COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Diego Rubio has been on a tear for Colorado Rapids, but has yet to score a goal that has been the difference of late. He was the difference on Saturday night as the Rapids played host to the San Jose Earthquakes.
Diego Rubio Goal Sees Colorado Rapids Past San Jose Earthquakes
This was the second time in two weeks that these teams have played, with the Quakes winning at home 3-1 late last month. The rematch started in similar fashion with San Jose possessing the ball and attacking on the flank. Just five minutes in captain Chris Wondolowski sent a shot off the post that goalkeeper Clint Irwin was able to collect.
The sides battled on the wings as Shea Salinas and Tommy Thompson attacked down their flank. Colorado was in a defensive mid-block and counter attacked with Sam Nicholson and Nick Lima battling.
Wondo missed a sitter in the 27th minute, skying a low pass over the bar from inside the six yard box.
Kellyn Acosta opened the scoring, surprisingly just before halftime. Diego Rubio won the ball at the top of the box. Acosta took a shot at the top of the box. It was well placed accuracy wise but Daniel Vega got a touch to it and it snuck in off the post.
The half ended 1-0. Kamara set a shot off the post on a header in the 60th minute. The Quakes finally got on the board two minutes later. Magnus Eriksson sent a cross in. Lalas Abubakar intercepted, but fell down on the sequence. Danny Hoesen tapped the ball to Vako who shot first time and scored.
With both teams going for it, Diego Rubio scored in the 73rd minute, his sixth goal in eight appearances. Keegan Rosenberry got into the attack and found Rubio at the top of the box, who beat Vega with a shot to the bottom right corner.
The visitors couldn’t create much in the final 10 minutes. The match ended 2-1.
? DIEGO. RUBIO. IS. ON. FIIIIIRRRRRE ?#Rapids96 | #COLvSJ pic.twitter.com/hU1ThHJs7N
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 11, 2019
Three Takeaways:
Acosta attack: Wearing the armband in this game, Acosta scored just his second goal of the year. The midfielder was outspoken about his desire to contribute more in the attack. The strike wasn’t his best, but it’s hard to argue with the result.
Quakes sliding This is the second game in a row San Jose has dropped point. Last week they drew Columbus Crew SC 1-1 from a winning position. The team’s energy faded a bit in the final 20 minutes. Perhaps the man-marking system has the squad a bit winded.
Haunted woodwork Both No. 9s hit the post in this game, as others stepped up to score the goals. Kamara and Wondolowski had good efforts but are probably upset at not finishing their chance(s).
