A 43rd-minute penalty moves Colorado Rapids to seventh

Aaronson penalty gives Colorado a 1-0 win

Colorado Rapids defeated CF Montreal 1-0 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Trade City on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Paxten Aaronson’s 43rd-minute penalty decided the Major League Soccer regular-season meeting, with Colorado protecting its lead through the second half.

The winning moment arrived shortly before half-time, when Aaronson converted from the spot. The goal gave Colorado a 1-0 advantage at the interval and proved to be the only finish of the match. Aaronson completed the game with two shots on target, one key pass and three tackles, adding an all-around contribution to his decisive goal.

Colorado controlled possession and created more

The Rapids held 59% possession and completed 484 accurate passes from 550 total attempts. Montreal recorded 315 accurate passes from 380. Colorado also produced the greater attacking volume, finishing with 18 total shots to Montreal’s 11, including a 12-7 advantage in efforts from inside the box.

The visitors still tested Colorado’s defence, placing five shots on goal compared with seven for the Rapids. Montreal goalkeeper S. Breza made six saves, one more than N. Defreitas, while the final score remained narrow despite Colorado’s territorial and shooting advantages. Colorado also led 5-1 on corner kicks, although both sides were kept off the scoresheet after Aaronson’s penalty.

Second-half changes and late cards

Colorado made a double substitution in the 54th minute, sending on Morgan Whittaker for Donavan Phillip and Sayd Abu Farhi for Darren Yapi. Montreal responded with three changes across the 58th and 59th minutes, introducing Alexis Sanchez, Luca Petrasso and Daniel Rios for Wikelman·Carmona, Viktor Radojević and Prince-Osei Owusu. Wayne Frederick replaced Joshua Atencio for Colorado in the 68th minute.

Discipline increased late in the match. Dante Sealy was booked for Montreal in the 81st minute, followed by Colorado yellow cards for Kosi Thompson at 85 minutes and Wayne Frederick in the 90th. There were no red cards.

Rapids move to seventh in the West

The result lifted Colorado to seventh in the Western Conference with 32 points from 24 games, a record of 10 wins, two draws and 12 losses, with a goal difference of zero. Montreal remained 15th in the Eastern Conference on 21 points from 24 matches, with five wins, six draws and 13 losses and a goal difference of -19.

N. Defreitas was the highest-rated player, earning 8.1 after playing all 90 minutes and making five saves. S. Breza followed with an 8.0 rating and six saves, helping keep Montreal within one goal despite Colorado’s larger share of possession and shots.