Colorado Rapids 2 Draw 1-1 with LAFC2, Face First MLS NEXT Pro Shootout of the Year

April 1, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

Colorado Rapids 2 (1-1-1, 4 pts) drew 1-1 against LAFC2 (2-0-1, 8 pts) at the end of 90 minutes at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on Sunday night. Rapids 2 midfielder Marlon Vargas was the lone goal scorer of the match, converting on a penalty kick in the 75th minute to give the team its equalizer. Both teams faced their first MLS NEXT Pro shootout of the season with LAFC2 taking the extra point on the night in a 4-3 result. The 1-1 draw marked the end of LAFC2’s perfect record and boosted Rapids 2 to four points in their first three contests of the season. Highlighting the match was the appearance of amateur player Andre Romo who made his professional debut in tonight’s game against LAFC2.

Notable:

The Rapids First Team and Rapids 2 played their first doubleheader of the 2024 season, facing LAFC and LAFC2 in back-to-back matches over the weekend.

Rapids 2 midfielder Marlon Vargas scored his third goal of the season off a penalty kick in tonight’s match against LAFC2.

Rapids 2 midfielder Andre Romo made his professional debut in tonight’s match against LAFC2.

Rapids First Team goalkeeper Adam Beaudry and forward Darren Yapi made their first MLS NEXT Pro appearances of the 2024 season in tonight’s match against LAFC2.

Rapids 2 faced their first MLS NEXT Pro shootout of the year, falling short to LAFC2 in a 4-3 result.

Rapids 2 extended their home unbeaten streak to six matches, dating back to August 19, 2023.

Postgame Media Availability:

Head Coach Erik Bushey

Rapids 2 Defender Nate Jones

Select postgame quotes transcribed below.

COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY

On the match:

“Tough game, of course. We had a lot of guys who worked very hard, and I am grateful for that. Full credit goes to LAFC for getting the result or at least the extra point. Now, we turn our attention to Hailstorm for Open Cup on Wednesday.”

On his post-match feelings about the game:

“I haven’t shared remarks with the guys yet. I think we have collectively more to give. It’s early on in the season and we have some young players and some learning to do. The work continues.”

On the team’s ability to manage emotions:

“Yeah, that’s football. A lot of emotion goes into it and when things aren’t going great, each of us have to fight our own battles in that realm. Where we guide our energy, where we guide our emotions, plays a significant role in terms of our overall level of performance. Control the things we can control and make…