Mihailovic’s brace earns Rapids’ win vs. Charlotte
The win is the Burgundy Boy's third of the season
The Colorado Rapids (3-2-1) defeated Charlotte FC (3-1-2) 2-0 behind the inspired play of their offense. The Rapids dominated every single offensive stat, they had 11 more shots, three more corner kicks and three more shots on target than their opponents.
Through the first 45 minutes both teams stood even. Colorado had the only shots on target while midfielder Djordje Mihailovic’s troubled Charlotte's keeper.
Despite there being no clear-cut chances, the Rapids’ midfield looked fluid and dominated the offensive side of the game. The Burgundy Boys kept looking for striker Rafael Navarro in the box, but Charlotte defended him well. Captain Keegan Rosenberry and his balkline frustrated Charlotte striker Patrick Agyemang for the entirety of the first half.
Agyemang started the second half off firing. In the 52nd minute the United States National Team player shot a curling ball toward goal that had to be denied by a returning Zack Steffen. In five starts the keeper has three clean sheets.
“Zack is bringing the steadiness, steady guy, the winner, the leader that we need back there.” Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas said. “Another day at the office for Zack Steffen … We needed him tonight.”
After primarily defending for the first 10 minutes of the half Colorado started firing shots of their own. The Rapids spent most of the last 25 minutes in their enemies box.
After five straight blocked shots they broke the deadlock when Rapids substitute Omir Fernandez’s cross met the foot of Mihailovic. The midfielder slotted the ball into the right corner of the net for the game's first goal 77 minutes in.
“We love to put teams in fast games here, “Mihailovic said. “High temp press, finishing our chances.”
Two minutes later Colorado striker Rafael Navarro won a penalty after being taken down in the box. On the ensuing penalty kick Mihailovic passed the ball into the net to finish his brace.
Through six games the Rapids have earned 11 points and sit in the top third of the Western Conference.
“I thought it was mature,” Armas said after the game. “It was complete and we’ve been looking for that performance. Tonight was a really good example of who we can be.”
The Rapids will travel to Vancouver to face the Whitecaps on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MT. The game can be streamed on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.