Rapids Dominate Sporting Kansas City in 4-1 Road Win

Colorado Rapids secure first away victory under new coach Matt Wells

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:36am

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The Colorado Rapids secured their first away win of the 2026 season, defeating Sporting Kansas City 4-1 at Children's Mercy Park. Paxten Aaronson scored a brace, while Wayne Frederick and Rafael Navarro also found the back of the net for the Rapids. The win flips the script from last season's 4-1 loss to SKC and suggests the Rapids under new coach Matt Wells are determined not to play down to the competition.

Why it matters

The Rapids' dominant road performance against a conference rival is an encouraging sign for the team under new coach Matt Wells. After struggling on the road in recent seasons, the Rapids appear to have turned a corner and are now capable of imposing their will on opponents away from home.

The details

Paxten Aaronson opened the scoring for the Rapids in the 12th minute, and after Sporting Kansas City equalized, 21-year-old midfielder Wayne Frederick put the Rapids back in front just before halftime. Rafael Navarro added a third goal for Colorado in the 71st minute, and Aaronson scored his second of the night late to seal the 4-1 victory. The Rapids were dominant throughout, pressing SKC and winning the physical battles across the pitch.

  • The Rapids scored the opening goal in the 12th minute.
  • SKC equalized in the 44th minute.
  • Frederick put the Rapids back in front in first-half stoppage time.
  • Navarro scored the Rapids' third goal in the 71st minute.
  • Aaronson scored his second goal in the final 15 minutes to make it 4-1.

The players

Paxten Aaronson

The Rapids' record signing, who opened his 2026 account with a brace in the win.

Wayne Frederick

The 21-year-old midfielder scored his first professional goal to put the Rapids back in front just before halftime.

Rafael Navarro

The Brazilian striker scored the Rapids' third goal, continuing his strong start to the season.

Matt Wells

The Rapids' new head coach, who has the team playing an aggressive, high-pressing style.

John Pulskamp

The Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper who was unable to keep out the Rapids' four goals.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing has shifted from day one of working with Paxten. Before I even came to the club, knowing my game model and my way of playing — Paxten's qualities were a match made in heaven.”

— Matt Wells, Colorado Rapids Head Coach

“I think the No. 1 thing is just the duels. Coming into the game tonight, we looked at the stats of the duels — Kansas City was No. 1 and we were way too low, so we prided ourselves on that.”

— Paxten Aaronson

What’s next

The Rapids will look to build on this impressive road win when they host the Seattle Sounders on March 28.

The takeaway

The Colorado Rapids' dominant performance on the road against a conference rival suggests the team has turned a corner under new coach Matt Wells. After struggling away from home in recent seasons, the Rapids are now capable of imposing their high-pressing, attacking style on opponents, which bodes well for their playoff aspirations.