Late penalty after weather delay gives Colorado bragging rights in 3-2 rivalry win over RSL

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Rocky Mountain Cup will be staying in Colorado for the first time since 2020.

Real Salt Lake (12-5-8) gave up a penalty in the 88th minute on a handball after a two-hour lightning and rain delay to lose two of their last three matches against the Rapids (12-9-5) this season and relinquish the cup after three years in possession. Colorado also moves into the top four in the West as RSL falls to third place.

"For me, that game should have ended in a draw," head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. "I think the (penalty) decision there at the end completely clouds what this game is all about, what a derby (rivalry) is all about."

Andres Gomez scored in the ninth and 49th minutes for RSL, as the Colombian rising star reached 13 goals on the season. Colorado scored just before halftime to take a 2-1 lead into the extended halftime break as lightning struck near Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

RSL came out aggressive after the break and regained momentum with Gomez's second goal, but fatigue and field conditions led to turnovers as the Rapids repeatedly attacked the box late in the game.

A corner kick in the 85th minute found the elbow of Justen Glad in his first start since early June and Cole Bassett converted the penalty to send RSL into the Leagues Cup break with a loss. It marks the second loss to go along with a draw in the team's winless three-game road trip this month.

"It's like having a tough day at the office," Mastroeni said. "You wake up the next day and life goes on, sun comes out and you got to get back on the horse. There's no feeling sorry for yourself."

RSL begins Leagues Cup play on Aug. 1 at America First Field against Liga MX club Atlas.

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