LA Galaxy II claimed a 3-2 victory over Colorado Rapids II in MLS Next Pro's Group Stage at Dick Sporting Goods Park on Friday. The result kept the visitors second in the table while the hosts remain seventh after their fifth defeat in five league matches.
And here's the thing — Rapids II took the lead first. S. Wathuta fired home in the 38th minute, and to be fair the visitors were pegged back immediately. J. Placias converted a penalty four minutes later after E. Heredia had picked up a yellow card of his own.
E. Preston restored parity for the home side in the 49th minute, running onto a pass after the interval. The match opened up from there, with C. Aquino and K. Sawadogo both replaced in quick succession during the 67th minute, and E. Heredia following on three minutes after.
Then came the decisive spell. J. Placias netted his second in the 82nd minute before J. Copeland added a third for Galaxy II just 60 seconds later. By then the visitors had worked their advantage, and the Rapids could find no way back despite the late substitution of L. Muller.
The result leaves LA Galaxy II on 45 points from 24 games, five clear of third place with two matches remaining. Colorado Rapids II sit on 18 points after 25 outings, having lost their last three league games following that 4-1 win over Real Monarchs.