Rapids Rally Behind Navarro Brace to Defeat Atlanta United 3–1

By Rene Vidal

The Colorado Rapids staged a spirited second-half comeback to secure a 3–1 home victory over Atlanta United, powered by a clinical brace from striker Rafael Navarro. A match that began as an even, back-and-forth contest ultimately tilted in Colorado’s favor, as the hosts capitalized on momentum and discipline while Atlanta faltered under pressure.

First Half: Blow for Blow

The game’s opening exchanges immediately hinted at a battle of pace and precision. Colorado threatened first in the 6th minute, as Oliver Larraz and Rafael Navarro both saw dangerous efforts blocked by Atlanta’s backline. Atlanta responded with width and quick combinations, testing the Rapids with Saba Lobjanidze’s aggressive forward runs.

The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. A slick combination involving Cole Bassett and Navarro set up Darren Yapi in the middle of the box. Yapi made no mistake, firing a powerful left-footed strike into the right side of the net, giving Colorado a 1–0 lead and sending Dick’s Sporting Goods Park into celebration.

Atlanta’s reply was swift. Just two minutes later, Ronald Hernández advanced from deep and laid the ball into the path of Alexey Miranchuk. The Russian midfielder unleashed a precise low drive from outside the box, sneaking it past Zack Steffen to equalize at 1–1. It was a superb finish, both opportunistic and clinical, setting the tone for a highly competitive half.

The remainder of the first period featured a flurry of half-chances. Miguel Almirón, returning to MLS with Atlanta, stung Steffen’s gloves with a close-range effort in the 27th, while Darren Yapi continued to test the defense, drawing fouls and creating space. A late header from Colorado captain Andreas Maxsø went narrowly over, but neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.

Second Half: Rapids Take Control

The second half resumed with the game finely poised, but Colorado quickly established control. Navarro looked increasingly dangerous, first flashing a shot wide in the 48th minute before winning a penalty just after the hour mark.

In the 64th minute, Navarro himself stepped up from the spot after being brought down in the box. He buried the penalty with composure, sending the ball low to the right as goalkeeper Brad Guzan dived the other way. The goal ignited the home crowd, pushing the Rapids ahead 2–1.

Atlanta responded by shuffling their midfield, introducing Luke Brennan, Tristan Muyumba, and Steven Alzate to regain rhythm. However, the Rapids’ midfield, anchored by Cole Bassett, maintained balance and composure, absorbing pressure while looking dangerous in transition.

In the 71st minute, Navarro struck again. Calvin Harris delivered a crisp assist from the left, finding Navarro in space at the center of the box. With one touch, the Brazilian forward powered a right-footed finish into the bottom corner for 3–1. His brace not only cushioned Colorado’s lead but also underscored his growing role as the Rapids’ talisman in attack.

Late Drama and Discipline

Atlanta pressed for a response, with Emmanuel Latte Lath missing a golden chance in the 88th minute when his shot drifted wide from close range. Miranchuk and Muyumba also tried their luck, but Colorado’s defensive organization stood tall, marshaled by Maxsø and Reggie Cannon.

The final minutes turned physical. Cannon himself earned a yellow card in stoppage time after a reckless foul on Brennan, but the Rapids held firm, closing out the match with resilience and tactical discipline.

Key Performances

• Rafael Navarro (Colorado Rapids): A decisive brace, winning and converting a penalty, and sealing the result with his second goal.

• Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids): Energetic throughout, scored the opener and linked play effectively.

• Alexey Miranchuk (Atlanta United): Atlanta’s creative spark, scored a superb equalizer and dictated attacking flow in the first half.

Final Whistle

At full-time, the scoreboard read 3–1 in favor of the Rapids, a result that highlighted their ability to respond to adversity and capitalize on key moments. Atlanta began brightly but faded under sustained pressure, unable to match the hosts’ second-half intensity.

With this win, Colorado continue climbing the Western Conference standings, buoyed by Navarro’s lethal finishing and the promise of a balanced, dynamic attack. For Atlanta, the night serves as a reminder that flashes of brilliance must be matched by consistency and defensive solidity to succeed on the road.