The Colorado Rapids finally heard a bell.
One of Kei Kamara’s many former teams, the Rapids fell victim to the 39-year-old’s right-footed finishing touch in the 45th minute en route to losing the Leagues Cup semifinal to LAFC, 4-0.
But not before the Rapids killer himself, Mateusz Bogusz, curled in a wonderful strike in the 42nd minute from distance past the fingertips of a red-hot Zack Steffen.
A scoreless match before Bogusz’s effort with halftime looming, the Rapids battled with every ounce of magic they had left. But the well ran dry.
Colorado was stricken with a bit of luck in the 14th minute when a goal by LAFC star forward Denis Bouanga, scored after being given an inch-perfect ball in behind, was called offside by the thinnest of margins.
After that chance, the Rapids rattled off four shots (one on goal) during the half, both of which are decent figures for how they’ve attacked as they advanced in the tournament.
Bouanga found his way onto the scoresheet in the 59th minute, dribbling coast to coast after a foiled Rapids corner and finding the bottom right corner. In the 75th minute, just 12 minutes into LAFC midfielder Lewis O’Brien’s second appearance in black and gold, made it 4-0 from outside the box.
Related Articles
Moïse Bombito on transfer from Rapids to OGC Nice in France: “It’s hard to say goodbye”
Rapids hold off Liga MX giants Club América in penalties to move onto Leagues Cup semifinal
Rapids ready for Leagues Cup quarterfinal: “We can suffer and still win”
Rapids advance to Leagues Cup quarterfinals with last-minute goal from Darren Yapi
Rapids transfer Moïse Bombito for record outbound fee, league sources say
The Rapids, subbing midfielder Djordje Mihailovic and forward Rafael Navarro out before the 70th minute, acknowledged the bell and waved the white flag.
LAFC finished with 25 shots (10 on goal). And though four goals conceded isn’t a great figure by any means, Steffen came up with another six saves, including a few highlight-reel moments.
After the Columbus Crew beat the Philadelphia Union in the other semifinal, a 2023 MLS Cup championship rematch is in store for the Leagues Cup final.
The Rapids will travel to Philadelphia for the third-place match on Sunday, but more than just bragging rights are up for grabs. A win against the 2022 MLS Cup runner-up will secure a spot for the Rapids in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time since 2022.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.