Rapids edge FC Dallas, snap 9-match winless streak

Updated: Jul 9, 2023, 05:25 am

Braian Galvan converted from the penalty spot for his first goal since 2021, and the Colorado Rapids snapped a nine-match winless streak by rallying for a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday night in Commerce City, Colo.

Andreas Maxso scored his first MLS goal for Colorado (3-10-8, 17 points), which hadn't won since a 3-1 victory against the LA Galaxy on May 6.

William Yarbrough made two saves for the Rapids, who scored for the first time in five games.

Sam Junqua scored early for Dallas (8-9-5, 29 points), which has now lost back-to-back games following an upset victory over defending MLS Cup champion LAFC a week ago.

But Junqua would also concede the penalty that ultimately decided the contest. Dallas has only scored three goals in four games without leading scorer Jesus Ferreira, who is away on international duty.

Colorado led 13-9 in total shots and 4-3 in efforts on target.

Junqua did well to create space for his shot, taking a pass on the right side and then cutting back to the left. He went past two defenders before pounding a left-footed shot toward Yarbrough in the 18th minute.

Yarbrough probably would have come up with a save had the ball not caromed off the head of Lalas Abubakar, who tried to head the shot clear of danger but instead redirected it past the wrong-footed keeper into his own net.

Colorado's fortunes changed beginning in the 31st minute when Maxso snuck into the back post to head home Connor Ronan's inswinging corner kick.

The tally marked the Rapids' first goal since Cole Bassett scored in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time against the Columbus Crew on May 31.

Colorado was really transformed about a half-hour later when referee Marcos DeOliveira decided to review whether a Rapids cross had struck Junqua's arm inside the penalty area.

He decided it had after consulting the replay. Galvan showed no signs of runs in front of goal, cheekily chipping the ball down the center from the penalty spot as goalkeeper Maarten Paes dove to his right.

--Field Level Media