The Colorado Rapids snapped the LA Galaxy’s six-game unbeaten run, earning a 2-0 victory Saturday night at Dignity Heath Sports Park to move above the Western Conference playoff line.
Colorado’s opener in the 40th minute was rubber-stamped by Homegrowns, as left back Sam Vines served a deep cross that Cole Bassett tapped home for the 1-0 advantage. Bassett ghosted into the 18-yard box unmarked, easily tapping home the left-footed service.
LA brought on Mexican stars Jonathan dos Santos and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez in the 54th minute to push for an equalizer, but those hopes were dealt a setback in the 75th minute when Julian Araujo was sent off. The right back received his second yellow card in three minutes, reducing the Galaxy to 10 men.
Colorado capitalized on the man advantage, making it 2-0 in the 78th minute through Jonathan Lewis. The US men’s national team winger finished a low Braian Galvan cross at the back post, but was initially called back for offside. After a Video Review, head referee Ted Unkel confirmed the tally.
While LA had bright moments in attack, Colorado generated the highest-quality chances. They could’ve had more, like when David Bingham robbed Andre Shinyashiki in the 65th minute or when Kellyn Acosta hit the post with a long-range curler in the 82nd minute.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: LA were riding high after the MLS is Back Tournament, winning four straight at one point to ascend the Western Conference standings. But they’ve lost and tied their last two games, showing some vulnerability as minutes add up during a tight window. Colorado were maligned for not recapturing their early-season form, but it seems as though they’ve turned a corner. They’ve won two of their last three games by a combined 7-0 scoreline and are starting to align performances with results.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Cole Bassett’s goal in the 40th minute was a high mark for the #PlayYourKids crowd. Bassett (19) got on the end of a Sam Vines (21) cross, giving Colorado a Homegrown-made moment.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Cole Bassett quietly has three goals and three assists this season, developing into a goal-scoring midfielder. After rarely playing to start the 2020 season, the teenager's been electric since returning from the MLS is Back Tournament.
Next Up
- LA: Wednesday, Sept. 23 at Real Salt Lake (9:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
- COL: Wednesday, Sept. 23 vs. San Jose Earthquakes (9:00 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
