COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Dennis Castillo’s first goal for the Colorado Rapids capped a three-goal comeback as OKC Energy FC’s bid to advance past the Fourth Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came up empty in a 3-2 defeat at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Tuesday night.

Energy FC had led by two goals at the halftime break behind goals from Daniel Gonzalez and Philip Rasmussen, but Castillo – who has scored twice this season on loan with the USL’s Charlotte Independence – struck with a minute to go book a place in the Fifth Round as the Rapids rallied strongly in the second half.

The Rapids had the first serious effort on goal in the eighth minute as Dillon Serna found the side-netting from just outside the left side of the top of the penalty area, but while the hosts had the better of possession in the opening half they didn’t force Energy FC goalkeeper C.J. Cochran into a save.

Energy FC, on the other hand, hit effectively when it had the chance. Richard Dixon had an effort blocked in the 27th minute, but the visitors’ attack came to life in the final 10 minutes before the break. Daniel Jackson was the creators of both goals, the first coming on the counter-attack in the 38th minute as Jackson’s pass found Gonzalez in the left side of the penalty area for a far post finish.

The Rapids were then briefly reduced to 10 men as Bobby Burling received treatment, and before he was substituted Energy FC struck again. Jackson cut a low pass back from the right toward Rasmussen, and the Danish midfielder’s first-time finish found the left corner of the net.

But Colorado came out decisively to start the second half, and quickly pulled a goal back as Badji found the net with a good first-time finish from 10 yards after a curling cross from the right by Castillo. The hosts then got back on level terms in the 66th minute when Eric Miller tapped home off a corner kick from the right that was flicked on at the near post by Alan Gordon.

OKC’s Cochran made a good save to keep the game level with nine minutes to go after a good run and low shot from 20 yards by Kevin Doyle that was pegged for the left corner. The Rapids almost gifted Energy FC the lead as a low cross by Alex Dixon was almost turned into his own net by Marlon Hairston with three minutes to go, but the Rapids ended Energy FC’s hopes of a first win against MLS opposition in the Open Cup as Castillo’s goal with a minute to go earned the hosts victory.