MIAMI, Florida – The Colorado Rapids booked their place in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to their penalty shootout victory over the Philadelphia Union in the Third Place Match of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
The two sides battled to a 2-2 draw before the Rapids proved superior in spot kicks, winning 3-1 in the shootout.
It marks Colorado’s first qualification for the Champions Cup since the 2022 edition.
Calvin Harris gave the visiting Rapids a 1-0 lead in the 38’ when he received a pass from Djordje Mihailovic and calmly swept home a shot.
But the Union would respond in impressive fashion, as Tai Baribo struck for two goals in three minutes, scoring in the 41’ and 44’ to hand Philadelphia a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Baribo evened the score with a strong header, before putting his side ahead after a Quinn Sullivan shot hit off the post.
The Rapids would respond nicely, scoring in the 49’ through Oliver Larraz’s sizzling volley to make it 2-2, which held until the final whistle.
Colorado GK Zack Steffen then took over in penalties, saving two attempts to secure his team’s Champions Cup berth.
🟡⚫️ @ColumbusCrew has secured their spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup!
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) August 22, 2024
Welcome, Crew 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t3K8zwAHYd
