COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) – Cole Bassett had a goal in the first half, Rafael Navarro scored in the second half and Zack Steffen recorded his fourth clean sheet of the season in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-0 win over Austin FC on Saturday. at 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 halftime lead. Fernandez’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 back of 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 record the shutout for Colorado. He was not tested in a goalless first half.
Brad Stuver had five hits for Austin (6-7-5). He had three saves in the first half to keep the game close.
Colorado snapped a four-game winless streak with its first win since defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 15.
The Rapids lead the all-time series 4-2-2. Austin scored victories in Colorado in 2021 and 2022.
Austin was coming off a 5-1 sweep of Western Conference leader Real Salt Lake. Colorado gave up a late goal, losing 2-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the previous game.
Austin returns home to play Los Angeles FC on Wednesday. The Rapids hit the road to play St. Louis City on Wednesday.
