Rapids concede three goals in second half, split points with New England
After a win over the reigning MLS champs, the Rapids suffered a draw that "feels like a loss"
The Colorado Rapids (7-5-8) blew a three goal lead against the New England Revolution (6-6-6) on Saturday night in a game that ended in a 3-3 draw.
Through the first 60 minutes the Rapids looked the better team, but after an own goal their fortune changed. The Revolution beat Colorado in every offensive stat.
The Rapids used a 4-2-3-1 attack for the second straight game, however, striker Darren Yapi occupied the attacking midfielder position instead of leading goal scorer Djordje Mihailovic, who missed his first game of the season. Winger Calvin Harris made his second start and Rafael Navarro spearheaded the Colorado attack.
Through the first 25 minutes New England had the best scoring opportunities, but Rapids goalie Nico Hansen blocked every shot that came his way, keeping the score 0-0.
The Rapids got started in the 29th minute after a Ted Ku-DiPietro shot bounced off of the Revolution’s keeper and landed at the feet of Harris. The 25-year-old blasted the ball into the back of the net to give his team a 1-0 lead. Harris scored his third goal of the season and his second in as many starts.
Eleven minutes later, Navarro received the ball in the box, danced around four defenders, and curled the ball into the bottom right corner of the net to give the Rapids a two goal advantage. . His goal was his sixth on the season, but the first since Colorado’s 2-2 draw against Houston on April 19th.
Through the first 45 minutes, the Rapids had taken advantage of every opportunity given to them while New England was struggling to get past Hansen’s gloves. The Rapids held onto their two goal lead heading into the second half.
Ten minutes into the second half, Ku-DiPietro broke away on a fast break and fired a shot from beyond the box that crept inside the near post, making it three unanswered goals for the Rapids. The goal is the midfielder’s first as a Burgundy Boy. However, the Rapids had exhausted all their luck, which would turn for the worst in the final minutes.
In the 58th minute, New England captain Carles Gil crossed in a dangerous ball that was accidentally poked into the net by Colorado defender Sam Vines. Their own goal is the third of the season.
In the 84th minute, the Revolution won a penalty kick after Rapids substitute Sam Bassett took down Gil in the penalty area. On the ensuing kick, Gil sent Hansen the wrong way and cut their deficit down to one.
The Revolution would complete the comeback in the second minute of stoppage time, after New England substitute Tanner Beason played a curling ball near the penalty spot that found the head of Maximiliano Urruti who redirected it into the net to tie the game. Colorado hung on for the remaining five minutes, and were able to deny the Revolution of a late game-winner.
“This is one of those draws that feels like a loss,” Rapids head coach Chris Armas said after the draw. “I feel for the guys… This is a tough one.”
Colorado will head back home to take on Sporting Kansas City (5-5-10) in search of their eighth win of the season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Friday (MLS Season Pass via Apple TV).