MLS Preview: Colorado Rapids

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Hooligan Soccer

·4 février 2025

MLS Preview: Colorado Rapids

Club History

One of the ten original founding clubs of the MLS, the Colorado Rapids are entering their 26th year. Much like their riparian moniker, the fortunes of the club have ebbed and flowed throughout the years. They may have lost the 1997 MLS Cup Finals to D.C. United, but as the lowest qualifying seed upset a number of stronger sides to get there. The following year, in the U.S. Open Cup finals, they in turn were upset by the non-MLS Rochester Raging Rhinos (yes, that was a real team).

In 2001 they were the best home defensive team in the league, conceding only 8 goals in 15 matches and notching 27 home wins in 28 games. Following a decade of mediocre results, the Rapids won the MLS Cup in 2010 with an extra-time victory over FC Dallas.

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Since 2010, the Rapids have only qualified for the Western Conference postseason six times, a poor record considering the club’s pedigree.

Ownership

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is the sole owner. They also own Colorado sports franchises in basketball (Denver Nuggets) and ice hockey (Avalance), as well as controlling interest in the Premier League’s Arsenal and the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL. Stan Kroenke is estimated to be worth over $10B. Good for him.

Notable Players

Colorado has been around long enough that they have their own Gallery of Honor, which includes the first four players in this list (and others not on it).

Pablo Mastroeni: Most appearances (245) during his stint from 2002-2013. Team captain for many years and head coach (2014-17).
Marcelo Balboa: Defensive stalwart and USMNT star. His bicycle kick won Goal of the Year in 2000. Also a current academy coach.
Conor Casey: All-time leading goal scorer (53); part of the 2010 MLS Cup-winning squad.
Chris Henderson: Key midfielder in early years.
Tim Howard: USMNT legend who ended career with Rapids.

Other Facts

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Their home field is the 18,000-seat Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium (pictured above). At 5,200 feet above sea-level, it is the highest MLS stadium.
Clinched a playoff spot in 2000 with a winning goal in the 97th minute of the final game of the regular season.
Have a derby with Real Salt Lake, the winner of which takes home the Rocky Mountain Cup.
The club’s colors are burgundy (Pantone 202) and sky blue (Pantone 278) The official theme song “Burgundy Sky” is from Scottish band Little Eye (who was fronted by the brother of former player Jamie Smith).

2024 Performance

11W – 9D – 14L with 42 points, 7th in the Western Conference and 12th overall.
Did not advance out of the first round of playoffs, losing to eventual champions LA Galaxy 9-1 over two games. Yikes.

Who to Watch 2025

Zack Steffan: With Zack getting a recent USMNT call-up, he’ll be keen to prove to Poch that he should be the #1 choice. He does that by excelling in the season.
Andreas Maxsø: The Rapids brought in Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy from FC Cincinnati in the same position. With five CBs on the roster, will there be a place for the Danish 30-year old?
Rafael Navarro: A Designated Player and leading scorer in 2024 (15 goals), Navarro has to produce big, once again.
Djordje Mihailovic: With the most scoring contributions on the team (11 goals, 10 assists), fans will hope for larger numbers from the 26-year old attacking midfielder. Also a DP.

First Match

Fans will get to see them host LAFC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup tie on February 18, before the MLS season opener on February 22 visiting St. Louis CITY SC.