Colorado Rapids strikers Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi were both named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday on Mar. 10 for their performances in Colorado’s 4-1 victory over LA Galaxy during the weekend.
The recognition highlights the impact both players had in securing a decisive win at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, with each contributing key goals and assists that shaped the outcome of the match.
Yapi opened scoring in the 23rd minute after connecting with Paxten Aaronson at midfield, beating LA’s Yoshida one-on-one before finishing at the far post. This marked his first goal of the season and eleventh of his career. Later, Yapi assisted Alexis Manyoma for his first goal with Colorado Rapids, helping regain the lead after an LA equalizer.
Navarro took over late in the game, scoring twice within minutes starting from the 85th minute. His first came off a rebound from Keegan Rosenberry’s shot, while his second was a left-footed strike following an interception by Wayne Frederick. The brace marked Navarro’s fifth multi-goal game for Colorado Rapids, making him only the third player in club history to reach this milestone alongside Paul Bravo and Conor Casey. Navarro also wore the captain’s armband for the first time during this match.
Head Coach Matt Wells said about Navarro: “For me, it was perfect candidate for the leaders. He’s a big reference for the team. The players will respect him. I actually thought he went to another level with the armband tonight, so that was also part of my decision, is which player can take that responsibility and then help that improve their performance. He definitely did that this evening, not his goals. I just said that to him in his dressing room afterwards. I know he can do that, even though the second one was a pretty special finish, but certainly his personality, his pressure, the way he back tackles, the way he kept the team compact from front to back. It’s unbelievable to have him in the team and the way that he works for us. We just have to continue with that. I thought he was very impressive this evening.”
This marks two consecutive weeks where Colorado Rapids players have been featured on MLS’s Team of the Matchday lineup; Lucas Herrington received honors last week following his performance against Portland Timbers.
