MLS Charlotte FC

Know Your Foe: Colorado Rapids

April 21, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release


The Colorado Rapids are a founding member of Major League Soccer. As one of the original ten teams, they participated in the inaugural MLS season in 1996 but in that first season ended up finishing last in the Western Conference.

But the following year, they pulled off two upsets, advancing to the 1997 MLS Cup Final but losing to D.C. United. In 1999, they made another final but this time in the U.S. Open Cup but were on the receiving end of an upset when they lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos.

Nevertheless, they made the playoffs the following year in 2000 but weren't able to in 2001. However, in the debut season of their new home stadium, Invesco Field at Mile high, they reached the 2002 MLS Cup Semifinals. And even though they lost, 2002 was a historical year as they swept the players, coaches, and attendance awards.

The ensuing years were a mixed bag on the pitch with the most significant event coming off the pitch when Kroenke Sports Enterprises bought the club in late 2004. In 2007 they built Dick Sporting Good's Park, which opened to worldwide recognition.

In the 2008 season, the Rapids saw a resurgence on the pitch, but still just missed out on the playoffs. But it was in 2010, after many offseason roster moves, the Rapids would finally win that ever-elusive trophy.

They were crowned MLS Cup Champions beating FC Dallas 2 - 1 to win their first so far only trophy in their history. For the next 10 seasons, the Rapids were either not qualifying for the playoffs and if they were, they generally ended in early exits.

But under head coach Robin Fraser, who was hired in 2019, the team was starting to make strides. Last season, in Fraser's third season with the Club, the Rapids finished first in the Western Conference beating out the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in a close contest until the very end.

Present

The Rapids haven't been able to replicate their 2021 season form so far this season. They've won two games, drawn another two, and lost three, and currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference.

Most recently, they've lost back-to-back matches 3 - 1, against FC Dallas and Minnesota United. The Rapids will be looking to get their first win since March 12th back at home against Charlotte FC.

Key Players

Jack Price: The English captain and midfielder is the heart of this Colorado team. He's a set-piece specialist that brings grit, bite, and leadership to a rugged Rapids team.

Diego Rubio: The biggest attacking threat for the Rapids is the Chilean who has notched four goals and one assist so far this season. At his best, he can be one of the top forwards in the league that is capable of punishing any team.

Auston Trusty: The 23-year-old, 6'3 center back had a breakout season last year, establishing himself as one of the better defenders in the league. Trusty is a highly mobile defender who is aggressive, closes down space quickly, and is difficult to beat in 1 v 1s.

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