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.
āThe guys met the demands tonight,ā head coach Chris Armas told reporters after the final whistle at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
āThey 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.
āToday was a really good reaction from our team after the last game,ā Armas said. āWe think as a staff, it might have been our best performance since our Leagues Cup run last year [third-place finish].
āIt 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 Kahlinaās 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.
āWe know we love to put teams in fast games here given the environment that weāre in,ā Mihailovic said. āWe stick with the plan, and thatās what gets us the first goal.ā
Colorado have now taken 11 points from six games, making their way up the Western Conference standings. Theyāll 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+).
āThat should become the benchmark,ā Armas said. āWeāve raised the bar.ā