Navarro Scores When He Wants!

Its been a long time since the Rapids were clear favorites on the road, played like it, and got the expected result.  Saturday night that's exactly what they did.  While it wasn't perfect it was the most complete game the team has played this season (and probably last).  Colorado also got its first shutout of the season and moved solidly into the playoff part of the table (though its way too early to take much from that).  With a struggling Dallas team coming in next week the team has a chance continue this run.

The first goal early in the game came out of that some of that counter-pressing we've been told to expect this year.  Bassett, Cabral, and Mihailović forced San Jose into the corner where they made a mistake and Mihailović quickly  turned the mistake into an attacking chance for Navarro.  Unfortunately it was former-Rapid Yarbrough who paid the price, having to wipe out Rafael and giving up the PK, which Navarro converted for his 3rd PK of the season.

Colorado did go into a bit of a shell after that (one of those areas to work on), only getting one more shot off before the halftime break.  San Jose had some looks, including a strong one right after our goal, but the couple that were dangerous and got through Steffen was able to handle.  Coming out of half the Rapids picked up their play and were rewarded.  In the 60th minute a long throw was badly cleared by San Jose and crossed back in to the middle by Harris (I think?).  It pinballed a bit in the box before Navarro got a foot on it to get his first goal from the run of play.

After that the Rapids were focused on getting the clean sheet.  Steffen had to come up big a couple of times but there was never a threat that San Jose was going to come back for a draw (or win).  Bassett finished it off after a nice layoff from Navarro to give him a run at goal.

There are still areas that need improvement, namely the inability or lack of desire to pull the trigger more often we are at least efficient with our shots.  During the game MLS had us with 2 shots on target and 1 goal in the first half, and 1 shot on target and 2 goals in the second half.  Not sure how the latter is possible but 3 shots on goal, 3 goals, that's at least making what few chances we create count.

Man of the Match: Rafael Navarro.  2 goals, 1 assist?  Easy call.  Basset had a goal and an assist as well so he should get an honorable mention.