The Colorado Rapids (1-0-2, 5 pts.) remain unbeaten to start the 2025 MLS season after defeating Austin FC (1-2-0, 3 pts.) 0-1 on the road at Q2 Stadium. Rafael Navarro found the back of the net for the second match in a row for the Rapids’ lone goal in the victory. Colorado is now unbeaten through their first three MLS regular season matches for the fifth time in club history and for the first time since 2015.
With the Rapids travelling to Austin to start a quick two-match road stand, the club was looking for its first victory of the season heading into tonight’s match. The Rapids have fared well in their four matches at Q2 stadium, posting a 1-1-2 record in Austin.
Right as things kicked off in Texas, both sides showed that they were going to be attack minded with play going back and forth to each team’s attacking third. Despite the high-octane attacking play, both back lines stood strong to limit any high-quality chances in the early portion of the match. The first defensive unit to break ended up being Austin, who were unable to stop an impressive transition moment from Colorado.
Play started with Djordje Mihailovic gathering the ball around midfield in the 18th minute and surveying his options. The midfielder then sent in a precise pass with pace through the Austin back line to Navarro, who collected the pass in stride. The Brazilian calmly chipped a shot over the Austin goalkeeper to find the back of the net and give the Rapids the lead.
The goal for Navarro was his third of the season and the 19th of his MLS career. In his six appearances in the state of Texas (Austin FC, Houston Dynamo FC, FC Dallas) the forward has now recorded five goals. After scoring last weekend against Dallas, Navarro has now recorded a goal in consecutive matches for the fourth time in his Rapids career.
With the lead, Colorado continued the same strong defensive play as they had to start the match and allowed few attempts by the Austin attack. Any chance that made its way through the back line in the first half was calmly dealt with by goalkeeper Zack Steffen who looked sharp in net.
Navarro’s tally marked the only goal of the first half as Colorado headed into the locker room with a lead for the first time in their three MLS matches this season.
In similar fashion to the first 45 minutes, the Rapids back line of Keegan Rosenberry, Andreas Maxsø, Chidozie Awaziem, and Ian Murphy stood strong to deny their opposition of any opportunities in the final third.
The second half saw two VAR decisions side in Colorado’s favor that denied Austin of penalty kicks that would have been the home side’s best opportunities of the night.
With those decisions in addition to their strong defensive play, the Rapids were able to blank Austin on the road to secure the club’s and goalkeeper Zack Steffen’s second clean sheet of the season. In their two matches on the road this year, Colorado has yet to allow a goal. The clean sheet was the 31st of Steffen’s career and his eighth as a member of the Rapids in MLS play.
Making his first appearance of the season was Maxsø, who started in the match after suffering an injury in preseason. The night was also notable for Rosenberry, who made his 170th start as a member of the Rapids, tying him with Chris Henderson for the third-most starts in club history.
Colorado will stay on the road for a matchup next weekend against the San Jose Earthquakes on March 15. Kickoff at PayPal Park is set for 8:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
The Big Picture
- Rapids picked up first MLS win of the season on the road against Austin FC.
- Forward Rafael Navarro opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing off a fast break and chipping it over the opposition's keeper. It marks his third goal of the season and 19th in MLS.
- Goalkeeper Zack Steffen recorded his second clean sheet of the season and the 31st of his MLS career.
- Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic recorded his second assist of the season and the 52nd of his MLS career.
- Captain Keegan Rosenberry made his 170th start for the Rapids in tonight’s match, tying Chris Henderson for the third-most MLS regular season starts of any player in club history.
Final Score
ATX - 0
COL - 1 (Navarro, 18')
Starting XI
Zack Steffen, Keegan Rosenberry (C), Chidozie Awaziem, Andreas Maxsø, Ian Murphy (Anderson Rosa, 76'), Oliver Larraz (Wayne Frederick, 83'), Josh Atencio, Cole Bassett (Connor Ronan, 76'), Kévin Cabral (Omir Fernandez, 70'), Djordje Mihailovic, Rafael Navarro
Substitutes
Adam Beaudry, Michael Edwards, Sam Bassett, A. Harris, C. Harris
