Late skirmish, red cards mar Rapids' shutout win over Minnesota

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:27 am

Goals and away victories have both been rarities for the Colorado Rapids this season, though the team reversed both trends with a 2-0 win over Minnesota United at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Rapids forward Yannick Boli notched his second goal of the season, perfectly timing a header in front of net in the 61st minute to capitalize on a Marlon Hairston cross.

After Niki Jackson clinched Colorado's victory with a goal seven minutes into extra time, a skirmish between the two teams developed after Rapids defender Tommy Smith stood on the Minnesota sideline to celebrate in front of the fans. Some pushing and shoving ensued, and a video review took place to determine fault. Smith and Minnesota substitute Harrison Heath were both issued red cards.

The late-game hostility capped off a frustrating afternoon for the Loons (11-18-3, 36 points), who had two goals called back after video review. Darwin Quintero seemingly put Minnesota ahead in the 51st minute, but the score was reversed after teammate Angelo Rodriguez was judged to be offside during the build-up to the would-be goal.

Two minutes into stoppage time, an apparent equalizer from Ibson was also erased as replays indicated that Rodriguez was again offside on the play.

The victory ended a run of seven straight losses for the Rapids and an eight-game winless streak overall. Colorado, which entered the match with a league-worst 32 goals, had been outscored 22-1 during its losing skid.

Saturday's result was also just the second road victory of the season for the Rapids (7-19-6, 27 points) in 16 games away from home. Minnesota, by contrast, entered the match with an impressive 10-4-1 record on their home pitch.

The Loons poured on the attacking pressure in the final 20 minutes of the game, though just one of their 10 shots in the match was on target. The best chance might have come just three minutes into the match, when Rodriguez took a ball up the middle towards Colorado's net but badly missed his shot.

Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded his fifth clean sheet of the season.