Subaru Park set the stage for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, August 24, as the Colorado Rapids secured third place in the 2024 Leagues Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Philadelphia Union. With a coveted spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup up for grabs, both teams battled fiercely, delivering a match that was nothing short of electrifying.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither side was willing to concede an inch. The first 20 minutes featured a chess match of sorts, with both teams playing cautiously but aggressively, fully aware of the stakes. The Union and the Rapids exchanged possession in a high-tempo back-and-forth, each probing for weaknesses but careful not to leave themselves vulnerable.
As the first half unfolded, Philadelphia's veteran goalkeeper Andre Blake provided a moment of brilliance, making a spectacular save around the 30th minute to deny the Rapids what looked like a surefire opening goal. The home crowd roared in approval, but the relief was short-lived. The Rapids capitalized on a defensive lapse to draw first blood, stunning the Subaru Park faithful with a well-executed strike by Calvin Harris that broke the deadlock.
The Union, however, were not to be outdone. Tai Baribo, who missed the semifinal against the Columbus Crew due to disciplinary yellow cards in the quartefinales match, made his presence felt in a big way. The Israeli international leveled the score with a clinical finish just before halftime, reigniting the Union’s hopes. Baribo wasn’t content with just one goal, though. In the dying moments of the first half, he pounced on a deflection off Rapids’ goalkeeper Zack Steffen and buried his second of the match, putting Philadelphia ahead 2-1 at the break. With this brace, Baribo surged to the top of the Leagues Cup Golden Boot standings, sitting at seven goals and challenging the likes of Denis Bouanga and Diego Rossi to catch him in the final.
The Rapids, however, responded with resilience and determination. Barely a minute into the second half, 22-year-old Oliver Larraz found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and setting the stage for a tense and thrilling remainder of the match. The next 40 minutes were a frenetic display of end-to-end action, as both teams pushed for a winner. Despite several near misses and heroic defensive efforts, the match remained deadlocked, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the outcome.
In the shootout, Colorado’s Zack Steffen once again rose to the occasion, channeling the same composure and skill that had seen him heroically thwart Club América earlier in the tournament. Steffen denied Philadelphia’s top stars, Daniel Gazdag and Baribo, in the shootout, delivering two massive saves that swung the momentum firmly in the Rapids’ favor. The Rapids converted three of their penalty attempts, while the Union managed just one, sealing a 3-1 victory for Colorado in the shootout.
Rapids Head Coach Chris Armas reflected on Leagues Cup, “I’m really proud of our entire group...to start our 47 teams to be one of the top three in the end makes [me] really proud”.
This triumph not only secured third place in the Leagues Cup for the Rapids but also booked their place in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, marking their fourth appearance in the prestigious tournament. For Philadelphia, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after such a valiant effort and Baribo’s standout performance. However, their Leagues Cup campaign has provided valuable experience as they shift focus back to the MLS season to recoup something from this year.
Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reflecting on the tournament and looking forward to the future, “47 teams entered and we came in fourth, just not good enough...we gained some positive momentum in this tournament...we have to build on them...it doesn’t get easier...the group will bounce back.”
The Rapids’ victory at Subaru Park was a testament to their resilience, with Steffen’s penalty heroics and a collective team effort propelling them to continental competition once again. As they celebrate this hard-fought win, Colorado can look ahead with confidence, knowing they have earned their place among North America’s elite.
