Navarro’s goal, VAR and defense is the difference in Rapids win over Austin
After conceding three goals against Dallas last Saturday, the Colorado Rapids beat Austin FC 1-0. The Rapids’ defense stood strong against Austin and kept a clean sheet despite Los Verdes having possession for 59% of the time.
The beginning of the match set the tone for the full 90 minutes. Both squads’ offenses were full of energy but the defenses were bending, not breaking.
Though Los Verde’s defense was making it tough for the Rapids’ offense to get the ball into the box, Colorado midfielder Djorjde Mihailovic gave striker Rafael Navarro a through ball that left him one-on-one with the Austin keeper. Navarro calmly chipped the ball into the right corner of the net for the game’s first and only goal.
Two minutes later Austin was on the offensive. Midfielder Owen Wolf crossed a dangerous ball into the penalty area that found the head of striker Myrto Uzuni. The striker’s header had to be tipped by Colorado goalie Zack Steffen. Even with the tip the ball hit the woodwork and nearly crossed into the net, but Rapids’ defender Ian Murphy passed the ball back to Steffen.
The Colorado shot-stopper had to be called upon once again after Uzuni had another header opportunity feet away from goal. Steffen leaped off the ground and punched the ball into the air for his backline to clean.
Steffen’s four-save night along with the defense’s performance was one of the keys to Colorado’s victory.
“Defensively our box defending was superb. They put in a lot of crosses and stressed us out, but the boys in front of me were class.” Steffen said. “We keep a clean sheet and we win more games.”
Going into halftime the Burgundy Boys had the lead, and though it wasn't pretty the defense had held their own.
Six minutes into half Austin won a penalty after Colorado center back Chidozie Awaziem pulled down Uzuni in the box. After a check with VAR it was determined that the striker received the ball in an offside position before being fouled in the box. No penalty was called.
For 30 minutes both teams tried to create scoring chances. The two defenses made it difficult for the attackers to get into the opposing box, and when they did neither team made the most of it.
It took til the 89th minute for another chance to arise. Austin forward Jon Gallagher gave fellow striker Brandon Vazquez a pass a few feet in front of Colorado’s near post. Vazquez flat out missed the point blank goal.
VAR had to be used once again in the second minute of added time, after defender Wayne Federick tripped Austin’s Diego Rubio. After a conference with the VAR machine it was determined that Federick got to the ball before fouling Rubio. No penalty.
“Big three points for us. It's a performance that’s mature,” Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas said after the game. “VAR gets the calls right.”
The Rapids finish their travel stretch against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. MT. The game can be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
