Summary | Colorado Rapids 2 struggles 1-0, resulting in a loss to Minnesota

Colorado Rapids 2 (6-17-4, 23 pts) lost to Minnesota United FC 2 (8-15-4, 32 pts) with a 1-0 score at National Sports Center Stadium. Despite only having nine players, Rapids 2 fought until the last minute of the game and only conceded one goal in 90 minutes of play.

Rapids 2 faced a tough task in the first 45 minutes of the game as they took on an attacking Minnesota. The home side were quick to challenge Colorado's defense, but the defense remained strong and ensured MNUFC2 remained goalless until halftime.

Colorado also went into halftime a man down after first team forward Kimani Stewart-Baynes received two consecutive yellow cards in the 37th minute.

Despite the obstacles in the first half, the Rapids 2 managed to maintain their energy in the second half, with Rapids Academy goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo and the back line making some crucial saves to keep their team within three points.

In the final minute of the game, Minnesota found a passing ball that resulted in a breakaway just outside the penalty area. Defender Nate Jones made a tactical decision and committed a foul that resulted in the second red card of the game.

With nine men still on the field for Colorado and just a few minutes left to play, the Rapids defense did well to keep Minnesota at bay. However, a foul in the penalty area in the 89th minute led to a penalty, which Jordan Adebayo-Smith completed, giving his team three points on the night.

Rapids 2 is preparing for the final game of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season against Portland Timbers 2 on Sunday, October 6th. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. MT at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium.

**View highlights and game summary >>**

• Colorado Rapids 2 featured six Rapids Academy players tonight. The six players played a combined total of 469 minutes, which accounted for 50% of the minutes played in today's game.
• The average age of today's Rapids 2 team was 19.0 years.

Post-match media availability:

Colorado Rapids 2 defenseman Steve Flores

Select transcribed post-game quotes below.

COLORADO RAPIDS 2 head coach Erik Bushey

“It was a difficult first quarter of the game when it was 11 against 11. It took us a little longer to get into the game, but we worked on it. We definitely tried and I think that's the theme of the evening. After that.” In the first quarter of the game we tried to work through the game. To be fair, the first thing I should have said is how proud I am of the players. It goes without saying that it's an incredibly tough way to finish the game. I've said this a few times – the boys won't see the positive in it and I completely understand what they've done and what they've achieved together and I'm very proud of that.”

In the last week of training and the last game of the year…

“The end is coming quickly. Regrettably, this is not an isolated case of a difficult outcome. The guys responded literally every week after games. It will be very difficult for anyone outside of our locker to understand how difficult this is and has been. Just like the quality of football that we can show at times, the players create the standard and in this particular case they created the standard to come back and get to work. We will show up and compete. There will be moments that will take some time – I wouldn't say it's time to take the pressure off, but there will be opportunities for the boys to smile. We still have five days of practice left and those five days are meaningful and the game against Portland will be meaningful. There will be more moving parts at the start of next weekend, but I have no doubt that the boys will turn up for training and that we will do our best to win the game next weekend.”

COLORADO RAPIDS 2 DEFENSE STEVE FLORES

“I think it was bad luck at the beginning to get a red card and lose a man. I feel like the team was able to hold on and we were unlucky in the end. I think it was just an unfortunate game.”

On the team's mentality of downplaying a man…

“At half-time the coach talked about not letting them go through the middle and rather letting them go down the sideline. I feel like everyone tuned in and was ready to defend for the team and protect Zack [Campagnolo] and fight for the badge.”

For the last game of the season…

“It's obviously a valuable game. My teammates, myself included, all have to perform and leave this season on a good note. It’s an important game that I think we should win and we’re looking forward to it.”