Categories: Austin FCColorado RapidsWestern Conference

Navarro penalty lifts Rapids past Verde

Photo: LA Brothers / Prost International

Colorado Rapids 1-0 Austin FC

COMMERCE CITY, CO–The Rapids got a second half stoppage time penalty from Rafael Navarro to get a 1-0 victory over Austin FC to move with two points of the playoff places in the Western Conference. It’s just the third win in the last six league matches for Colorado while Austin have lost five of their last six.

The Rapids almost got off the mark early with three chances in the first ten minutes, but lacked the finishing touch to go ahead. In fact, those were the first three of 21 shots for the Rapids on the evening compared to nine for Austin.

Throughout the match, the Rapids were continuously stymied by Brad Stuver in net and finishing wide of target. Stuver would go on to make seven saves. At the other end, Brandon Vazquez headed wide of an open net in the 50th minute as Nico Hansen was off his line.

Then came the moment of the match in second half stoppage time. Przemysław Płacheta tripped up Navarro in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Navarro cooly converted the spot kick. Nico Hansen would make one more save and the Rapids went away with the three points.

Photo: LA Brothers

The Rapids are not participating in Leagues Cup. Their next match will be Saturday, August 15th, against Sporting Kansas City (7:30pm MT, Apple TV). Austin FC do enter Leagues Cup play starting Thursday against Club Tijuana at Q2 Stadium (8pm CT, Apple TV).

Photos by LA Brothers