The last time there was a draw in a Rocky Mountain Cup encounter at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park was August 3, 2013.
On Saturday, the 1-1 stalemate was only the first installment of the 2022 edition – with leg two at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 9 – but the result was enough for the Colorado Rapids to extend their regular season unbeaten home run to a club record-equaling 19 games.
The Rapids were leading 1-0 and comfortable, with the goal from Kevin Doyle, when Jared Watts was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area, was duly sent off, and RSL equalized from the spot in the 85th minute.
RSL was unable to end this latest run, but they did manage to score the first goal against the Rapids at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in 2022, albeit a highly controversial penalty.
The Rapids trailed 2-0 but fought back with goals from Kellyn Acosta and a first in MLS for Danny Wilson.
That loss to RSL will have hurt, but it proved a turning point, and – as we now know – not just for that season.
Austin FC was the last team to triumph in a regular season game inside the Rapids’ fortress, winning the 2021 home opener 3-1.
The MLS record is held by Houston Dynamo, who went 30 home games undefeated between July 9, 2011, and April 28, 2013.
Yes, they let slip a 1-0 lead – courtesy of Drew Moor – but the outcome meant Houston moved ahead of RSL, who had gone 29 unbeaten at home between 2009-11.
Opening the scoring for Columbus on that day was former Boca Juniors and LA Galaxy head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, now in charge of the Paraguay national side.
Three other clubs had their unbeaten home stretch snapped at 19 – FC Dallas, LAFC, and New York Red Bulls.