Zack Steffen, goalie for Rapids, has shifted his mindset and is now solely focused on playing.

Let go of the overthinking. Put aside the Copa América. Tune out the distractions. In a crucial penalty shootout against Club León, Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen was in the zone. He blocked out everything and focused solely on the task at hand.

It was a remarkable display of skill and concentration, as Steffen made two crucial saves to secure a victory for his team. But this was just the latest in a string of impressive performances for the 29-year-old. In fact, in the previous game against FC Juárez, he had outdone himself with eight saves, solidifying his position as the best player on the field.

One particular save stood out in the match against Juárez. In the 74th minute, as the game was hanging in the balance, Steffen faced a breakaway by forward Diego Valoyes. With his quick reflexes and impeccable positioning, Steffen managed to keep the ball out of the net and maintain the Rapids' lead. It was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.

For Steffen, it was all about staying focused and playing the game. He expressed his joy and gratitude for being able to do what he loves, and his determination to maintain his consistency and perform at his best every time he takes the field.

In the past, Steffen would often get caught up in overthinking and analyzing every aspect of his game. He would worry about his footwork, positioning, and other technical details, which would affect his performance on the field. But after a series of discussions with his goalkeepers coach, Chris Sharpe, Steffen made a conscious effort to declutter his mind and just trust his instincts.

The turning point for Steffen came when he was not selected for the Copa América roster in June. It was a tough blow for him, and it weighed on his mind throughout the summer. But it also gave him the opportunity to reset and focus on the present, rather than dwelling on the past. Sharpe also played a crucial role in helping Steffen regain his mental clarity and rediscover his love for the game.

As Sharpe explains, it is natural for players to overthink and doubt themselves, especially when adapting to a new team and style of play. But he encouraged Steffen to have fun and play like a child who loves the game, and the results have been impressive.

Since the start of the Leagues Cup, Steffen has been in top form, making incredible saves and putting his body on the line for his team. He has quickly become a fan favorite, and his performances have silenced the critics who had doubts about his abilities.

While statistics play a role in evaluating a player's performance, there are also intangible qualities that cannot be measured. Steffen brings leadership, communication, and a unique style of play to the Rapids, making him a valuable asset to the team. And with each game, he is gaining more confidence and proving his worth to his teammates and coaches. All he had to do was let go of the overthinking and just play the game he loves.

As the Rapids continue their journey in the Leagues Cup, Steffen will once again be in goal, ready to make crucial saves and lead his team to victory. And as long as he stays focused and trusts his instincts, there is no doubt he will continue to be a key player for the Rapids. As Steffen says, the noise and criticism will always be there, but he chooses to focus on what he can control and let his performance on the field speak for itself.

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