Rapids is ashamed of their loss in the MLS Cup play-off against LA Galaxy

The Colorado Rapids did well to make it to halftime just one goal behind the LA Galaxy in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The first ten minutes of the second half made it clear that this Rapids team, out of gas and without impact players, has encountered an MLS Cup contender in impeccable form. The result: a deflating 5-0 loss on the road home to Colorado for Game 2.

The only goal of the first half came on the Galaxy’s only corner kick. Striker Dejan Joveljic got his head on Riqui Puig’s high cross and beat Reggie Cannon vertically to get to it. The shot looked straight, but crept past Zack Steffen’s diving hands to the left.

Then things got ugly. In the 52nd minute, Galaxy left-back John Nelson received a pass from right-back Miki Yamane in a dangerous position, which he touched and buried in the top right of the opposite corner past Steffen. Less than two minutes later, Joveljic returned Puig’s favor in the first half with an assist to the Spanish midfielder, making it 3-0.

Joveljic secured his brace in the 75th minute and Puig earned one himself with the finishing touch in the 87th minute.