Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has been named to the league's Team of the Matchday after posting a career-high, momumental performance in the Rapids' win over San Jose on the weekend. His presence between the posts generated 12 saves, his record high in a single game.
The Rapids faced an attacking onslaught from the home Earthquakes early on Saturday night, forcing Steffen into three crucial, early saves. San Jose's offense kept the pressure on throughout the night--earning one goal late in the first half--but ultimately no effort was enought to stand up to the Colorado backline and Steffen as the Rapids returned home with a win.
His efforts shoot the 'keeper into first place on the league's stats sheet for saves over the season thus far, posting 24 total--San Jose's contest amounting for half of them.
The U.S. international's shot-stopping exhibition against the Earthquakes ushers him into camp with the national team this week, as he was named to Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League semifinal and potential final match. Steffen reported to camp on Sunday and will remain with the Stars & Stripes through their semifinal with Panama on March 20, and with a win, the final on March 23.
The Rapids have now appeared on the Team of the Matchday roster for the fourth time in four weeks (Steffen, Matchday 1; Navarro, Matchdays 2 & 3), making an undeniable impact on the league in the short time since opening weekend.
Steffen's efforts extend Colorado's undefeated streak to begin the season and climb the club's history books. The four-game unbeaten run is the longest in club history to open the regular season, and his 12 saves tie him for second in the club's history, only behind Colorado legend .
"He just looked like a big guy in a small goal, that's what it looked like tonight," said Head Coach Chris Armas after the match. "I'm not surprised because of his process, the way he works, the humility that he brings every day to get better, to be a leader and a winner around here.
So, I understand his process, and I'm not surprised that that is the byproduct of a guy that shows up like a pro and is always looking to get better."
MLS Team of the Matchday | Matchday 4
F: Tani Oluwaseyi (MIN), Sam Surridge (NSH), Lionel Messi (MIA)
M: Diego Luna (RSL), Eduard Atuesta (ORL), Eduard Lƶwen (STL), Onni Valakari (SD)
D: Andrew Gutman (CHI), Tristan Blackmon (VAN), Jon Gallagher (ATX)
GK: Zack Steffen (COL)
Coach: Jesper SĆørensen (VAN)
Bench: Jonathan Sirois (MTL), Henry Kessler (STL), Walker Zimmerman (NSH), Emeka Eneli (RSL), Sebastian Berhalter (VAN), Alonso MartĆnez (NYC), Dejan JoveljiÄ (SKC), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (RBNY), Patrick Agyemang (CLT)