Steffen’s 12 saves secure win for the Rapids
For the first time in club history the Colorado Rapids (2-2-0) are lossless through four matches. Saturday night The Burgundy Boys defeated the San Jose Earthquakes (2-0-2) and their high-powered offense 2-1.
San Jose started the game off with an attack-heavy mindset, three minutes into the game Josef Martinez received an inswinging ball inside of Colorado’s box and redirected it toward the goal. Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen made a diving save to knock the ball out of play and save Colorado from an early deficit.
The Earthquakes four-man attack continued to apply pressure on the Rapids defense for most of the first half. San Jose was having their way with the defense and the Burgundy Boys were struggling to get the ball past their half.
In the 29th minute Earthquake’s midfielder Ian Harkes blasted a shot from inside the box toward the Colorado goal. The Quakes first goal was once again denied by a diving Steffen.
Seven minutes later a pass from the Rapids’ Djodjie Mihailovic took a deflection and a bump before it found midfielder Cole Bassett where the Colorado native calmly passed the ball into the net to give the Burgundy Boys the lead.
After the goal San Jose slammed their foot on the gas even more.
A minute into first-half stoppage time Quakes midfielder Chicho Arango scissor kicked a ball past Steffen into the net for the equalizing goal.
Going into half-time San Jose and Colorado stood level, even though the game had been heavily dominated by the Earthquakes.
Once again San Jose came out of the gate swinging, but the Rapids defense wouldn't break.
In the 61st minute San Jose winger Oussenu Bouda received the ball on the left side of the box a few yards away from Steffen and the net. His shot made it past the keeper but met the crossbar of the goal.
10 minutes later the Rapids regained the lead after captain Keegan Rosenberry played a through-ball for winger Omir Fernandez that left him one on one with San Jose goalie Daniel. Instead of shooting the winger passed the ball in front of the goal to Colorado substitute Calvin Harris. The Englishman tapped the ball into the net for the Rapids second goal of the game.
Colorado’s bend-but-don't-break mentality was key for their win. The Quakes had many chances during the game but Steffen’s man of the match performance was enough to deny them of their second goal.
“Last year people externally had a fun time poking at him [Steffen] anytime he made a mistake. I think they’ll be real quiet tonight.” Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas said after the game. “I didn't think they were going to score on him, he looked like a big guy in a small goal.”
The Rapids return home to face the Portland Timbers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. MT. The game can be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.