San Jose Earthquakes lose the match at Pay Pal Park in San Jose to the Colorado Rapids in MLS action Sat Mar 15, 2025 (San Jose Earthquakes X image)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Force Was Not with the San Jose Earthquakes (2-2) as the Colorado Rapids (2-0-2) were able to flood the Silicon Valley 2-1, on Star Wars Theme Night.

San Jose was on the attack early, as they had two shots on goal within the first two minutes of the match.  Their aggression was impressive, but did not lead to any goals during the early moments.

Their defense was stellar, as they did not allow a shot, let alone a shot on goal for nearly 40 minutes,  However, Colorado used patience and was very efficient in their tactics.  They scored on their lone SOG and shot at the 38-minute mark on a timely kick by center midfielder Cole Bennett.  Rapids 1-0 over the home team.

At that point the ‘Quakes were Shakespearean Moment: Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing.  However, that would change before the end of the half.  They were playing at a 12:8 ratio, Shots:S.O.G., and 0 goals to show for their efforts.

At the 45-minute + 1 extra minute, attacking midfielder and newcomer, Cristian Arango converted a one-timer boot to the back of the net off of a corner kick assist by Cristian Espinosa.  The game was tied 1-1 at recess.

The second half was a continuation of the Earthquakes trying to shake things up for their opponent.  Although no scoring opportunities came to fruition.  on the other side of the pitch, Colorado parlayed their efforts into a game-winning goal by striker Calvin Harris.  At the 71st minute the Rapids took the lead for good, even though there were 19 regulation minutes left in the game, with an additional 7 minutes of stoppage time.

Ten minutes after Harris’ goal, Arango received a yellow card for violating the space of a Colorado player performing a free kick.  San Jose still tried to get a second equalizer with the multitude of minutes left in the contest.  Unfortunately for the Earthquakes, their last attempt to tie the game was a header that was easily stopped by the Colorado goalkeeper, Zachary Steffen.

After 90 minutes + 9 more stoppage ticks, the Earthquakes were on the losing end of a one goal game for the second straight week at PayPal Park, 2-1.

The Quakes are next in action in the state of North Carolina, as they take on Charlotte FC, Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.  The Rapids head back to the Rocky Mountain State to host the Portland Timbers on the same date, at 7:30 PM MT.