Colorado Rapids 2 Defeated by Tacoma Defiance in 4-1 Loss

June 19, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

Colorado Rapids 2 lost to Tacoma Defiance for the second time this season in a 4-1 defeat at the Starfire Sports Complex. Philip Mayaka scored the lone Colorado goal of the night, earning him his first-ever professional goal.

“I would say the game was not the way we wanted,” said Rapids 2 midfielder Philip Mayaka. “We kind of started slow and that is when they got us. We didn’t start the way we wanted. It was kind of a slow period the first 20 minutes. As the game went on, I think the boys got that energy and I am proud of them. They never gave up, they kept going. We didn’t get the result we wanted but it is a positive playing a team like that because it is not easy on the field. We are just focusing on the next match now.”

The chippy Saturday night match got off to a quick start as an attack first Tacoma Defiance found the back of the net three times in the first 30 minutes of the match. Tacoma captain Marlon Vargas earned himself a brace with goals in the 3rd and 28th minute, and Danny Levya added the team’s third in the 30th minute.

With the away side fighting to stay in the match, Rapids 2’s Yaya Toure found his first look on goal in the 35th minute on a delivery from Maclovio Swett but the Tacoma keeper was there to make the save. Colorado remained composed and continued to apply pressure to the home side’s defense, ending the half with three shots on goal and three corners earned.

The Rapids found their first opportunity to break open the game in the 54th minute when Philip Mayaka netted his first Rapids 2 goal of the season from 25 yards out. Daouda Amadou assisted on the goal, also logging his first offensive stat for Rapids 2 this season.

“It feels good, especially when the team is down 3-0,” said Mayaka. “We only wanted one goal to get us back in the game and I am happy that I am the one who scored the goal. It is good to score my first professional goal and I am looking forward to scoring many goals, especially in the position I play. I should be helping the team with scoring and creating those chances, like assists. I am very happy with the goal.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Isaac Nehme was being tested on the defensive end of the pitch in his first-ever match on the pitch with Rapids 2. Nehme put up four saves in his debut, including crucial saves in the 66th and 86th minutes of the match against the Tacoma attack who put an additional five shots on goal in the second…