D.C. United kicked off the 25th season in MLS history with a 2-1 loss against the Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on Feb. 29. New signings Edison Flores and Julian Gressel both started the match, making their debuts for the Black-and-Red.
It took time for both sides to settle into the game as neither team were able to control possession in the opening minutes. As the first half went on, United eventually started to apply pressure on the Rapids. Felipe Martins got in some good positions from his midfield role to attempt some long range efforts. Ola Kamara linked up with his teammates well and was constantly pressing Colorado’s backline. The Black-and-Red had a goal disallowed after it was deemed offside after Gressel picked out Flores in the box. The Rapids forced Bill Hamid to make a few key saves, though the match went to halftime in a stalemate.
After the break, United began to look dangerous in the final third, creating multiple chances to test Colorado’s goalkeeper Clint Irwin. The Black-and-Red opened the scoring in the 60th minute with Russell Canouse heading in a corner kick from Julian Gressel. Kei Kamara equalized for the Rapids in the 67th minute after finishing a cross from Jack Price. In the 70th minute, Edison Flores was replaced by Yamil Asad. Flores had a promising debut for the Black-and-Red, looking lively going forward and providing service for his teammates. In stoppage time, the Rapids took the lead after United were unable to clear their lines and Jonathan Lewis put the ball in the back of the net.
The Black-and-Red host Inter Miami at Audi Field in their next match on March 7 at 3:30 PM ET.
