Saint Paul, Minn.- A Rafael Navarro goal was the difference in the Rapids 1-0 win on the road against Minnesota United. It was a massive result and a momentum builder as the Rapids look forward to Saturday’s rivalry matchup in Salt Lake.
Matt Wells changed the formation into a 5-3-2 and 4-2-2-2 in attack, a look that benefited the Rapids defensive shape. Connor Ronan returned from injury. Paxten Aaronson linked up for a Navarro goal and Colorado escaped with all three points.
Colorado went into the match winless in five MLS matches needing a result, and defensively ground out a classic gritty win.
Attention now turns to the all important weekend match against that team that plays in Utah.
Nico Hansen
Hansen filled in for Zack Steffen, who remains out with a shoulder knock. Hansen played confident, composed, and deserved the clean sheet. He was brilliant at times controlling his box and having a presence on corners. He made several key stops and proved his worth. 8/10
Keegan Rosenberry
The veteran defender returned to the lineup with a start. Rosenberry has been impactful off the bench in recent games and delivered another solid performance. He was great in buildup and defended well at large stretches of the match. It was a gritty and mature performance. 7/10
Lucas Herrington
A good performance from the youngster. Herrington has been a consistent strong point in the Rapids backline and was imperative to the clean sheet. He intercepted through balls and stifled the danger from Minnesota. Overall, a classic defensive performance. 7/10
Noah Cobb
With the depth issues and suspensions, Cobb got the call into the Rapids backline. He was key in stifling Minnesota’s attack and had a wonderful hustle play early on in the first half. Cobb raced back and made a game-saving tackle. Albeit offsides, Cobb was brilliant in defense. 8/10
Miguel Navarro
Another solid performance from both wingbacks on the night. Navarro was active in attack and strong in defense. He was decisive in his moments of pressing and winning the ball back. His mentality is strong and he continues to be a key piece in the Rapids backline. 7/10
Georgi Minoungou
Minoungou was out wide again. He took players on and looked dangerous. Minoungou could be more decisive at times, but he can change a game in an instant. The final quality on the ball can improve, but he offers a lot on both sides of the field. He came off in the 81st minute. 6/10
Wayne Frederick
Frederick returned from injury and delivered a great performance. Connor Ronan and Frederick were strong in attack and defense. In a new look midfield, Frederick created opportunities and his work rate was imperative to the clean sheet. 7/10
Connor Ronan
As Nico Hansen told Burgundy Wave, Ronan brings a lot to Colorado’s midfield. Outside of the shaky moment early on in the first half, Ronan had an exceptional energy and work rate to stifle Minnesota. On the goal, he linked up well with Aaronson, who provided the game-winning assist. Ronan looked good on his full return. 8/10
Jackson Travis
Travis featured out wide in attack and defensively sat in for the new look shape. Travis was great in little pockets of space to progress, play forward and create opportunity for the Rapids attack. He was also good defensively, complimenting Miguel Navarro well on the left flank. 7/10
Rafael Navarro
The Navarro goal was the difference on a night where the Rapids had to win ugly. Navarro was a monster in his work rate, pressing, and holdup play. He checked down into pockets and created a lot of opportunities. On the goal, he gets free of the Minnesota backline, stays composed, and does the rest. It’s his eighth goal of the MLS season, and he’s surely a top contender for the All-Star Game. 9/10 man of the match
Paxten Aaronson
The new system worked well for Aaronson. He was much more dynamic and active on the ball. On the goal, he picks it up, runs at a few players and picks out the perfect ball into Navarro. Multiple times, he got the ball on the half-turn and really caused issues for Minnesota’s midfield. A classic Aaronson showing. 8/10
Substitutes
Dante Sealy
Sealy entered the game at the 64th minute for Ronan. He filled in out wide and delivered a strong performance. For much of the last 30 minutes, Colorado had to dig deep, and Sealy added fresh legs and pressed well. Although no goals, it was a key substitution and impact. 7/10
Kosi Thompson
Thompson entered at the 64th minute for Travis. Wells changed to five at the back to conserve the lead and Thompson was huge in stifling the wide attack. He had multiple defensive stops and a big impact off the bench. 8/10
Reggie Cannon subbed on too late to be judged fairly
Matt Wells
It’s no secret that Colorado is moving through a difficult period in the season. Injuries, depth, and fatigue are catching up. Despite this, Well’s side pulled through when a result was desperately needed.
Additionally, the three points were secured in a new way this season. Wells turned away from his dominating, possession-based style and it worked. The Rapids defended with grit after the Navarro goal, and it’s a big result leading into a massive week.
The win proves it’s a new Rapids team. Wells has this team moving in the right direction and results may not always come. Despite the system, Colorado adapted and won away from home in a difficult manner.
Wells now turns attention to a massive week, a rivalry match at the weekend and a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal looms. 7/10
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Matt Pollard 
Spencer Baldwin 