Early vulnerability haunted San Jose as David Brekalo capitalized on Alex Gunn’s oversight to head in Eduard Atuesta’s free-kick just before halftime, giving the visitors an immediate lead.
Winger Ivan Angulo intensified pressure shortly after, scoring again with a low, powerful strike from outside the penalty box, extending the deficit to 2-0 by the 30th minute.
Antoine Griezmann marked his debut for the team following his move from Atlético Madrid with an elegant finish inside the box, capitalizing on a defensive lapse as Gunn disappeared, further widening the scoreline to 3-0 at halftime.
Braian Ojeda, a key Paraguay midfielder, added the final goal via a towering header from a corner in the 73rd minute, completing the visitors’ comprehensive victory.
Goalie Maxime Crepeau, despite his effortless performance, faced relentless attacks, denying rookie Timo Werner, the Germany striker transitioning to San Jose after leaving RB Leipzig, scoring opportunities in multiple one-on-one situations.
Though defeated, Gunn’s squad remains tied for first place in the Western Conference by points with Vancouver Whitecaps, though with a slightly inferior goal differential. Whitecaps, winners of a 4-3 home game against Cincinnati but trailing in the standings due to an upcoming fixture, are now a match ahead.
San Jose, ranked fourth overall, trail Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the league standings. The Colorado Rapids organization’s next challenge awaits on Sunday as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Galaxy, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.
