Colorado Rapids 2 Pick up Three Points Over Three Consecutive Road Matches

July 6, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

Colorado Rapids 2 (3-10-3, 13 pts.) fell to The Town FC (5-5-5, 21 pts.) in a 2-0 result on Friday night at Saint Mary’s Stadium. Colorado ended its three-game road stretch with a loss but managed to pick up three points over the course of their time away from home.

Despite a strong effort in the attacking third, which included shots from five different players, the Rapids were held scoreless across the 90 minutes. The first half of the match saw both sides lock in their defensive efforts, leading to a 0-0 scoreline at the half.

The Town FC’s Julian Donnery was first to get on the board with a goal in the 65th minute. The Town’s first attempt at goal was initially saved by goalkeeper Ethan Bandré but the rebound was picked up by Donnery for the finish. Midfielder Cruz Medina finished the night for the home side with the team’s second goal in the 82nd minute.

First Team forward Kimani Stewart-Baynes made his return from injury, playing in his third regular-season match for Rapids 2. The last match Stewart-Baynes appeared in was the Rapids’ May 5 win over NYCFC.

Rapids 2 will return home next week to face off against North Texas SC at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium on Sunday, July 14. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT.

Notable:

F Kimani Stewart-Baynes made his return from injury during tonight’s game, having not played since the First Team’s May 5 match against NYCFC.

M Daouda Amadou recorded his 48th appearance during tonight’s game, surpassing Yosuke Hanya for the second-most appearances by a Rapids 2 player.

D Steve Flores made his 43rd appearance in tonight’s match, surpassing Blake Malone for the fourth-most appearances by a Rapids 2 player.

COLORADO RAPIDS 2 HEAD COACH ERIK BUSHEY

On the match:

“A difficult result, obviously. I think we had some bright moments but in the end, we didn’t do enough to get the result. Credit to The Town for their work and their performance. For us, we go back and get back to work and get ready for the next game.”

On the what the difference makers in tonight’s game were:

“You talk about five different shot takers, we simply have more work to create more shooting opportunities. I think early on we recognized that though it was extremely hot out and difficult conditions, that was there for both teams and we ended up sitting off a little bit more than we needed to. We actually spent less energy when we sought out the opportunities to press, so…