A thrilling match unfolded in week 20 as Colorado Rapids faced off against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, culminating in a decisive 3-0 victory for the home team. The scoring began early when Calvin Harris netted a spectacular goal in the 11th minute, following a precise setup from Djordje Mihailovic. Harris unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that beat the goalkeeper to the left corner.
Rafael Navarro extended the lead just 18 minutes later, scoring in the 29th minute, also from a well-coordinated play. To seal the deal, Andreas Maxso found the back of the net in the 58th minute, securing the final score of 3-0.
Despite the strong performance from the Rapids, it should be noted that Navarro missed a penalty just before halftime, which could have increased their advantage.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Andreas Maxso. The defender not only scored a goal but also made crucial defensive contributions, clearing eight dangerous balls throughout the match. Djordje Mihailovic also played a significant role, completing three effective passes and facilitating much of the Rapids’ attacking play.
Coach Chris Armas fielded his team in a 4-5-1 formation, with Zack Steffen guarding the net; Reggie Cannon, Chidozie Awaziem, Andreas Maxso, and Sam Vines in defense; and Calvin Harris, Connor Ronan, Djordje Mihailovic, Theodore Ku-Dipietro, and Cole Bassett making up the midfield, leaving Rafael Navarro as the lone striker.
On the other side, Jesper Sorensen’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC deployed a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing Yohei Takaoka in goal, while Mathías Laborda, Bjorn Utvik, Tristan Blackmon, and Tate Johnson anchored the defense. Ralph Priso, Sebastian Berhalter, and Jean-Claude Ngando made up the midfield trio, with Pedro Vite, Brian White, and Emmanuel Sabbi leading the attack.
Looking ahead, the Colorado Rapids will next face the Seattle Sounders on the road, while Vancouver is set to host the Portland Timbers.
Substitutions for Colorado Rapids
76’ 2T – Cole Bassett off for Joshua Atencio; Connor Ronan off for Oliver Larraz
83’ 2T – Djordje Mihailovic off for Darren Yapi
84’ 2T – Theodore Ku-Dipietro off for Sam Bassett; Brian White off for Nelson Pierre
86’ 2T – Rafael Navarro off for Kimani Stewart-Baynes
Yellow Cards for Colorado Rapids
40’ 1T – Calvin Harris (Unsporting Behavior); 5’ 2T – Andreas Maxso (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)
Substitutions for Vancouver Whitecaps FC
45’ 2T – Jean-Claude Ngando off for Édier Ocampo
64’ 2T – Emmanuel Sabbi off for Daniel Rios; Ralph Priso off for Jeevan Badwal
72’ 2T – Bjorn Utvik off for Ranko Veselinovic
Yellow Cards for Vancouver Whitecaps FC
27’ 1T – Emmanuel Sabbi (Repetitive fouls)