The Leagues Cup third-place match was decided in a thrilling penalty shootout, where Colorado Rapids beat Philadelphia Union and secured their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup
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A superb performance by goalkeeper Zack Steffen was key in the Colorado Rapids’ 3-1 victory (2-2) over Philadelphia Union in the penalty shootout, in the match for third place in the Leagues Cup and which gave them another ticket to the Concachampions.
Colorado Rapids opened the scoring in the 38th minute through Calvin Harris, who put the finishing touch to a deadly counterattack by the visiting team after a pass from Brazilian Rafael Navarro.
However, Philadelphia Union’s response was forceful and in a matter of three minutes before the end of the first half they turned the score around through a double by Israeli Tai Baribo (41 and 44).
.@zacksteffen_ leading us to another PK victory 🧤😤#Rapids96 | #LeaguesCup2024 pic.twitter.com/hBS0Qp48pf
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 25, 2024
Baribo, 26, has seven goals in the competition and surpasses Uruguay’s Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew) and Denis Bouanga (LAFC) on the scoring list, both with six.
Four minutes into the second half, Oliver Larraz scored the 2-2 goal after a rebound inside the area and a great first-time shot to beat Andre Blake’s goal.
The winner was decided on penalty kicks, with Zack Steffen stopping shots from Daniel Gazdag and Tai Baribo while Olivier Mbaizo put the ball on the post to decide the series in favor of Colorado.
This will be the fourth appearance for the Colorado Rapids in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Source: Adrenaline
MRM
