Commerce City, CO – Colorado Rapids 2 head coach Erik Bushey knows that intensity and focus can take you a long way in MLS NEXT Pro. R2 hosted Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday afternoon in the first round of the NEXT Pro playoffs. Intensity and two “set pieces” won the day in a scrappy close playoff match.

Bushey’s lineup was nearly as expected. Sydney Wathuta was on the bench due to an injury. Douda Amadou was captain in midfield next to Sam Bassett. Alex Harris and Billo Diop led the attack.

Vancouver had the better start with several chances with Colorado pinned in. It was Rapids 2 who scored first however. Harris won a 50/50 ball in midfield. Colorado went in transition. Antony García went for a half volley and buried it. It was 1-0 in the 7th minute.

In the 14th, Mark O’Neill scored...