Rafael Navarro Penalty Lifts Rapids Past 10-Man Whitecaps

COMMERCE CITY – Colorado Rapids fans can rejoice for there are no offsides on penalties. The Rapids hosted Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday night. It was the first midweek game of the season for the Burgundy Boys. The two sides were coming off disappointing losses on the weekend. Who would bounce back? Who would capitalize on their opportunities.

Chris Armas boldly left the lineup unchanged from Saturday’s. The only change was Lalas Abubakar being on the bench instead of Mike Edwards. Lamine Diack again was not in the team as Oliver Larraz and Cole Bassett started in the double pivot. Former Rapids midfielder Ralph Priso was on the bench for Vancouver Whitecaps.

The first half was a slow burn until everything popped off in the final minutes. Colorado were at their best on set pieces. Larraz tried a half volley with the outside of the foot in the 14th off a corner. Kévin Cabral had a header in the 20th that he fittingly sent away from goal.

Vancouver were at their best in transition. Levonte Johnson was an absolutely live wire at left wing. Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen made a great save on a breakaway for him in the 39th.

The game broke open a minute later. In transition, Djordje Mihailović was denied a tap in. Bjørn Inge Utvik blocked the shot out for a corner. VAR had referee Alexis Da Silva go to the monitor. It was deemed Utvik denied a goal, playing the ball with his hand. A penalty was awarded and Utvik was given a straight red card. Center forward Rafael Navarro sent Yohei Takaoka the wrong way to make it 1-0 at halftime.

The second half was mostly Rapids up a man. Omir Fernandez and Mihailović both had shots that were just wide of post. Keegan Rosenberry had a screamer from a sharp angle that was wide as well. Sam Vines hit the post from a tough angle. Navarro was the playmaker in the second half, holding the ball up, drawing defenders towards him, and setting up teammates.

The one dangerous look in the second half for Vancouver came in the 76th. Steffen wasn’t in the best position. Brian White attempted a shot from outside the box that went over. The match ended 1-0 with the Rafael Navarro penalty being the difference.

Good result, could have scored more goals:

“Nice to see the boys win in a different way. After halftime, up a man. Mature performance in the second half. Guys, we’re not in last place. We’re doing pretty good. There’s something to be said for the winning 1-0,” said Chris Armas.

“We didn’t get enough in the second half. Personally, a little frustrated we didn’t score more goals. We’re happy with the win. Moving into a big game on the weekend,” said Cole Bassett.

The second half performance up a man was sufficient. It just didn’t lead to an insurance goal. They were the protagonists for the final 20 minutes with Connor Ronan and Jonathan Lewis subbing on.

It’s going in the back of the net anyways. It’s a good play. We force that coincidence. I’m happy that went our way.

“Just to try and calm things down. We were against 10 men and it was getting hectic. We want to be in control of the game. I wanted to try and keep the ball a little bit more. I didn’t feel like we were in danger,” said Ronan.

Player injuries:

It was good to see Lewis and Ronan get a second straight substitution appearance. Lewis was lively, albeit inaccurate offensively. Ronan is feeling good and ready to provide competition at midfield.

“I have no issues with the knee right now. It’s just the case of getting back fit and getting that match sharpness.”

Diack was not in the team for the second straight game. Rapids fans continue to wonder what’s going on there given he is a TAM player and his loan is up in July.

Djordje was subbed off in the second half. He appeared to take a minor knock to the heel which he injured at FC Cincinnati. Armas described the sub as precautionary. Colorado’s No. 10 could be in doubt for the weekend.

Sam Vines again is drawing criticism from the fanbase. He had more attacking moments tonight. Could have had a goal and assist on another night. The club is still working on how to best utilize their fullbacks.

“It takes time to grow as a team. We have a lot of time to grow as players. I want to join the attack. I’m getting my way. Hopefully these next few games,” Vines told Burgundy Wave.

Navarro Scoring:

Seven goals and two assists in 13 games. A perfect four for four on penalties. Great pressing and hold up play. Rafael Navarro is cooking up top for the Pids.

“Giving him those penalties early on in the season boosted his confidence. His confidence is in full flow. He’s creating chances for other guys. He’s scoring. He feels more at home than he did last year,” said Bassett.

“I’m very happy here and to be scoring the goals. Helping the team, I’m very happy. As for the loan, it’s something or my agent and the clubs to talk about,” Navarro said through a translator.

Rocky Mountain Cup:

This was a needed result after Saturday going into the RMC second leg on Saturday.

“We went there. We had a victory before. They guys have some confidence that we can go there again. We will be going after that. After the match tonight, I can’t tell you how many (fans) are chanting ‘Beat Salt Lake.’ We will go after it with everything we have,” Armas said.

Salt Lake are flying since the first leg which Colorado won on the third weekend of the season. They’re top of the Western Conference. Chicho Arango is tied for top of the Golden Boot race. They’re 3-1-1 at home this year, with that loss coming against Colorado.

“We’ve both developed into much better teams. they’ve been on an absolute roll. They’re full of confidence. We feel good in our camp. They’re going to come out with a lot of energy,” said Bassett.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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