Rapids rally from 3-goal deficit to salvage draw with Sounders

Field Level Media|published: Thu 17th July, 24:56 2025

MLS: Colorado Rapids at Seattle Sounders FC

Jul 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Darren Yapi (77) scores a goal against Seattle Sounders FC defender Jackson Ragen (25) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Darren Yapi scored the tying goal less than a minute after coming off the bench as the Colorado Rapids fought back from a three-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw against the host Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night.

Djordje Mihailovic and Cole Bassett converted penalty kicks three minutes apart early in the second half for the Rapids (8-10-6, 30 points). Goalkeeper Zack Steffen made five saves.

Albert Rusnak had two goals and an assist for the Sounders (9-6-7, 34 points). Obed Vargas, a 19-year-old who was named to the MLS All-Star Team earlier this week, also tallied, and goalie Andrew Thomas, playing for the injured Stefan Frei (concussion), made six stops.

It was the second consecutive match the Sounders conceded two second-half penalties after building a 3-0 lead. They held on for a 3-2 victory Saturday at Sporting Kansas City.

Yapi tied it in the 75th minute, taking a pass from Mihailovic just outside the top of the penalty area and dribbling past two defenders before putting a 12-yard shot into the lower left corner of the net.

Colorado's comeback began in the 50th minute after Rafael Navarro was tripped up by Cristian Roldan near the left edge of the penalty area. Mihailovic converted the spot kick.

A minute later, Navarro was again tripped up, this time by Thomas as they went after a loose ball. After a video review confirmed the call, Bassett converted the penalty kick in the 53rd minute.

Vargas opened the scoring in the 16th minute, taking a pass from Rusnak at the top of the 18-yard box and taking a shot that deflected off defender Andreas Maxso and trickled into the right corner of the net.

Rusnak made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute following a gaffe by Steffen. The goalie left the penalty area to track down a loose ball in the left-wing corner. Steffen's clearance reached midfield, where Seattle defender Jackson Regan headed it to Rusnak, who was about 35 yards away from net. Rusnak spun and, realizing Steffen was still out of the goal crease, lobbed a shot into the net.

Rusnak tallied again in the 47th minute, taking a pass from Danny Musovski and curling a 20-yard shot into the lower left corner of the net, just out of the reach of Steffen.

--Field Level Media