COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (March 31, 2018) - The Colorado Rapids defeated Philadelphia Union 3-0 on Saturday night at home. A Dominique Badji hat trick led the team to victory despite two second half substitutions for injury.

Dominique Badji Hat Trick Leads Injured Colorado Rapids to 3-0 win

The first half wasn't the cleanest, with the Union getting most of the ball and more of the chances. It was all Philly early as Tim Howard had to come off his line to clear a ball from the onrushing Keegan Rosenberry. They had several other good cycles with David Accam and C.J. Sapong getting chances.

On the other side, the Rapids created chances through the wing backs on the counter. Their best chances came just before half time as Andre Blake made back-to-back saves on Tommy Smith and Enzo Martinez off a corner.

The second half started with a substitution as Axel Sjoberg came on for Danny Wilson, who went down with a lower right leg injury right before half time. The match opened up with both teams getting chances on set pieces. Dominique Badji got Colorado on the scoreboard in the 53rd minute of a Jack Price corner that was headed to him by Tommy Smith.

Then in the 61st minute, Johan Blomberg got a chance off a counter attack. His shot was deflected right to Badji, who put the ball into a wide open net. The match slowed down after that and Philadelphia was unable to muster a comeback.

Badji completed his hat trick in the 87th, making a long run down the field past the defense and beating Blake far side. The match ended 3-0.

Three Things I Noticed:

Danny Wilson Down: The Rapids had to make two substitution in the second half for injuries. Wilson did not come out at half time, as Axel Sjoberg made his season debut. Then Marlon Hairston had to be stretchered off right after the first goal. The wing back look devastated coming off the field for Dillon Serna. Those are two starters for Hudson right now who could be out for next week.

Badji the Poacher: Badji now has four goals in the last two games. His goal against Sporting KC was a prototypical Badji goal, but the first two tonight were poacher-like. He was in the right place and open on the first two goals. He had a cool and collected finish on the set piece. His second goal was a bit lucky given the deflection, but the Rapids will take it.

Bad Weather at DSGP: The weather has not been kind to Rapids supporters at Dick's Sporting Goods park so far this year. In CONCACAF Champions League, Colorado and Toronto FC played in the coldest game every for an MLS team. Last week against Sporting, the match had a gusting wind for the better part of an hour. Tonight, kick off temperature was just above freezing, but with wind chill, it hit 20 F in the second half.

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