This Colorado Rapids Special Olympics Unified Team match report is brought to you by Dick's Sporting Goods.
In the first match of the 2017 season, the Rapids' Special Olympics Unified Team defeated the Columbus Crew SC Special Olympics Team 1-0 on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Following pre-game warmups for both teams, and the reading of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath by Mackenzie Beauvais-nikl, the teams took to the field for what turned out to be a strong, defensive battle.
Columbus controlled most of the possession in the first half through Craig Green, Jacquelyn Green and Kayla Kauzlarich, but the Rapids Unified Team found the net when midfielder Scotty Stephens scored the first and only goal of the night in the 14th minute, after receiving an excellent pass from Alie Goldblatt.