Colorado Rapids players Paxten Aaronson and Rafael Navarro were named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday for their performances in a 4-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City, according to a March 24 announcement. The two combined for five goal contributions during Saturday night’s match.
The recognition highlights both players’ impact on the game. Aaronson scored his first two goals of the season, marking his first goals in Major League Soccer. Navarro assisted both of Aaronson’s goals and added one himself late in the second half.
Aaronson opened the scoring in the 12th minute with help from strikers Navarro and Darren Yapi. After Sporting Kansas City equalized and then took a lead through Wayne Frederick before halftime, Colorado responded with more attacking play. In the second half, Aaronson set up defender Miguel Navarro for an assist to Rafael Navarro, who scored his third goal of the season. Later, Rafael Navarro returned the favor by assisting Aaronson’s second goal of the night.
This marks the third week this season that Colorado Rapids players have been featured on Team of the Matchday and is Navarro’s second appearance on this list. With his latest performance, Navarro has now contributed six goals or assists in five games this year and reached 31 career goals with Colorado Rapids, tying him for sixth most in club history alongside Cole Bassett and Chris Henderson.
Other players named to Team of the Matchday include Logan Farrington (Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville), Hugo Cuypers (Chicago), Ender Echenique (Cincinnati), Pep Biel (Charlotte), Cristian Espinoza (Nashville), Ryan Porteous (Los Angeles FC), Gonzalo Luján (Miami), Walker Zimmerman (Toronto) and goalkeeper Daniel (San Jose). B.J. Callaghan from Nashville was selected as coach.
