Colorado Rapids vs LAFC: Game Day Highlights & Results
Match Overview
In a highly anticipated rematch, LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) hosted the Colorado Rapids tonight at BMO Stadium. This clash was the decisive second leg of their Round One tie in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, with both sides locked at 2–2 on aggregate following a 2–1 Colorado win in the first leg. With the away-goals rule in effect, tonight’s result would determine which team progresses to the Round of 16—a high stakes showdown.
First Leg Rewind
Before diving into tonight, let’s rewind to the Feb 18, first leg in Commerce City. In freezing conditions:
-
Djordje Mihailovic struck twice—first from the spot (48′) and later a majestic free kick (80′), giving Colorado a 2–0 lead..
-
LAFC’s Aaron Long pulled one back in the 87th minute, providing a crucial away goal.
That away goal kept LAFC alive heading into leg two, with the aggregate tied 2–2.
Tonight’s Showdown: February 25 Report
The decider unfolded under the lights in LA:
-
49′ – Mark Delgado, a versatile midfielder, scored the match’s only goal—turning in a low cross from David Martínez—propelling LAFC to a 1–0 win and 3–2 aggregate victory via away goals.
-
Colorado penned in defensively but couldn’t break through. LAFC’s Zack Steffen made key saves enforcing a clean sheet .
Tonight’s result: LAFC wins 1–0, advances on away-goal rule (3–2 agg).
Player Highlights
| Team | Player | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| LAFC | Mark Delgado | 1 goal (49′); decisive in tie-breaker |
| Colorado | Djordje Mihailovic | 2 goals in leg 1; held Rapids lead |
| LAFC | Zack Steffen | Several key saves; shut Rapids out tonight |
| Colorado | Reggie Cannon | Defensive effort; unable to stop Delgado |
Match Takeaways
-
Away-goals rule seals tie: LAFC’s lone strike hits earlier Colorado advantage.
-
Delgado’s rising stock: His goal underscores his value in big matches.
-
Mihailovic remains elite: Two goals in leg 1 show his consistent threat.
-
Clean sheet, clean progress: LAFC’s shutout highlights defensive solidity tonight.
-
Upcoming opponent: LAFC faces Columbus Crew in Round of 16 starting March 4.
Colorado vs LAFC: Recent Meetings & Form
-
Feb 18 [Leg 1, CCC]: Colorado 2–1 LAFC (positively led by Mihailovic)
-
Feb 25 [Leg 2, CCC]: LAFC 1–0 Colorado (Delgado decisive)
-
June 30 2024 [MLS]: LAFC thrashed Colorado 3–0, underscoring season-long dominance
-
Mar 30 2024 [MLS]: Colorado stunned LAFC 3–2 thanks to late Mihailovic goals
Form Snapshot
-
Colorado Rapids: Going 2 wins, 1 loss in series vs LAFC; struggling away but strong at home.
-
LAFC: Experienced at continental matches; tonight’s win continues momentum under coach Steve Cherundolo.
Final Thoughts
Heading into Round of 16, LAFC can take immense confidence from tonight's grit—tight defense, crucial away goal, and Delgado’s timely strike. Colorado, while disappointed, showed fight across both legs and at times stunned a top MLS side. The Rapids remain a threat within the Western Conference but must address away performance in high-stakes fixtures.
For neutral fans, this tie delivered thrills—mighty long-range strikes, nerves-laden away goals, and a winner emerging in a single decisive moment. It encapsulates continental knockout football’s drama.
