Rapids end of half struggles continue in shutout loss to San Jose
For the fourth week in a row, the Colorado Rapids (4-4-4) have failed to win a game, as they were shut out by the San Jose Earthquakes (5-1-6) 2-0 Saturday night. The Rapids were outmatched by the Quakes all game long and only produced three shots on target, all of which came in the first half.
13 minutes in, midfielder Connor Ronan and striker Rafael Navarro set up a perfectly played give-and-go above the box that ended with a Ronan shot on goal. The shot beat the keeper but soared over the crossbar.
A minute later San Jose captain Cristian Espinoza had a one-on-one chance with Rapids keeper Zack Steffen, but the shot-stopper made a foot save.
Colorado spoiled another opportunity after striker Darren Yapi’s curling shot in enemy territory was denied by San Jose goalie Daniel. Navarro worked hard in the box to create a chance for Yapi, but the striker failed to put the ball in the back of the net.
In the third minute of first half stoppage time DeJuan Jones gave the Quakes the lead after blasting a shot near the penalty area. Once again the Rapids conceded in the final five minutes of a half which is a problem that has been plaguing the team thus far in the season. 12 of the 18 goals that have been scored on Colorado have come in between the 45th and 55th minute.
“It’s hard to explain,” Colorado Rapids Head Coach Chris Armas said after the game. “I saw a team that was alert in those moments and we just didn’t execute.”
10 minutes into the second half the Rapids lost Navarro to a foot injury, who has been a difference maker through the beginning of the year. Coming into the game he was tied for third most goals in Major League Soccer.
In the 67th minute Colorado defender Chidozie Awaziem intended to clear a ball but was deflected and recollected by San Jose forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango. Chicho calmly chipped the ball over Steffen’s head to extend the lead to two.
For the remainder of the half the Rapids played frustrated, they accumulated three yellow cards and constantly gave the ball away to San Jose. Following the loss the Rapids sit in the bottom half of the Western Conference.
“We have to move on,” midfielder Cole Bassett said. “You have to learn from your mistakes and learn from what we’ve been doing the last few games because it’s obviously not good enough.”
Colorado heads to Snapdragon Stadium to take on San Diego FC (6-2-4) Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. MT. In their first meeting earlier this season both Yapi and Navarro scored as the Rapids defeated SDFC 3-2. The game can be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.