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August 25, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS Next Pro) – Colorado Rapids 2 News Release
Rapids 2 (5-9-6, 25 pts) will leave the country to travel to Vancouver to play Whitecaps FC 2 (7-6-7, 31 pts) for the second time this season. Kickoff is set for 8 pm MT and the game will be streamed on mlsnextpro.com.
“It’s a short week for us, so we’ll know how much we’re back and if we’re ready,” Rapids 2 head coach Eric Bouche said. “I think it will play a big role in our ability to have some success there. As always, we’re looking forward to another good game.”
After losing the MLS Next Pro Game of the Week, the Rapids head to Canada after three days off to take on the Whitecaps.
In the team’s recent game against North Texas SC, defenseman Michael Edwards came up big and scored a game-tying goal in the final seconds of the second half. As a result, Colorado faced their fourth straight MLS NEXT Pro Shootout, but only managed one point in a 0-3 shootout loss. A tie and a loss halted the Rapids’ 2nd playoff run, but the team focused on the final four games of the season.
“We were eliminated from the post-season after the last game, but that doesn’t change how we are and how we play,” forward Yosuke Hania said. “We have to play for the club. We have to play for the fans. We have to play for the people who have supported us all season. That’s how we look at the next game.”
In the team’s first game against Vancouver, forward Dantuma “Yaya” Toure scored his second goal of the season in the 3rd minute of the game and scored the equalizer in the 29th minute. He explained that although the team played the entire second half as a man, it ended in a 2-2 draw until the final whistle. Colorado will begin what will be the first of four shootout matches. The Rapids went 3-2 and converted three free throws to finish the night with two points.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game,” Bushey said. “Obviously, we had an interesting game against them last time. A lot of emotion, a red card, a tough game. In the end, it was a tight game and the playoffs went our way. I think there will be a lot on the line. For that game.”
Thursday’s match will mark one of four games left in the team’s first MLS continuing pro season. As it stands, Toure leads the team with eight goals this season, but season-ending injuries have opened the door for the likes of Darren Yappy and Hania to lead the goalscoring charts. On the opposite end of the field, the veteran continued to impress with a tenacious goal as he looked to get a clean sheet to end the season against keeper Abraham Rodriguez.
With few chances left, the Rapids will look to build on their upward momentum and keep their four-game winning streak alive.
“We have to play together. We have to stick together. We have to push each other until the last minute. That’s all we need to get three points, especially because we’re going to Vancouver. When it comes to games on the road, we have to give 120 percent every time,” Hania said.
Catch this week’s match against Whitecaps FC 2 on mlsnextpro.com on Thursday, August 25 at 8pm.
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The opinions expressed in this statement are those of the organization and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Our Sports Central or its employees.
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