LAFC Draw 2–2 with Colorado Rapids in Dramatic Decision Day Clash
Heung Min Son Celebration. (Photo By: @Lafc)
Match Overview
On the final weekend of the MLS regular season, Los Angeles FC battled to a 2–2 draw against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.
The match carried plenty of emotion — LAFC were looking to lock in playoff positioning, while Colorado were playing for pride in front of their home fans. What followed was a back-and-forth encounter that showcased both teams’ attacking flair and determination right until the final whistle.
Photo By: @Lafc
First Half – LAFC Find Their Rhythm
The opening 20 minutes were evenly contested, with both sides trying to settle into a rhythm on a cold night in Colorado. The Rapids pushed early, testing LAFC’s back line with long diagonal passes and quick breaks led by Paxten Aaronson.
As the half wore on, LAFC began to take control. Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son linked up several times on the counterattack, and their chemistry finally paid off late in the first half.
In the 42nd minute, Bouanga darted past his defender down the left wing and cut a low cross toward the center of the box. Son Heung-Min, perfectly positioned, slotted a composed finish past Rapids keeper Zack Steffen to give LAFC a 1–0 lead.
The visitors carried that advantage into halftime, looking confident and composed.
Photo By: @lafc
Second Half – Rapids Respond with Spirit
Colorado came out in the second half with renewed energy and quickly began pressing higher up the field. Their efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute, when Paxten Aaronson found space at the top of the box and curled a shot into the corner to make it 1–1.
That goal energized the home crowd, and the Rapids continued to push for more. LAFC tried to regain control through Son and Bouanga on the wings, but Colorado’s midfield worked hard to disrupt the flow.
Then, in the 87th minute, the Rapids completed the turnaround. Substitute Darren Yapi latched onto a clever through ball from Omar Larraz and finished calmly past Hugo Lloris to put Colorado ahead 2–1 — sending the stadium into celebration mode.
But just as it looked like Colorado would steal all three points, LAFC showed their trademark resilience. In the final minute of regulation, Andy Moran pounced on a rebound inside the box to fire home the equalizer, sealing a 2–2 drawand rescuing a crucial point for the visitors.
Photo By: @Lafc
What the Result Means
For LAFC, the draw means they finish the regular season inside the top six of the Western Conference, securing home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs. The Black & Gold will now turn their focus to a potential postseason showdown against Austin FC.
For Colorado, the 2025 season ends on a mixed note. The Rapids showed flashes of quality and resilience late in the year, and the attacking growth from young players like Aaronson and Yapi gives plenty of optimism heading into 2026.
Final Thoughts
This 2–2 draw had all the hallmarks of an MLS Decision Day classic — drama, momentum swings, and late heroics.
LAFC showed once again why they’re never out of a game, salvaging a crucial point with their trademark attacking intensity. Colorado, meanwhile, proved that even in a rebuilding year, they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite.
In the end, both sides walked away with pride intact and heads held high — a fitting close to the 2025 regular season.