Colorado Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells, striker Rafael Navarro, midfielder Josh Atencio and defender Kosi Thompson were named to Major League Soccer’s Team of the Matchday on Apr. 14 for their performances in a 6-2 victory over Houston Dynamo FC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
The recognition comes after Colorado secured its third home win of the season and maintained a perfect record at home. The Rapids’ attacking display saw Navarro and Thompson each score twice while Atencio added his first goal for the club. Together, they contributed seven goal involvements during Saturday night’s match.
This marks Wells’ first selection as Team of the Matchday coach since joining MLS in December. The former Tottenham Hotspur assistant has guided Colorado to 19 goals in seven games this season, surpassing a previous club record for first-year head coaches set in 2019 with 15 goals. “Undefeated at home… and still nowhere near our ceiling,” Wells said addressing his squad after the match.
Navarro’s inclusion is his third this season following earlier selections on Matchdays 3 and 5. He scored his fourth and fifth goals of the year against Houston, bringing his total to 33 with Colorado and making him sixth on the club’s all-time scoring list. With two goals and an assist on Saturday, he now has nine goal contributions (five goals, four assists) this season—the second-most in MLS so far.
Thompson made an immediate impact by scoring five minutes into his debut before adding another early in the second half for his first career brace. He became only the third Rapids player to score twice on their debut since Raul Diaz Arce in 2001 and joins Marcelo Balboa as one of two defenders to achieve this feat for Colorado.
Atencio’s opening goal was also significant as it earned him Man of the Match honors from supporters present at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. His strike helped propel Colorado’s offense throughout a dominant evening.
Looking ahead, Colorado will face Inter Miami next Saturday during its 30th Anniversary Match at Empower Field.
