ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Andre Akpan’s goal in the 33rd minute put the Rapids ahead for good Tuesday in a 3-1 victory over the second-division Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.
“It was a hard-fought effort,” Akpan said. “We endured a bit of a storm early, but put in some scores clinically.”
The Rowdies, of the North American Soccer League, shot twice off the goal frame early.
But the Rapids — who traveled with a first team-heavy roster just two days after beating Montreal in an MLS game — went ahead 1-0 in the 17th on Edu’s penalty kick.
“Any time you have two games in the span of a few days, it’s tough,” Akpan said. “But it shows the depth and resilience of the club. We’re happy with it.”
It was the Rapids first victory in the historic tournament since 2010, when they won only a qualifying game. Colorado last advanced past the third round in 2007.
Akpan also added an assist in extra time, feeding Kamani Hill for goal that put Colorado ahead 3-0. Tampa Bay responded seconds later, as Matt Clare scored a disputed goal past Rapids goalkeeper Steward Ceus.
“We started very brightly, but we didn’t get the goals at the time we wanted,” Rowdies coach Ricky Hill said. “We can’t concede sloppy goals. They played very well after they got that first goal.”
The Rapids advanced in the single-elimination tournament to face Sporting Kansas City on June 5. Kansas City, which will host the game, earned a 3-2 victory Tuesday over Orlando City S.C. (of the third-division USL Pro league).
Rapids lineup
Stew Ceus, Hunter Freeman (Kosuke Kimura 72nd), Tyrone Marshall, Scott Palguta, Luis Zapata, Harrison Henao (Joseph Nane 58th), Wells Thompson, Jaime Castrillon (Tony Cascio 67th), Kamani Hill, Andre Akpan, Edu.
