COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders FC played to a thrilling 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, showcasing a blend of grit and determination from both sides. This match marked a significant moment for the Rapids as they welcomed 18-year-old goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo to the first team, who had been called up from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side just a day prior.
The match unfolded dramatically, with the Sounders striking first in the 45th minute. A quick free kick caught the Rapids off guard, as Jesús Ferreira delivered a precise pass to Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, who then crossed it to Danny Musovski. Musovski, in fine form, netted his third consecutive goal in as many matches, putting the Sounders ahead just before halftime. The goal was a testament to Seattle's ability to capitalize on opportunities, even when the Rapids had shown early signs of promise.
However, the Rapids responded with resilience. In the 54th minute, midfielder Djordje Mihailovic found the equalizer with a well-placed free kick that snuck under the jumping Sounders wall and into the left corner of the net. This marked Mihailovic's fifth goal of the season and his third straight match scoring, demonstrating his pivotal role in the Rapids' attacking strategy.
The match was not without controversy, as the Rapids believed they had secured a late winner in the 86th minute. Substitute Kévin Cabral delivered a cross that was headed into the net by Rafael Navarro, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul called against Navarro on Sounders defender Yeimar Gomez. The decision sparked outrage among the 16,312 Rapids fans in attendance, who felt the call was unjust. Navarro expressed his confusion, stating, "I touched the ball and it went in. For me, it was a natural motion." Midfielder Mihailovic echoed his frustrations, questioning the referee’s decision-making in such a critical moment.
Despite the disallowed goal, the Rapids continued to press for a winner, with Mihailovic and Cabral both coming close in the dying minutes. However, Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei stood firm, making crucial saves to secure the draw for his team.
Both teams entered the match with momentum, as the Rapids were unbeaten in their last three games, while the Sounders were also on a three-match unbeaten streak. Coach Chris Armas of the Rapids acknowledged the need for consistency, saying, "We’ve challenged our group for consistency and performance that looks like us: a team that plays with intensity and real aggression. Quite honestly, we probably did enough to get the win tonight."
The Rapids have struggled with defensive lapses, particularly conceding goals in the closing moments of halves. Of the 14 goals conceded this season, eight have come in the final five minutes of either half. Mihailovic noted the importance of learning from these experiences, stating, "You look around the winning teams all over the world, they know how to manage certain moments in the game."
For the Sounders, the draw keeps them on a six-match unbeaten run against the Rapids, with their last loss to Colorado dating back to 2022. Coach Brian Schmetzer was pleased with the overall performance, though he acknowledged the need for improvement in managing game situations. “We were just too sloppy in our possession,” he said. “We gave them the momentum in a lot of different moments in the first half and second half.”
Injuries continued to plague the Sounders, with forward Jordan Morris suffering another hamstring injury during the match. His status remains uncertain as the team prepares for their next fixture. Despite the challenges, the Sounders have shown depth in their attacking options, with Musovski stepping up in Morris's absence.
As for the Rapids, the call-up of Zackory Campagnolo marks an exciting development for the club. Campagnolo, who signed a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract earlier this season, has been a standout in the Rapids Academy and is expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. His debut on the bench against the Sounders signifies the club's commitment to developing homegrown talent.
The Rapids will look to build on this draw as they continue their season, aiming for greater consistency and performance in the matches to come. With their next game on the horizon, both teams will have the opportunity to address their shortcomings and push for victory.
In conclusion, the 1-1 draw highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an exciting season ahead in Major League Soccer.
