COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Cole Bassett had a first-half goal, Rafael Navarro scored in the second half and Zack Steffen notched his fourth clean sheet of the season in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-0 victory over Austin FC on Saturday night.
Bassett took a pass from Omir Fernández in the 22nd minute and scored for the sixth time this season to give the Rapids (7-7-4) a 1-0 lead at halftime. Fernández’s assist was his third of the season.
Colorado took a two-goal lead four minutes into the second half when Rafael Navarro found the net for the 10th time this season. Navarro scored unassisted with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
Steffen needed just one save to notch the shutout for Colorado. He wasn’t tested in a scoreless first half.
Brad Stuver saved five shots for Austin (6-7-5). He had three saves in the first half to keep the match close.
Colorado snapped a four-match winless streak, picking up its first victory since beating the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 15.
The Rapids lead the all-time series 4-2-2. Austin notched wins in Colorado in 2021 and 2022.
Austin was coming off a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Western Conference-leading Real Salt Lake. Colorado surrendered a stoppage-time goal, losing 2-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in its previous match.
Austin returns home to play Los Angeles FC on Wednesday. The Rapids hit the road to play St. Louis City on Wednesday.
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