Minnesota had already clinched a spot in the knockout round, while Colorado had previously been eliminated after losing its first two matches.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Ethan Finlay scored a pair of first-half goals for Minnesota United, but Jonathan Lewis’ third goal of the season early in the second half gave the Colorado Rapids a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night in the MLS is Back tournament.
The draw locked up second place in Group D for Minnesota, which had already clinched a spot in the knockout round of the tournament. The Loons (4-0-1) remained unbeaten on the season and will next play Columbus in the round of 16 on Tuesday.
Colorado (2-2-1) had previously been eliminated after losing its first two matches of the tournament. But the Rapids didn’t back down in their final match in Florida.
Colorado took the early advantage on Kei Kamara’s 128th career MLS goal in the 19th minute. The Rapids quickly countered on a turnover in midfield and Kamara — fifth on the league’s all-time goals list — finished the break.
But Finlay had the Loons back in front by halftime, with a clever redirection off a free kick in the 36th minute and finishing Romain Metanire’s pass just before halftime for a 2-1 lead.
Lewis became Colorado’s super sub during the tournament. He scored in the 84th minute against Sporting Kansas City after coming on as a sub, and did it again against Minnesota. In the scramble off a free kick, Lewis’ half-volley beat Minnesota goalkeeper Tyler Miller to pull Colorado even.
Minnesota had several scoring chances late, but Colorado’s William Yarbrough made a number of key saves. He finished with six in the match.