Colorado Rapids shock Philadelphia Union in epic penalty shootout win

This past Sunday, August 24, Subaru Park saw an electrifying soccer showdown when Colorado Rapids secured third place in the 2024 Leagues Cup by defeating Philadelphia Union in a nail-biter penalty shootout. But it wasn't all about a podium finish—the Rapids secured a highly prized berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, a game that proved a level of resilience deserving of a standing ovation.

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From the very first whistle, it was evident that both teams were going to fight hard. Union and Rapids came onto the pitch with a mindset of earning every little advantage on the pitch by sweat and strategy. The first 20 minutes felt a lot like a chess game, where both teams are careful but aggressive—a concept very clear in their minds as to what was at stake. Possession flipped sides in frenetic dances of each team trying to find a crack in the other's defense.

A First Half Full of Tension and Twists

The first half was a mix of brilliant moments and critical errors, then at the 30-minute mark, their veteran goalkeeper, the stunning Andre Blake, pulled off a spectacular save, denying what seemed certain to be a Rapids goal. Subaru Park erupted, then suddenly fell silent. Only moments after, Calvin Harris did capitalize on an Union defensive blunder to strike surgically and silence Subaru Park.

But Union wouldn't lie down just yet. Tai Baribo, who was out of the semifinal against Columbus Crew due to yellow cards, came back with a vengeance. The Israeli international drew the game level with a clinical strike just before the end of the first half, reigniting the hopes for Union. Baribo wasn't done. In the final minutes of the half, he capitalized on another ill-advised rebound from Rapids' keeper Zack Steffen for his second goal of the night, giving Philadelphia a 2-1 edge into the break. With these two goals, Baribo catapulted to the top of the Leagues Cup Golden Boot race, leaving in his wake stars such as Denis Bouanga and Diego Rossi.

Comeback by Rapids and a Dramatic Finish

After merely seconds of play—the whistle having hardly blown—22-year-old Oliver Larraz equated for the Rapids with a shot into the important area to set the ball rolling at 2-2 and set up a nervy finish. The next 40 minutes were a rollercoaster of emotions. Both teams pressed relentlessly for the winning goal, but heroic defenses and in some cases just plain bad luck kept the score at 0-0. As that would stand until the final whistle, the game went to penalties and drama reached its peak.

In the ensuing penalty shootouts, Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen proved why he is considered one of the most elite goalkeepers in the competition. Steffen saved key shots from Union's top stars, Daniel Gazdag and Tai Baribo, completely rattling the Philadelphia side. The Rapids converted three penalties to one by Union, sealing a 3-1 Colorado win in the shootout to secure not just third place in the Leagues Cup but also a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. This triumph marked the fourth time the Rapids would represent in the prestigious continental tournament, an occasion that again puts them among the elite of North America.

Reflections and the Way Forward

Defeat is always hard to take, especially after such a brave effort and performance like Baribo's, but no doubt there are lessons learned for Leagues Cup heading into the remainder of the MLS season with Union. For Colorado Rapids, the victory at Subaru Park proved that with great adversity comes great achievement by sheer determination and teamwork.

Steffen's heroics in the penalty shootout and the team effort reflect a side that can never be underestimated, even when not favorite. The Rapids now head into the Concacaf Champions Cup with renewed confidence, knowing they have earned a place through pure grit. Knowing they're ready for a fight against the best North America can offer, Colorado can look to the future with some optimism as they celebrate this hard-won victory.