight his two mistakes cost Colorado. On the second goal, he squares it to Klauss for a tap-in. The winning goal, he’s caught off his line on a header, and does not do enough. 4/10
Reggie Cannon
A bad night defensively for Colorado. Cannon’s own goal was the first Galaxy goal. He did all he could, but played it off balance into the back of the net. He defended decently in moments, but there were far too many mistakes. 5/10
Loic Williams
The three Galaxy goals aren’t necessarily William’s fault. However, three goals conceded is not a good look. Williams was composed in possession and played a really good first half. He was a bright spot on a poor night. 6/10
Rob Holding
Again, it’s another frustrating game to go up two goals away from home and not be able to secure all three points in a tight playoff race. Defensively, it has to be better from the back line. This includes Holding, but he did get an assist on the second goal. It was a good long ball over the top. 6/10
Miguel Navarro
Navarro was bright going forward, but in the second half, he defensively struggled to keep a hold on LA Galaxy’s attack. A decent performance on the ball and in his work rate, but overall it’s a very disappointing night. 5/10
Keegan Rosenberry
A different look for Rosenberry on and off the ball. The tactical switch worked through the first half. Rosenberry pressed well, won the ball back in good areas, and was composed on the ball. He came off in the 76th minute for Darren Yapi. 6/10
Josh Atencio
A good night from Atencio. He was good in the pockets, receiving the ball on the half turn and playing forward. Defensively, he got stuck in when he needed to. Atencio even added an assist on the first goal with a wonderful through ball. 7/10
Jackson Travis
Travis was out on the other wing in what looked to be a 4-1-4-1 formation in attack. Travis pressed extremely well at times and won the ball back in good areas. He has been out of the lineup for an extended period, so good to see him back in there. 6/10
Paxten Aaronson
Another game and another goal involvement for Aaronson. This time against the LA Galaxy. He was very active on the wing and looked dangerous throughout the full 90. The result was a tough one to take, but Aaronson scored a brilliant goal. 7/10
Morgan Whittaker
Another start for the new man. He featured out wide for Wells. Against Seattle, he was more at the ten and was able to be a little more involved on the attacking side. Nonetheless, Whittaker was still active and looked plenty dangerous. 5.5/10
Donavan Phillip
It didn’t take long for Phillip to add another MLS goal to his tally. It was a great run in behind, and Phillip finished it near post brilliantly. It’s been a fantastic month for the youngster, as he continues to perform. 7/10 man of the match
Substitutes
Alex Harris, Noah Cobb, Darren Yapi, Hamzat Ojediran subbed on too late to be judged fairly
Matt Wells
Wells went with something completely different for the Rapids against the LA Galaxy. In the first half it worked, and Colorado was able to make it difficult on LA and force two goals by halftime. From there, seeing out three points is about game management and composure.
Colorado for the second week in a row lacked both. The two mistakes from Hansen are howlers, and suddenly the Rapids are headed home empty handed. It’s a frustrating night for all parties involved. The playoff race is getting tighter, every point matters, and something has to change.
The attacking has been better, but there seems to be a mentality problem. Colorado just can’t grind out results at the moment. That’s concerning.
Wells has some work to do. 6/10
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Matt Pollard 
Spencer Baldwin 