Colorado Rapids 2 (2)-New Mexico United 2 (4)
Welcome to the US Open Cup, New Mexico United! On Wednesday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park the Cup debutantes made an immediate impression, upsetting the Colorado Rapids 4-2 in penalties.
New Mexico took the lead very early in the match after Devon Sandoval scored in just the third minute of the match. Things did turn around for the Rapids Diego Rubio (35′) and Nicolas Mezquida (46′) each scoring for the home side. But a costly red card from Axel Sjoberg in the 72nd minute gave New Mexico a bit of life and a big opening in the Rapids defense. Kevaughn Frater exploited that weakness scoring in injury time to tie the match at two and force extra time.
After 30 minutes of extra time failed to produce a winner the sides went into penalties. Frater, Sandoval, Santi Moar, and Christopher Wehan all converted for New Mexico. The Rapids undoing came in the second round when Danny Wilson’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Cody Mizell. Sam Nicholson’s miss in the fourth round sealed their fate ending their U.S. Open Cup hopes.
With the win New Mexico move on to face FC Dallas in the Open Cup. The match will take place on Tuesday at 8pm EST.
On hand to cover Wednesday’s match was Prost photographer Corbin Elliott. You can check out all of his work from the 2019 season for the Rapids on SmugMug.
Colorado Rapids
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