Overview
- Columbus defeated Colorado 3-0 on Saturday night, snapping a five-match losing run and moving up two places in the Eastern Conference.
- New Designated Player Santiago Rodríguez scored in his debut with a 22nd-minute header that opened the scoring and shifted momentum to the Crew.
- Gonzalo Tapia struck a curled trivela in the 81st minute and substitute Taha Habroune added a stoppage-time finish to complete the scoring for Columbus.
- Colorado started backups because recent attacker signings have not cleared visa and international paperwork and Rafael Navarro was already sold to St. Louis, while injuries and a suspension further depleted the squad.
- The result deepens the Rapids’ road problems since the World Cup break and gives Columbus a timely lift in the playoff chase as MLS roster timing and international clearance continue to shape both teams’ short-term plans.