Badji Torches the Union with A Hat Trick In Freezing Cold Weather

The Colorado Rapids and Philadelphia Union competed on Saturday, March 31, 2018 in Commerce City with the Rapids winning the matchup 3-0.

Both teams brought out a strong defense in the first half with no points being scored. It was during the second when Dominique Badji started to turn up the heat with three goals.

Badji’s hat trick was the first one in seven years for the Colorado Rapids, and the first one in MLS play since 2011.

This game marked the first win for the Rapids this season with a record of (1-1-1), as well as the first loss for the Union.

The next games for these two teams includes:

  • Colorado Rapids on Saturday, April 7 at FC Dallas (6 p.m. MST)
  • Philadelphia Union on Saturday, April 7 vs San Jose Earthquakes (7 p.m. EST)

Browse over photography and highlights from the game.

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Dominique Badji making it past the defense to score three goals on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Dominique Badji making it past the defense to score three goals on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Andre Blake, goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union, going up for the ball during a game at Dick's Sporting Gods Park. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Andre Blake, goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union, going up for the ball during a game at Dick’s Sporting Gods Park. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Dominique Badji speaking with the Colorado Rapids coaches on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Dominique Badji speaking with the Colorado Rapids coaches on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Andre Blake hits the ground trying to block a shot. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Andre Blake hits the ground trying to block a shot. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Colorado Rapids move into position with a corner kick against the Philadelphia Union at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Colorado Rapids move into position with a corner kick against the Philadelphia Union at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids square off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Colorado Rapids Head Coach Anthony Hudson. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Colorado Rapids Head Coach Anthony Hudson. Photo by: Matthew McGuire