In Sunday's win over North Texas SC, Colorado Rapids 2 turned the tide completely over the course of only two minutes.
After cutting North Texas SC's lead in half thanks to a Blake Malone goal in the 57th minute, Rapids 2 tied the match 2-2 with a goal from Yosuke Hanya in the 63rd minute. The next minute, Hanya assisted the go-ahead goal and gave Rapids 2 the momentum they needed to seal the game moments later.
Hanya, whose performance helped Rapids 2 reach a six-game unbeaten streak, is Matchday 6's Player of the Matchday. With five goals so far in 2023, Hanya has scored in every game he's played.
Rapids 2 went down 2-0 after a 48th-minute goal from North Texas SC's Hope Avayevu. However, moments later, Hanya burst forward attempting to get on the end of a long ball forward when he was taken down by Tyshawn Rose, who was shown his second yellow.
With North Texas SC shorthanded, Rapids 2 scored three goals in a span of 10 minutes. Hanya scored the tying goal with a powerful finish to the near post.
Hanya then added a clever assist, playing a chipped pass toward Oliver Larraz before Larraz shot past North Texas SC goalkeeper Antonio Carrera.
The stellar performance from Yosuke Hanya lands Rapids 2 atop the Western Conference table to finish Matchday 6. The 24-year-old midfielder now lies second among top scorers in MLS NEXT Pro with five goals. He also improved his assist total to two after Sunday's win.
Rapids 2 heads on the road next Sunday for a clash with LA Galaxy II. The Western Conference leaders seek to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
