FRISCO, TEXAS — A late goal scored in the 3rd minute of added time by Colorado Rapids’ Darren Yapi was all it took to defeat FC Dallas.
Dallas has not defeated Colorado since April 9, 2022, and is 0-3-3 over their last six meetings.
“Today is a hard day,” interim head coach Peter Luccin said. “Tomorrow is a different day. We will be ready to fight out there.”
Dallas struck first, 6 minutes in. Ruan’s cross from the right side made its way across the penalty kick spot, to outside the 18-yard box. Sam Junqua lasered it on frame, but Zack Steffen bobbled it, and then Logan Farrington put it away.
In the 11th minute, Colorado answered, with a “garbage goal”—Maarten Paes couldn’t contain it, and Rafael Navarro put the bouncing ball away.
In the second half, Nkosi Tafari almost scored a header, forcing Steffen to stretch out to stop it—an impressive save for the Best Goalkeeper of Leagues Cup 2024.
Petar Musa did see action tonight, after scratching last weekend at D.C. United—and he scored. He ran through a Junqua cross, heading it bottom corner past Steffen in the 66th minute. It’s his 14th goal in league play.
The Rapids failed to convert on Djordje Mihailovic’s PK attempt in the 76th minute, but got a second chance goal when Rafael Navarro rebounded Maarten Paes’ initial save.
In the 80th minute, Alan Velasco made his return to the pitch since tearing his ACL in last season’s playoffs.
“It was pretty amazing to see him on the field,” Luccin said. “He was pushing us for two weeks now, wanting to play. He was one of the few positive things tonight.”
Jesús Ferreira and Patrickson Delgado saw playing time, though limited.
“To see all those players coming back is good, and we are going to need them,” Luccin said.
Paul Arriola did not play, due to suspension.
FCD heads out to play the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday, for a 9:30 p.m. kickoff.
