Colorado Rapids Hosts Pre-Game K-pop Showcase with Local Korean Community
As was the case last year, many Korean fans flocked to the stadium to watch Son Heung-min’s away match in Denver, but victory went to the home team, the Colorado Rapids.
The Rapids defeated LAFC 1-0 in a 2026 MLS regular season match held on Wednesday, August 19, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. With the loss, LAFC sits 3rd in the Western Conference with a record of 10-7-4 (34 pts), while the Rapids are 7th in the Western Conference with 9-10-1 (28 pts).
LAFC Hints at Benched Son Before Match: “Player Energy Must Be Managed”
“We need to manage the players’ workload given our recent congested schedule and the age profile of our core players,” LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos stated the day before the match. “Son is a player I would love to start every match, but playing three games a week makes it realistic to expect peak performance every time out.” Son turned 34 years old this year.
Following the World Cup, Son played in consecutive official LAFC matches, the Leagues Cup, and the All-Star Game. LAFC played nine matches in roughly a month after the World Cup break, with Son appearing in eight consecutive games and averaging about 86 minutes per match.
On match day, LAFC deployed Tyler Boyd, Jérémy Ebobisse, and Jacob Shaffelburg in attack. Son and Denis Bouanga started on the bench.
LAFC’s Costly Own Goal Brings Smiles to the Rapids
The Rapids pressured LAFC from the opening minutes, controlling the flow of the first half by creating several chances in the attacking third.
The opening goal came in the 22nd minute. The Rapids were awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal. Youssef Maziz, making his first start for the Rapids, delivered the ball toward the net. LAFC forward Jérémy Ebobisse attempted to clear it, but the ball deflected off his foot and into his own net. The own goal gave the Rapids a 1-0 lead.
The Rapids maintained their offensive pressure. In the 43rd minute, Rafael Navarro earned a penalty kick, but LAFC goalkeeper Cabral Carter, making his first MLS start, made the save. Carter also stopped a long-range shot from Maziz during first-half stoppage time.
LAFC raised its attacking intensity in the second half, taking consecutive shots in front of goal in the 57th minute, but the Rapids’ defense held firm.
Son Enters, but “Mile High” Conditions Add to Demanding Road Trip
Trailing by a goal, LAFC prepared to bring Son into the match during the second half. While warming up along the sideline, Son lightly waved to Colorado Korean fans.
In the 64th minute, head coach Dos Santos brought on Son and Bouanga simultaneously. As the match progressed, Son appeared noticeably fatigued, compounded by the high-altitude environment of Colorado.
Despite the introduction of the star attackers, the Rapids’ defense did not break. Rapids goalkeeper Nico Hansen denied multiple LAFC shots. Right before the final whistle, Son attempted a left-footed long-range shot from the left side outside the penalty box, but Hansen made the save. LAFC failed to erase the own goal and lost 1-0.
With this win, the Rapids recorded their fourth consecutive home clean-sheet victory—the second-longest home clean-sheet streak in franchise history. They have kept clean sheets in 7 of their 12 home matches this season.
Colorado Rapids Hosts Pre-Game K-pop Showcase
For this home match against LAFC, the Colorado Rapids partnered with the local Korean community to host a K-pop dance showcase. The event ran for about 45 minutes prior to kick-off in front of Dale’s Patio pub inside Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
3456 Entertainment, an organization that hosts K-pop and Korean culture events, organized the stage. The showcase featured a K-pop random play dance hosted alongside TheHallyuverse, followed by K-pop performances by local students. The Rapids mascot, RapidMan, also drew attention by dancing alongside the performers.
Exchanges between the Colorado Rapids and the local Korean community have been ongoing. The Rapids, which frequently offers diverse cultural experiences for soccer fans, previously served as a sponsor for the Aurora Korean Golf Tournament, a local community event supporting the establishment of a Koreatown.
On match day, Aurora Sister Cities operated a special 40-seat section reserved for sponsors of the Aurora Korean Golf Tournament, complete with complimentary food and beverages. Additionally, 3456Tea, a local vendor selling Korean drinks in Centennial and Aurora, operated a cart offering free Korean beverage samples to general admission spectators.
Throughout the stands, many Korean spectators wearing LAFC jerseys and fans who came specifically to cheer for Son were visible. An American supporter group chanting “Sonny” while playing traditional Korean gongs (kkwaenggwari) and drums also caught attention.
Son departed the stadium quickly after the final whistle. It remains uncertain whether fans will see Son play in Denver again this season, leaving a sense of lingering disappointment for those who eagerly awaited his arrival.
By Susan Lee | Colorado Times
