COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (KOAA) — The Colorado Springs Switchbacks' U.S. Open Cup run came to an end Wednesday after a heartbreaking loss to the Colorado Rapids 2(5) - 2(4) in a penalty shootout at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The Rapids struck first in the 25th minute after forward Rafael Navarro found midfielder Alexis Manyoma in the 18-yard box to give Colorado a 1-0 lead.
The Switchbacks answered with a game-tying goal in the 34th minute off a corner kick from forward Adrien Perez, who sent the ball into the six-yard box where defender Garven Metusala found midfielder Brennan Creek, who put the ball in the back of the net.
Rapids defender Kosi Thompson was issued a red card in the second half, leaving Colorado a man down.
In extra time, the Rapids took a 2-1 lead in the 119th minute when forward Georgi Minoungou scored a goal on a breakaway.
One minute later, a handball by Rapids midfielder Josh Atencio in the box gave the Switchbacks a penalty kick. Forward Khori Bennett converted the kick, sending the game to a penalty shootout.
The Rapids went on to win the shootout 5-4.
The Switchbacks are back in action on Saturday as they take on San Antonio FC. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. at Toyota Field in San Antonio.
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47,000 Acres, 0% Containment, and New Evacuations
The Aspen Acres Fire continues to rage out of control, growing to over 47,000 acres with zero containment. New mandatory evacuations have been issued for the Red Creek area as the fire threatens thousands of structures across multiple counties.
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