The Colorado Rapids (8-11-6, 30 pts., 7th West) fell 3-1 to the first-place Philadelphia Union (11-8-6, 39 pts., 1st East) on Saturday night at Subaru Park in their final match before Leagues Cup. Rafael Navarro scored his second goal in as many games to give Colorado a first-half lead, but a late surge from the Union sealed the result.
Saturday also marked the debut of the Rapids' Original Green third kit, part of MLS’s Archive Collection celebrating the league’s 30th season.
It was also a milestone night for Cole Bassett, who made his 146th appearance for the club, surpassing Kyle Beckerman (145) for sole possession of seventh-most in Rapids history. His 119th career start tied Paul Bravo for 10th-most all-time. Bassett also surpassed Omar Cummings (10,442) for 10th-most minutes played in club history.
The Rapids pressed quickly in the opening minutes, forcing the Union into rushed decisions in their defensive third. Colorado’s early pressure disrupted Philadelphia’s buildup, setting the tone for a high-tempo start.
Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen was tested twice in the opening 10 minutes but delivered a pair of key saves to keep the match level early.
Philadelphia nearly found the opener off a 22nd-minute free kick, as Bruno Damiani got his head to the delivery inside the box. Steffen reacted quickly to make the save, despite the Union players' appeals claiming the ball had crossed the line. The referee allowed play to continue. Just moments later, Danley Jean Jacques had a dangerous opportunity for Philadelphia, but his shot flew over the bar. In the 28th minute, Colorado appealed for a handball after the ball appeared to strike Olivier Mbaizo’s hand inside the box, but the referee waved play on.
The Rapids found their breakthrough in the 37th minute. A shot from Cole Bassett struck the woodwork and bounced back into play, where Rafael Navarro launched himself for a diving header past Union keeper André Blake to bury the rebound. It was his ninth goal of the season and his second-straight match with a goal, giving Colorado a 1‑0 lead. The finish also moved Navarro past Marcelo Balboa (24) for 12th-most goals in club history.
There was one minute of added time at the end of the first half. Colorado entered the break with the lead, marking the eighth time they’ve led at halftime this season. Steffen finished the half with six saves to preserve the advantage.
There were no changes for either side at halftime, as the Rapids looked to build on their first-half lead.
Homegrown midfielder Oliver Larraz entered the match in the 52nd minute, replacing Josh Atencio as Colorado looked to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
Philadelphia found the equalizer in the 64th minute. Kai Wagner delivered a cross into the box, and Tai Baribo got his left foot on the end of it to redirect the ball past Steffen and bring the match level at 1-1.
Homegrown forward Darren Yapi entered the match in the 74th minute for Calvin Harris, offering fresh energy in the attack as Colorado searched for a go-ahead goal. Eight minutes later, fellow Homegrown Sam Bassett replaced Ted Ku-DiPietro in the closing stages.
Philadelphia struck late to take the lead in the 89th minute. Mikael Uhre found space near the top of the box and slotted a low shot past Steffen to put the home side ahead 2-1.
Uhre sealed the result in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete his brace and secure a 3-1 win for Philadelphia.
The Rapids now shift focus to the 2025 edition of Leagues Cup, opening the tournament at home against Liga MX side Santos Laguna on Thursday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. MT at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, La Invasora, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
