Colorado Rapids advanced in the US Open Cup with a 2–0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes, exploiting clinical finishing despite being significantly outshot. Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi scored the Rapids' goals as the home side made their limited opportunities count, registering just six shots with four on target. The Earthquakes dominated possession and created significantly more chances, firing 12 shots with six finding the target, but Colorado's goalkeeper proved decisive with a 50 per cent save rate and 2.0 expected goals conceded, keeping the visitors at bay throughout. The Rapids' 4–3–3 formation proved effective defensively, frustrating San Jose's 4–2–3–1 setup and preventing the away side from converting their territorial advantage into goals. This result epitomises the cup's unpredictability; efficiency trumped volume.