Diego Rubio’s stunning free kick and goalkeeper William Yarbrough’s performance in goal helped guide the Colorado Rapids to their first win of the 2021 season on Sunday night and earn them both a place on the MLS Team of the Week for Week 3.
Rubio’s goal (read: golazo) was his first of the season and his 30th regular season goal in MLS. The Chilean international has recorded three goals and one assist in his last two visits to Rio Tinto Stadium—the Whitecaps’ temporary home this year due to travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada—after also notching two goals and an assist in the club’s record 5-0 win over Real Salt Lake last year. The Rapids are now 8-2-3 (W-L-D) all-time when Rubio scores in a game, including an active stretch of five consecutive wins with his goal against Vancouver.
Yarbrough, who permanently joined the Rapids from Club León during the offseason, made three important saves to maintain the club’s second clean sheet in as many road games this season. The shutout was his sixth of his career with the Burgundy Boys.
The Rapids will look to keep the momentum going as they face a rematch against their 2020 playoff rivals, Minnesota United FC, on Saturday, May 8. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MT and the match will be streamed live on ColoradoRapids.com/live (in-market) and ESPN+ (out of market).
Team of the Week (4-3-3, right to left): Joe Willis (NSH), Anton Tinnerholm (NYC), James Sands (NYC), Ryan Shawcross (MIA), Brad Smith (SEA), Carles Gil (NE), Alexander Ring (ATX), Jackson Yueill (SJ), Cade Cowell (SJ), Raul Ruidiaz (SEA), Rubio Rubin (RSL)
Coach: Freddy Juarez (RSL)
Bench: William Yarbrough (COL), Andrew Farrell (NE), Ryan Hollingshead (DAL), Caden Clark (RBNY), Andres Ricaurte (DAL), Nani (ORL), Diego Rubio (COL)
