The Colorado Rapids secured a crucial 2-1 win over Minnesota United on Sunday night, thanks to two second-half goals from forward Darren Yapi. The result pushed Colorado into eighth place in the MLS Western Conference standings, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.
The first half at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, was evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but failing to score. Colorado’s goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who was in top form all night, made several important saves to keep the game level. Minnesota also held firm at the back, with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair stopping Colorado’s early attempts.
The breakthrough finally came in the 60th minute when Yapi found the net for Colorado. Defender Sam Vines, who had been pushing forward to support the attack, delivered the pass that set up the goal. The assist was Vines’ second of the season and the third of his career.
Yapi doubled Colorado’s advantage just 10 minutes later. In the 70th minute, he linked up with teammate Rafael Navarro, who provided a perfectly timed pass to send Yapi through on goal. This was Navarro’s third assist of the season, and the finish marked Yapi’s sixth goal in 2024.
Minnesota responded quickly. In the 73rd minute, substitute Joseph Rosales, who had entered the match just 12 minutes earlier, set up striker Tani Oluwaseyi. Oluwaseyi made no mistake with his chance, scoring his 10th goal of the season — a personal best. For Rosales, it was his first assist of the year.
With the score at 2-1, Minnesota pushed for an equalizer. Oluwaseyi continued to cause problems for the Colorado defense, but Steffen stood firm, making key saves to protect the lead. By the final whistle, Steffen had recorded nine saves — just one shy of his career-high — including five in the second half alone.
The win was a vital one for Colorado (now 9-11-6), who climbed into eighth place in the West. The top nine teams from the conference will advance to the MLS postseason, so every point matters as the season heads into its final stretch.
For Minnesota United (now 12-6-8), the loss was a setback. They had been unbeaten in six of their last seven matches, losing only once during that stretch. The result also meant they missed an opportunity to move ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps into second place in the conference standings. Minnesota’s home record now stands at 6-4-3 for the season.
Colorado’s victory was built not only on Yapi’s finishing but also on the team’s defensive resilience. Steffen’s heroics in goal, combined with solid work from defenders like Vines, ensured Minnesota could not complete a comeback. The Rapids will look to carry this momentum into their next game, a home fixture against Atlanta United on Saturday.
Minnesota will aim to bounce back quickly when they host the Seattle Sounders, also on Saturday. With the playoff race tightening, both teams will be looking to maximize points in the weeks ahead.
The night ultimately belonged to Yapi, whose brace not only secured three points for his side but also reaffirmed his role as one of Colorado’s key attacking threats this season. His goals came at a crucial time and gave the Rapids a much-needed boost as they continue their push for the postseason.
