The Colorado Rapids defeated Real Salt Lake 3-2 on Saturday night to win the season series between the regional rivals and capture the Rocky Mountain Cup for the first time since 2020.
Cole Bassett scored in the 88th minute to lift the Rapids to victory in a game marred by a long weather delay in Commerce City, Colo., that essentially made halftime last nearly two hours.
The loss leaves Real Salt Lake (12-5-8) in third place in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference, as both Los Angeles teams won on Saturday. The first-place LA Galaxy (14-5-7) beat Portland 3-2, and LAFC (14-5-5) defeated Seattle 3-0, pulling ahead of RSL in the standings to sit alone in second place.
Andrés Gómez scored both of Real Salt Lake’s goals, including the first of the game in the ninth minute, with a shot from about 10 yards outside the box to the left side of the goal. The ball bounced past Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffan as he dived in an attempt to stop it.
The Rapids scored goals in the 35th minute and 39th to take a 2-1 lead. Jonathan Lewis scored the equalizer, and Sam Vines put Colorado ahead off an assist from Lewis.
Gómez evened the score at 2-2 in the 49th minute with assists from Anderson Julio and Emeka Eneli.
The Rapids’ victory in the decisive match of the season series returned the Rocky Mountain Cup to Colorado. The Rapids beat RSL 2-1 on March 9, and RSL won 5-3 on May 18.
RSL has a 14-6 edge in the 20-year history of the Cup.
RSL played without forward Chicho Arango, who has scored a club-record 17 goals this season. He was suspended for three matches and the upcoming MLS All-Star game over a violation of the league’s anti-harassment policy, RSL announced on Monday, without providing details.
Real Salt Lake will return to action against Mexican club Atlas in a Leagues Cup game on Aug. 1 at America First Field.