Rapids 2 Draw 1-1 with Austin FC II, Earn Second Point in Shootout, 5-3

June 8, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

Colorado Rapids 2 (2-8-2, 9 pts) earn two points following a shootout with Austin FC II (2-5-4, 11 pts) after a 1-1 draw in regulation. After conceding early, forward Alec Díaz leveled the match for Colorado right before the halftime whistle in the 41st minute thanks to an assist from midfielder Marlon Vargas. After a stalemate in the second half, the two sides went to a shootout to determine the second point in the standings. Vargas, Robinson Aguirre, Logan Batiste, Colton Swan, and Daouda Amadou all converted their shots from the spot to seal things and head home with two points.

Rapids 2 will return home to face Ventura County FC on Sunday, June 16 at University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT.

Notable:

F Alec Díaz recorded his second goal of the season and the ninth of his MLS NEXT Pro career.

M Marlon Vargas’ assist on the Díaz goal was his first of the season and the 17th of his MLS NEXT Pro career.

Vargas now has 11 assists with Rapids 2, the second most in club history.

Rapids 2 earned their first shootout win of the season after converting all five of their kicks from the mark.

Colorado gained points on the road for the second time this season, the first time since March 17 against St Louis City 2.

Select postgame quotes transcribed below.

COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY

On the match:

“Well, the points are what I care about. I’m glad for the boys to get the bonus point. I think we’re deserving of all three. But I only say that to be express my support for the way that the players played. The soccer early on was positive. We score a goal right away, it gets called back. The problem was from our positive soccer that we didn’t create many more chances on goal soon after that. Then we concede, of course, we’re going to be disappointed by that. But we were tested again, and I’m grateful for the way the boys responded. A good goal in transition. Excellent soccer, excellent finish, and we’re back in the game. I think the boys felt that going back in the second half. Then I really thought we pushed. Really proud of all the players but we put a lot of young guys in the spotlight tonight. They played their role. So this to me was a true team victory, and that’s what we’re seeking. To be the best team possible.”

On what a result like this means to the squad:

“They know they were deserving winners tonight. They have felt that they’ve been close on a…