Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids: Stopping Rafael Navarro is the priority in MLS week 5

Rafael Navarro has scored two goals in the Colorado Rapids’ opening four games, making the 25-year-old striker the team’s joint-top scorer alongside Darren Yapi. 

Ahead of MLS Week 5, Sporting Kansas City and the Rapids enter the match in contrasting form. Sporting KC are coming off a strong 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy, hitting on the counter-attack twice. The Colorado Rapids, meanwhile, are fresh off a 3-1 road loss to New York City FC. Colorado have taken six points from a possible 12 so far this season, with both wins coming at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The Rapids have struggled away from home, conceding five goals and scoring just once on the road. Even so, they still possess players capable of deciding games, and Navarro sits at the top of that list.

Navarro’s role in Colorado’s attack

Navarro has been a key figure in head coach Matt Wells’ 4-3-3 system, operating as the team’s No. 9. In addition to his two goals, he has contributed one assist this season, underlining his importance to the Rapids’ attack.

He has yet to score on the road in 2026, both of his goals came in Colorado’s 4-1 home win over the LA Galaxy. That performance highlighted how dangerous he can be when given service in the penalty area. Navarro’s assist came against NYCFC a week ago. 

Since joining Colorado in 2023, Navarro has recorded 35 goals and 12 assists in 93 appearances across all competitions. As one of the Rapids’ designated players for 2026, earning approximately $1.4 million, he is expected to deliver consistent attacking output.

A proven threat against Sporting KC

Navarro’s track record against Sporting Kansas City adds another layer of concern. The Brazilian has scored two goals in four all-time meetings with the club. 

However, those individual performances have not always translated into team success, with the Rapids losing three of those four matches, including each of the last three meetings.

That trend may offer some encouragement for Sporting KC, although history can be misleading in MLS thanks to the parity exhibited by MLS.

Where Navarro does his damage

Navarro has scored twice from 14 shots this season, producing an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.97. Both goals came from left-footed finishes, continuing a pattern of efficiency inside the box.

Last season, Navarro scored 12 goals for a Rapids side that missed the MLS Cup Playoffs. His scoring profile was varied: two goals from headers, one from his left foot, and nine from his right. All 12 were scored inside the 18-yard box, reinforcing the idea that Navarro is a classic poacher rather than a long-range threat.

That trend has continued in 2026. Navarro has failed to convert any of his three long-range attempts, with both goals coming from approximately 12 yards or closer. In other words, if he’s scoring, he’s likely doing it from prime positions thanks to crosses or cutbacks. 

How Sporting KC can stop him

Colorado have not consistently supplied Navarro with chances in dangerous areas. He has just 15 touches in the opposition penalty area across four matches, suggesting that limiting service to the striker is the most effective way to reduce his impact. Winning the midfield battle will be key to reducing service to the Brazilian.

For Sporting Kansas City, the defensive task is relatively clear: deny Navarro space in the box and disrupt the Rapids’ ability to play through the lines. That is easier said than done, particularly for a team that has yet to keep a clean sheet this season and has already conceded seven goals in four matches. Wyatt Meyer, specifically, has struggled at times to get touch-tight to forwards. 

Head coach Raphael Wicky could turn to new center-back signing Diego Borges, who is available for selection and may provide a boost defensively. Whether that translates into greater defensive stability remains to be seen.

The challenge for Sporting KC is straightforward. If Navarro is allowed to operate inside the penalty area, he will find chances. If he is kept quiet, the Rapids may struggle to generate enough attacking threat to win.