Home Opener Sells Out in Commerce City
The Colorado Rapids hosted Sporting Kansas City for their season home opener with a final score of 2-2.
In 2018, the Rapids have rebuilt a large section of their roster, as well as have acquired Anthony Hudson as Head Coach. The team also debuted new home jerseys for the game on Saturday, March 24.
Kansas City and Denver have been building a rivalry within Major League Soccer for years. This matchup created a healthy level of competition.
The atmosphere from the crowd was energetic and rowdy on both sides. This matchup was an evening game with the temperatures in the lower 60s.
Coach Peter Vermes talks with Diego Rubio. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sporting Kansas City held ball possession more of the time in the first half. After 48 minutes the Colorado Rapids were up 2-0.
During the second half, Kansas City was able to slowly catch up with one goal taking place earlier in the half, and their second near the end of the game. This has now created major issues for the Colorado Rapids leading into the end of the game for their 2018 season. It will be interesting to see how they adjust for this element moving forward.
The first two goals were by the Colorado Rapids and had Dominique Badji finish with an assist from Edgar Castillo. Joe Mason, midfield and forward for the Rapids made his debut with a goal.
Sporting Kansas City brought a strong defense presence with their typically 4-3-3 formation.
? Goal just a few minutes into his @MLS debut? Casual from Joe Mason.
?: https://t.co/KIHK2zHclB pic.twitter.com/nmyy3xmK4L
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) March 25, 2018
The home crowd loudly showcased disapproval for some of the calls on the field. In most sports, there is a degree of contact, and when needed, a foul is called. There is also a lot of gray area that both teams used to gain an advantage. Overall, I thought it was two well matched teams going head-to-head in Commerce City.
Colorado Rapids will play Philadelphia Union on Saturday, March 31 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 7:00 p.m. MST. Find out more via their main website.
Tim Howard leading the movement up field. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18
Colorado Rapids fans celebrate after the first goal of the game. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Colorado Rapids fans celebrate after the first goal of the game. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Ilie Sanchez and Marlon Hairston go head-to-head for ball possession. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sporting Kansas City displays impressive footwork against the Colorado Rapids. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sporting Kansas City displays impressive footwork against the Colorado Rapids. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
A cross from Sporting Kansas City in the second half. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
A cross from Sporting Kansas City in the second half. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Coach Peter Vermes talks with Diego Rubio. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
A pass between players on Sporting Kansas City in the second half. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Tim Melia saves a shot on goal during the second half. Photo by: Matthew McGuire on 03/24/18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Watch and get into behind the scenes action with the YouTube series by the Colorado Rapids titled Elevate.
https://youtu.be/zRfJjwp-khk
https://youtu.be/5Md1fwyGp7Y
To the #roaddron who traveled the 600 miles to #COLvSKC: That goal was for you. We hear you. We thank you.#ForGloryForCity pic.twitter.com/cDfhS5nPHF
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) March 25, 2018
