In a dramatic turn of events, Rafael Navarro’s last-minute goal secured the Colorado Rapids’ advancement in the Leagues Cup, transforming what could have been a controversial exit into a thrilling victory. The Rapids triumphed in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3, after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Controversial Offside Call
Initially, Club León’s Iván Moreno was flagged offside during a breakaway play. Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen managed to save Moreno’s close-range shot, only for the rebound to fall to Edgar Guerra, who easily tapped it in for the lead in the 79th minute. However, a lengthy VAR review followed, and the offside call was overturned, much to the dismay of the 13,644 fans at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The decision caused quite a stir, with the crowd growing louder as the replay was shown on the video board.
The Role of VAR in the Decision
- Importance of Clear and Obvious Error: For an offside call to be reversed, the error must be evident. During the nearly five-minute VAR review, midfielder Cole Bassett stayed close to referee Julio Luna but received no satisfactory explanation.
- Impact on the Game: “Luna did not say much, to be honest. Looking back, I don’t think it was clear and obvious,” Bassett remarked. Despite the decision, the Rapids had to quickly regroup and focus on the remaining minutes.
Navarro’s Heroics in Stoppage Time
In the 97th minute, Rafael Navarro capitalized on a well-placed ball from Cole Bassett to Keegan Rosenberry, who then flicked it to a wide-open Navarro. Navarro’s header was his first goal in eight matches and marked a significant moment since signing a permanent deal with the Rapids. His goal ensured the match went into a penalty shootout, where he confidently scored his penalty after missing his previous three attempts this season.
- Navarro’s Perspective: “It was a very tense moment, and you have to be very calm in those moments,” Navarro said through the Rapids’ language specialist Andre Hilf. “Everyone has supported me, so getting there, to be able to take the PK and working towards that has been special.”
The Penalty Shootout Drama
- Leagues Cup Rules: Per the tournament rules, a tied score after regulation time leads directly to a penalty shootout. With a place in the round of 32 at stake, the pressure was immense.
- Key Performers: Djordje Mihailovic, returning from the Olympics in Paris, scored the Rapids’ first goal in the shootout. Bassett, Navarro, and Moïse Bombito also converted their penalties, while Andreas Maxsø missed his.
Zack Steffen’s Crucial Saves
Zack Steffen emerged as the hero of the night, making six crucial saves in regulation and two vital saves in the penalty shootout. His performance was instrumental in the Rapids’ victory.
- Coach’s Praise: Rapids coach Chris Armas lauded Steffen’s performance, emphasizing how he stepped up at crucial moments. “It’s been an up-and-down year for myself, so it feels good,” Steffen said. “It gives me confidence to just keep going.”
Looking Ahead to FC Juarez
The Rapids are set to face FC Juarez in the round of 32, following a heavy 4-0 defeat to Portland last Thursday. This marks the first time the Rapids have reached the knockout stages in the tournament’s second iteration.
Preparation Strategies
- Focus on Recovery: Coach Armas emphasized the importance of recovery for his squad more than scouting the next opponent. “The thing I’m asking for is tempo to start with, tempo to play with on the front foot and to be very proactive in all phases,” Armas stated.
- Tactical Planning: Armas highlighted the need to identify any similarities between Juarez and León but noted that the primary focus would be on his own team’s recovery and tactical readiness.
FAQs
What is the Leagues Cup?
The Leagues Cup is a tournament that features clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX, providing an opportunity for teams from both leagues to compete against each other.
Why was the offside call controversial?
The offside call was controversial because the initial decision was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. The ruling required a clear and obvious error, which many, including the fans and players, did not agree was sufficiently evident.
How did Rafael Navarro perform?
Rafael Navarro scored a crucial goal in stoppage time, his first in eight matches. He also successfully converted his penalty in the shootout, contributing significantly to the Rapids’ victory.
What role did Zack Steffen play in the victory?
Zack Steffen was pivotal, making six saves in regulation and two crucial saves in the penalty shootout, ensuring the Rapids advanced to the next round.
What are the Rapids’ chances against FC Juarez?
While the match against FC Juarez will be challenging, the Rapids’ focus on recovery and tactical preparation under Coach Chris Armas could give them a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Rafael Navarro’s last-minute heroics and Zack Steffen’s exceptional goalkeeping have propelled the Colorado Rapids into the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup. Despite the controversy surrounding the offside call, the Rapids demonstrated resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against FC Juarez. Coach Chris Armas’s emphasis on recovery and tactical readiness will be crucial as the team looks to advance further in the tournament.
