SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — The Rapids almost made it 7-for-7 for MLS clubs in CONCACAF Champions League group-stage play, but Colorado had to settle for a 1-1 tie after Real España scored a late equalizer Tuesday night.
Julio Rodriguez volleyed in a spectacular shot in the 88th minute after Kosuke Kimura failed to clear with a header.
Jeff Larentowicz had given the Rapids a 1-0 lead in first-half stoppage time. The midfielder took a pass from Ross LaBauex just outside the penalty area and hit a first-time right-footed shot clinically into the corner of the net to silence the home fans.
Predictably, the home side ratcheted up the pressure in the second half, creating a slew of chances. Allan Lalin went closest with a header in the 54th minute, slamming it off the bar after Steward Ceus came off his goal line to try and clear.
Conversely, the Rapids were largely reduced to long-range shots in the second half as they struggled to make any opportunities under the relentless Real España pressure.
Omar Cummings shot with his left from well outside the penalty area in the 65th minute and Larentowicz shot from similar distance four minutes later, but both attempts sailed harmlessly over the goal. Larentowicz had a better opportunity in the 78th minute after a nice interchange with Wells Thompson but dragged his shot wide.
The Rapids return to MLS action Saturday, when they face the Chicago Fire in Bridgeview, Ill. Denver Post wire services
