The Colorado Rapids (2-0-2, 8 pts.) extended their unbeaten run in MLS to four contests to start 2025 after recording a 1-2 win against the San Jose Earthquakes (2-2-0, 6 pts.) on Saturday night at PayPal Park. Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett and forward Calvin Harris recorded the two goals of the night, marking their first contributions of the season for the Burgundy Boys. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen highlighted the night with 12 saves, recording a single-game career high in MLS. Their four matches unbeaten in MLS marks the longest run to start a season club history.
Set for their second consecutive match on the road, the Rapids came into San Jose with their eyes on continuing their impressive performances away from home. Following a 0-1 victory in Austin last week, Colorado knew what they had to do to come out with a positive result on Saturday night.
Things at PayPal Park started off quickly, with both teams trading moments in transition. Quickly making his mark on the match was Steffen, who made three highlight-reel saves within the first five minutes of the match. That type of performance quickly became a common theme, as the Rapids goalkeeper made his presence felt in net throughout the 90 minutes.
San Jose had their chances in the attacking end, but the Rapids backline and Steffen stood impenetrable in moments of danger. Colorado took advantage of these moments by starting counterattacks of their own, which eventually led to the match’s opening goal.
Leading the play down the left wing was Djordje Mihailovic, who cut into the middle of the eighteen with his right foot and sent in a centering ball that deflected off multiple defenders. The ball found its way through to the San Jose goalkeeper, who parried it away right to Bassett, who buried home a shot for his first goal of the season.
The Rapids kept their pressure up to end the first half, but the Earthquakes managed to grab an equalizer right before the halftime whistle blew.
All level at 1-1, Colorado would not settle for taking only one point home with them.
The Rapids came out of the break with a full tank of energy and created chances right out of the gate. Despite the early attack, the game-winning goal wouldn’t come until the 71st minute after the pair of Omir Fernandez and Harris subbed into the match.
Captain Keegan Rosenberry started the play on the left flank, finding Fernandez on a run into the box. Fernandez spotted Harris across the face of the goal and played a short ball for the forward, who tapped in his first of the year to give the Rapids three points on the night.
The match concluded with a handful of saves for the U.S. Men’s National Team ‘keeper Steffen who rightfully earned the Player of the Match title for his unwavering performance between the sticks.
Colorado will return home next weekend to face off against the Portland Timbers on March 22. Kickoff at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
