Match Reaction

Djordje Mihailovic & Colorado Rapids hit another gear: "We've raised the bar"

DjordjeCelly

Thanks to Djordje Mihailovic, the Colorado Rapids are back on track.

Coming off a painful 3-0 loss against the Portland Timbers, the Rapids rebounded in a big way on Saturday, defeating Charlotte FC 2-0 at home on the strength of a brace from their No. 10.

ā€œThe guys met the demands tonight,ā€ head coach Chris Armas told reporters after the final whistle at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

ā€œThey really earned those three points, and they're a really important three points for us as we climb higher.ā€

Djordje busts out

Mihailovic opened his 2025 MLS account in Matchday 6, breaking a 0-0 deadlock in the 78th minute. The 26-year-old USMNT midfielder tracked an Omir FernƔndez run down the left flank, broke loose in the box and glanced a one-touch finish past Kristijan Kahlina.

He put the game out of reach three minutes later with a classy finish from the penalty spot.

ā€œToday was a really good reaction from our team after the last game,ā€ Armas said. ā€œWe think as a staff, it might have been our best performance since our Leagues Cup run last year [third-place finish].

ā€œIt was a good game. Physically, we were up for it. Tactically, we were organized and smart. Technically, we were able to make a few plays … It was a good team performance and a good shutout at home.ā€

"Stick with the plan"

The Rapids put together an impressive collective effort, peppering 22 shots toward Kahlina’s net, including six on target. But it was Mihailovic, a January 2024 arrival from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee north of $3 million, who led the way.

ā€œWe know we love to put teams in fast games here given the environment that we’re in,ā€ Mihailovic said. ā€œWe stick with the plan, and that’s what gets us the first goal.ā€

Colorado have now taken 11 points from six games, making their way up the Western Conference standings. They’ll hope to follow up this performance with a heavyweight clash at West-leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 5 (9:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+).

ā€œThat should become the benchmark,ā€ Armas said. ā€œWe’ve raised the bar.ā€