Mihailovic’s Free Kick Magic Lifts Rapids Over LAFC in CONCACAF Champions Cup Thriller

Mihailovic Steals the Show in Frozen Colorado
On a night when breath turned to mist and players’ breath fogged in the icy air at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Djordje Mihailovic delivered the sort of performance that dreams—and highlight reels—are made of. Despite temperatures low enough to freeze your hands to your phone, the Colorado Rapids managed to carve out a 2-1 win over LAFC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup clash, thanks mostly to Mihailovic’s set-piece wizardry.
The tone was set after halftime. Early in the 48th minute, Rapids winger Kevin Cabral drew a foul as he darted into the box. LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead bundled into him and the referee couldn’t look away. From the spot, Mihailovic stepped up, ice in his veins, and calmly slotted the ball past Hugo Lloris. If the stakes weren’t already high, the Rapids had just taken the lead against last year’s MLS Cup runners-up.
What came next turned the stadium’s collective gasp into internet gold. In the 80th minute, Mihailovic set the ball for a direct free kick just outside the LAFC penalty area. The wall was sturdy, the angle looked tricky, but none of that mattered. With one swift swing of his right foot, he bent the ball up and over, curling it perfectly into the top left, leaving the veteran Lloris flat-footed. Videos of the strike started making the rounds online before the ball even hit the net—fans instantly recognized greatness. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement, the sort of kick you watch on loop wondering how he made it look effortless.

Late Drama and A Lifeline for LAFC
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Champions Cup tie without a bit of late drama. Down by two and staring at an uphill second leg, LAFC surged forward. In the 87th minute, Denis Bouanga—one of MLS’s most reliable creators—swung in a dangerous cross. Aaron Long rose highest, nodding it past Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen to pull one back. Suddenly, Rapids fans weren’t celebrating anymore—they were nervously checking their watches, knowing an away goal could be big in this competition.
Colorado clung on, thanks in part to their keeper. Steffen, who has revived his form since returning to MLS, came up huge in stoppage time. As Bouanga bore down for a last-chance equalizer, Steffen threw himself sideways to keep the ball out with a clutch save that drew raucous cheers and probably a sigh of relief from everyone wearing burgundy.
This wasn’t just another stat-padding night for Mihailovic. His brace means he’s now scored 14 times for Colorado, and here’s the wild part—seven of those have come from set pieces. We’re talking six penalties and one, now-viral, direct free kick that folks won’t forget anytime soon.
The tie isn’t over—far from it. With a one-goal lead but LAFC clutching a valuable away goal, the Rapids know they face a fierce second leg at LA’s BMO Stadium on February 25. If Mihailovic has more moments of magic left in his boots, even the LA sunshine might not be enough to stop him.
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