Rafael Navarro of Rapids shone with a double in the victory that his team gave to SJ Earthquakes, in week 8 of United States – MLS 2024. Rafael Navarro contributed to an exceptional joint performance with two goals from penalties and play and he did so by executing at 9′ 1T and then at 14′ 2T. Cole Bassett also added to the show by scoring after a play in the 35th minute of the second half.

In the 35th minute of the second stage, Cole Bassett lifted the spirits of the Rapids and won all the applause. From the semicircle, the midfielder took a powerful shot that was impossible to stop after receiving an assist from Rafael Navarro.

San José Earthquakes came close to turning the result around with two shots by Nikolas Tsakiris that hit the post.

The figure of the match was Rafael Navarro. The Colorado Rapids forward showed his best level by scoring 2 goals and finishing twice into the opponent’s goal.

Zack Steffen was another of the outstanding players. The Colorado Rapids goalkeeper showed his quality by containing 5 shots.

It was a duel that was slowed down by the accumulation of fouls, which cut off the rhythm. There were several reprimands: Alfredo Morales, Cole Bassett, Paul Marie and Preston Judd.

SJ Earthquakes strategist Luis González Gallaguer stopped the starting eleven with a 4-3-3 formation with William Yarbrough in goal; Carlos Akapo, Rodrigues, Tanner Beason and Paul Marie on the defensive line; Jackson Yueill, Alfredo Morales and Nikolas Tsakiris in the middle; and Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse and Amahl Pellegrino in attack.

For their part, those chosen by Chris Armas took to the field with a 4-3-3 formation with Zack Steffen between the three sticks; Keegan Rosenberry, Andreas Maxso, Moise Bombito and Sam Vines on defense; Cole Bassett, Oliver Larraz and Djordje Mihailovic in the midfield; and Calvin Harris, Rafael Navarro and Kevin Cabral up front.

The judge chosen to officiate the match at Avaya Stadium was Malik Badawi.

For the next date, SJ Earthquakes will play as a visitor against LA Galaxy, while Rapids will host FC Dallas. SJ Earthquakes will come face to face with their eternal rival in the long-awaited California classic.