Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
52
FT
Thu, Aug 20
Colorado Rapids
1-0
Los Angeles FC
⚡ Intensity 31
⚖️ Balance 20
🏆 Stakes 100
🎲 Upset 25
Rapids stun LAFC in tense clash

Win Probability

  • Colorado Rapids 34%
  • Draw 27%
  • Los Angeles FC 40%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Rapids Stun LAFC in Gritty Title-Race Showdown

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 52/100. A chaotic own goal and massive penalty drama defined this tense top-of-the-table clash, dragging Colorado right into the heart of the championship hunt.

The Opening Act

The atmosphere at Dick's Sporting Goods Park was electric, fully reflecting the massive Stakes of this late-season matchup. With both squads fighting for prime positioning and chasing the league leaders, the early exchanges were cautious but incredibly physical. Colorado Rapids came out eager to dictate the tempo on their home field. They edged possession with 51 percent of the ball, largely thanks to a masterful shift from Hamzat Ojediran in the center of the park. The combative midfielder broke up play and distributed intelligently, completely stunting a dangerous Los Angeles FC attack that usually thrives in transition. The visitors struggled to find their attacking rhythm early on, forced into a deep defensive posture as Colorado began to mount consistent pressure and rack up opportunities inside the penalty area.

The Turning Point

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 22nd minute, though certainly not in the way anyone drew it up on the chalkboard. An agonizing own goal off J. Ebobisse broke the deadlock, giving Colorado a crucial advantage and immediately ramping up the Upset watch. Despite the setback, the Balance of the contest remained incredibly tight. The home side had a golden opportunity to double their lead and bury the visitors just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute. Rafael Navarro stepped up confidently to the spot, but LAFC goalkeeper Cabral Carter made a spectacular diving save. It was the absolute highlight of Carter's phenomenal five-save night, momentarily shifting momentum and keeping the visitors well within striking distance heading into the locker room.

The Resolution

The second half saw the Intensity reach a boiling point as desperation set in. LAFC turned to their bench, bringing on Aaron Long to stabilize the backline. Long delivered an outstanding defensive performance, throwing his body in front of shots as Colorado continued to push forward relentlessly. The Rapids generated a robust 2.39 expected goals compared to LAFC's meager 0.42, peppering the visiting net with 13 total shots. Despite Long's heroics and Carter's sheer brilliance between the posts, LAFC could only muster a single lonely shot on target all night. Colorado’s backline held incredibly firm to secure the 1-0 shutout. This massive victory closes the gap entirely, pulling the resilient Colorado side level with LAFC on 28 points and injecting fresh drama into the race for the top spot.

Key Questions

Was the penalty miss by Cabral Carter the turning point?

Cabral Carter actually saved the penalty taken by Colorado's Rafael Navarro. Despite the heroic save, LAFC still fell short in the 1-0 defeat.

What does this mean for Colorado Rapids's season?

This gritty home victory ties them with LAFC at 28 points, closing the gap on the league leaders and reigniting their championship hopes.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
51%
49%
Colorado Rapids 51%
Los Angeles FC 49%
Shots
13
9
Colorado Rapids 13
Los Angeles FC 9
Shots on Target
4
1
Colorado Rapids 4
Los Angeles FC 1
Expected Goals (xG)
2.39
0.42
Colorado Rapids 2.39
Los Angeles FC 0.42
Passes
466
440
Colorado Rapids 466
Los Angeles FC 440
Pass Accuracy
88%
85%
Colorado Rapids 88%
Los Angeles FC 85%
Corners
4
4
Colorado Rapids 4
Los Angeles FC 4
Fouls
13
10
Colorado Rapids 13
Los Angeles FC 10
Yellow Cards
3
3
Colorado Rapids 3
Los Angeles FC 3
Red Cards
0
0
Colorado Rapids 0
Los Angeles FC 0

Match Events

Y. Cheberko 🟨 20'
22' J. Ebobisse
32' 🟨 Y. Maziz
E. Segura 🟨 39'
Nkosi Tafari 🟨 41'
42' Rafael Navarro (Rafael Navarro)
HT
Nkosi Tafari A. Long 🔄 46'
55' 🔄 Y. Maziz G. Minoungou
56' 🟨 D. Yapi
62' 🔄 D. Yapi D. Sealy
T. Tillman Son Heung-Min 🔄 64'
J. Shaffelburg D. Bouanga 🔄 64'
R. Hollingshead M. Delgado 🔄 75'
T. Boyd T. Mihalic 🔄 82'
83' 🔄 H. Ojediran K. Thompson
85' 🔄 M. Navarro N. Cobb
R. Porteous R. Raposo 🔄 86'
88' 🟨 K. Thompson
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Colorado Rapids

Goalkeepers
Nico Hansen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Reggie Cannon
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Rob Holding
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
100%
Duel Win %
Loïc Williams
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Miguel Navarro
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
50%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
Wayne Frederick
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Hamzat Ojediran
SWEEPER
SWEEPER
6
Cleanups
6
Cleanups
4
Interceptions
2
Blocks
Paxten Aaronson
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
35%
Pass Acc
Youssef Maziz
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Darren Yapi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
Forwards
Rafael Navarro
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
Adam Beaudry
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Kosi Thompson
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Keegan Rosenberry
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Noah Cobb
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Dante Sealy
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
36
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Georgi Minoungou
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
43
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Donavan Phillip
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alexander Harris
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Los Angeles FC

Goalkeepers
Cabral Carter
PENALTY HERO
PENALTY HERO
1
Pens Saved
1
Pens Saved
5
Saves
8.2
Rating
Defenders
Ryan Hollingshead
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Ryan Porteous
NPC
NPC
86
Minutes
86
Minutes
56%
Pass Acc
6.9
Rating
Nkosi Tafari
FRIENDLY FIRE
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
1
Fouls
5.9
Rating
Yevhen Cheberko
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Midfielders
Eddie Segura
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
98
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tyler Boyd
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
8
Late Mins
8
Late Mins
82
Total Mins
82
Entry
Mathieu Choinière
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Timothy Tillman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
64
Total Mins
64
Entry
Jacob Shaffelburg
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
64
Total Mins
64
Entry
Forwards
Jeremy Ebobisse
FRIENDLY FIRE
FRIENDLY FIRE
Own Goal
Mistake
Own Goal
Mistake
0
Fouls
5.9
Rating
BENCH
Hugo Lloris
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Kenny Nielsen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Aaron Long
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
53
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jude Terry
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ryan Raposo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Marco Delgado
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
23
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Denis Bouanga
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
34
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tommy Mihalic
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
16
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Son Heung-min
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
34
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
04/23/2026 Los Angeles FC 0 - 0 Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
10/19/2025 Colorado Rapids 2 - 2 Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
07/10/2025 Los Angeles FC 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
02/26/2025 Los Angeles FC 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids CONCACAF Champions League BMO Stadium
02/19/2025 Colorado Rapids 2 - 1 Los Angeles FC CONCACAF Champions League Dick's Sporting Goods Park
08/22/2024 Los Angeles FC 4 - 0 Colorado Rapids Leagues Cup BMO Stadium
06/30/2024 Los Angeles FC 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
03/30/2024 Colorado Rapids 3 - 2 Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
08/24/2023 Los Angeles FC 4 - 0 Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
04/02/2023 Colorado Rapids 0 - 0 Los Angeles FC Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
04/23/2026
Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
10/19/2025
Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
07/10/2025
Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
02/26/2025
CONCACAF Champions League BMO Stadium
02/19/2025
CONCACAF Champions League Dick's Sporting Goods Park
08/22/2024
Leagues Cup BMO Stadium
06/30/2024
Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
03/30/2024
Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
08/24/2023
Major League Soccer BMO Stadium
04/02/2023
Major League Soccer Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Colorado Rapids Win
Los Angeles FC Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Vancouver Whitecaps 15 31 32 13 +19 WSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)DVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Los Angeles FC (01-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 0 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (26-07-2026)WSan Diego 2 - 4 Vancouver Whitecaps (24-05-2026)LHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-05-2026)
2 Colorado Rapids 17 28 25 16 +9 WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)LSt. Louis City 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (26-07-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 San Diego (23-07-2026)
3 Los Angeles FC 18 28 24 18 +6 LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)LLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Los Angeles FC (01-08-2026)WLos Angeles FC 4 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (26-07-2026)WLos Angeles FC 3 - 1 Real Salt Lake (23-07-2026)
4 San Jose Earthquakes 15 26 32 19 +13 LLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)DSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (26-07-2026)WPortland Timbers 1 - 3 San Jose Earthquakes (24-05-2026)LSan Jose Earthquakes 2 - 3 FC Dallas (17-05-2026)
5 Real Salt Lake 17 25 30 26 +4 LReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DSt. Louis City 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (02-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Real Salt Lake (26-07-2026)LLos Angeles FC 3 - 1 Real Salt Lake (23-07-2026)
6 Houston Dynamo 15 25 22 22 0 WHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)WSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)WHouston Dynamo 3 - 0 Austin (26-07-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 1 Houston Dynamo (24-05-2026)WHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-05-2026)
7 St. Louis City 16 24 22 22 0 DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)WSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)DSt. Louis City 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (02-08-2026)WSt. Louis City 1 - 0 Colorado Rapids (26-07-2026)WLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 3 St. Louis City (23-07-2026)
8 Seattle Sounders 18 24 21 25 -4 LSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)LAustin 3 - 1 Seattle Sounders (23-07-2026)LSeattle Sounders 1 - 5 Portland Timbers (17-07-2026)
9 FC Dallas 16 23 29 27 +2 WReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)WAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 FC Dallas (02-08-2026)LSan Diego 1 - 0 FC Dallas (26-07-2026)DPortland Timbers 2 - 2 FC Dallas (23-07-2026)
10 Portland Timbers 15 20 28 27 +1 WPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Real Salt Lake (26-07-2026)DPortland Timbers 2 - 2 FC Dallas (23-07-2026)WSeattle Sounders 1 - 5 Portland Timbers (17-07-2026)LPortland Timbers 1 - 3 San Jose Earthquakes (24-05-2026)
11 San Diego 17 20 25 26 -1 WLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)WSan Diego 1 - 0 FC Dallas (26-07-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 San Diego (23-07-2026)LSan Diego 2 - 4 Vancouver Whitecaps (24-05-2026)
12 Minnesota United FC 15 19 15 19 -4 DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 0 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (26-07-2026)LSporting Kansas City 2 - 1 Minnesota United FC (23-07-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (23-05-2026)
13 Los Angeles Galaxy 17 18 18 26 -8 WLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 FC Dallas (02-08-2026)DSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (26-07-2026)LLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 3 St. Louis City (23-07-2026)
14 Austin 16 15 18 31 -13 WSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)LHouston Dynamo 3 - 0 Austin (26-07-2026)WAustin 3 - 1 Seattle Sounders (23-07-2026)
15 Sporting Kansas City 17 14 16 40 -24 DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)LSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)LLos Angeles FC 4 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (26-07-2026)WSporting Kansas City 2 - 1 Minnesota United FC (23-07-2026)

Find your next match faster.

Honest match ratings. Find what is worth watching—without the clutter.

Bookmark this page

This page updates as new matches arrive.

Keep these picks handy.

Press Ctrl+D, then confirm in your browser.

Viewed labels stay on this device. We don't receive your reading history.

Keep Futmetrix handy

Honest match ratings. Find what is worth watching—without the clutter.