The Colorado Rapids played host to Real Salt Lake in the first match of the 2017 Rocky Mountain Cup series. While the Claret-and-Cobalt looked to retain the mantel of best club in the Mountain West, the Rapids looked to ice the visitors’ hope early relying on home-field advantage.
The competitors traded early half-chances until the Rapids got the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Marlon Hairston found himself in the wide area after a long sprint down the pitch and whipped the ball in across the face of the RSL goal. The onrushing Kevin Doyle split the defenders and headed the ball towards the far post and past Nick Rimando.