Colorado Rapids 2 Earn Back-To-Back Wins for the First Time this Season

August 7, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

Colorado Rapids 2 (6-11-3, 22 pts.) collected three points against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (6-8-5, 24 pts.) in a 1-2 result on Wednesday night at Swangard Stadium. Rapids Academy midfielder Rogelio Garcia scored his second goal in as many matches, while captain Marlon Vargas found the game-winning goal in stoppage time of the first half.

Garcia, who grabbed his first start of the season during tonight’s match, was first to find the back of the net in the 39th minute.

Alec Díaz kicked off the full team play in the midfield, finding Steve Flores in open space on the right flank. Flores continued forward to the edge of the box before releasing a short pass on the outside of his foot to Díaz on the endline. Before he ran out of space, Díaz looked for the far post where Garcia was placed to tap the ball into the back of the net.

Garcia’s goal marked his second in just five days, after he netted his first professional goal in last Saturday’s match against Houston Dynamo 2.

As the half was coming to a close, Colorado earned one more opportunity for a set piece from the corner.

Aguirre stood over the ball and collected the rebound on the service to send it back into the box. After taking a few bounces in the box, Vancouver cleared the ball only as far as Vargas who collected it with ease, dribbling to the edge of the 18. Vargas took one look at goal and struck the ball with pace into the top right corner of the near post for his eighth goal of the season and the game-winning goal of the match.

Following the half, Díaz attempted a breakaway in the 59th minute but was torn down from behind by a Vancouver defender, earning the home side a red card. Despite playing down a man, the Whitecaps were able to find the back of the net in the 69th minute, ending the game 1-2 in favor of Colorado.

Rapids 2 will return home to face off against Rocky Mountain rivals Real Monarchs on Sunday, August 18. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. MT at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.

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Notable:

Rapids Academy M Rogelio Garcia scored the opening goal for Rapids 2 in back-to-back matches against Houston Dynamo 2 and Whitecaps FC 2.

M Marlon Vargas netted his eighth goal in tonight’s match, continuing to lead the team in goals scored in 2024.

F Alec Díaz recorded his second assist of the season during tonight’s match at Swangard Stadium.

M Garcia recorded his first start for Rapids 2 in tonight’s match against Whitecaps FC 2.

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