Valakari, Achouri score goals, San Diego beats Rapids 3-0

SAN DIEGO — Onni Valakari and Elias Achouri scored first-half goals to help San Diego FC beat the Colorado Rapids 3-0 on Saturday night.

After a Rapids giveaway in their defensive third, Valakari opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a first-touch shot from point-blank range.

Gabriel Pirani capped the scoring in the 71st, his second goal in as many games for San Diego (7-8-6).

The Rapids (9-11-1) had won three straight, and four of five, all by shutout, since the World Cup break.

CJ dos Santos had two saves for San Diego.

Achouri, acquired from Danish Superliga powerhouse FC Copenhagen on July 24, scored his first MLS goal to make it 2-0 in the 36th. After a pair of Rapids defenders allowed the ball to drop in the center of the area, Achouri slammed home the loose ball.

Nico Hansen had one save for the Rapids.