A sweet, left-footed goal from distance to level the score against San Jose earned Cole Bassett a spot on the MLS Week 13 Team of the Week.
With the Rapids pushing in search of an early second-half equalizer, Bassett took a pass from Nico Benezet off his chest, dribbled in with his right foot before crossing to his left and firing a zurdazo from outside the box to the far post that left Quakes goalkeeper JT Maricinkowski with no chance.
It was part of a lively evening for the 19-year-old who took a game-high four shots. Bassett whizzed two past the post in the first half and played several through balls in for Michael Barrios.
The Littleton, Colo., native tied Barrios and Diego Rubio for the team scoring lead with his third goal of the season. This is Bassett’s third Team of the Week selection of the season, and his second in the best XI.
It’s been an eventful month for Rapids Homegrowns. On top of Bassett’s goal, 17-year-old Dantouma “Yaya” Toure made his MLS debut, while Sam Vines made club history by becoming the first Rapids Homegrown Player to feature in a major international tournament with the U.S. Men’s National Team. He also scored his first USMNT goal in the 1-0 win over Haiti in Group B play.
Bassett’s goal also extended the Rapids’ home scoring streak to 31 games, which is tied for the sixth-longest in MLS history, and ensure his side remains unbeaten in their last six at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Colorado will look to keep both going when FC Dallas visits on Wednesday.
