The Colorado Rapids had quite an interesting swing from the 2021 season to the 2022 season. In 2021, the Rapids surprisingly finished atop the Western Conference with 61 points. Critics around the league believed it was a fluke, and they were bounced in their first match. Last season, they were unable to hit the ground running, and missed out on the playoffs. They also saw their CONCACAF Champions League run end early, in a first round loss to Comunicaciones in penalties. Diego Rubio was a huge bright spot for Colorado, as he bagged 16 goals during the MLS campaign. Gyasi Zardes provided nine goals and Jonathan Lewis scored five times. Their next leading scorer was center back Lalas Abubakar, which probably is not the best sign for an attack. Disappointed with the result of 2022, the Colorado Rapids' front office went out and made massive changes to the squad.
The Rapids definitely need to be in the conversation for one of the best off-seasons so far this year. Quietly, they have moved dead weight and acquired what could be four instant-starters. At this point in MLS, defensive DPs are a rarer sight to see. Most teams use these spots for exciting attackers and midfielders. The Rapids went with the unique route, signing central defender Andreas Maxsø from Brøndby on a Designated Player deal. Connor Ronan, a 24-year-old Irish midfielder from the Premier League's Wolves, also arrived in Colorado this off-season. To sure up the left-back position, they signed Alex Gersbach from France's Grenoble Foot. Along with all three of these, the Rapids also added Kevin Cabral from the LA Galaxy in an intra-league trade. Cabral was not exactly loved by the Galaxy faithful, but he has shown flashes of promise, and the $600k GAM arrival has a fresh start. In addition to these four potentially immediate starters, Cole Bassett returned from his loan at Fortuna Sittard. This means that Colorado may have picked up almost half of their starting XI for the upcoming season. The team is also actively pursuing a goalkeeper that may take Yarbrough's job. Serbian keeper Marko Ilic is heavily linked to the club right now. On the outgoing side of things, Lucas Esteves, Gyasi Zardes, Philip Mayaka, and Felipe Gutierrez are the most notable departures.
The Rapids have the talent to shock some people this season. If Rubio stays consistent up top, with the likes of Cabral and perhaps Barrios, Lewis, or Galvan on the wings, this attack could be dangerous. Connor Ronan will slot into the midfield along with veteran captain Jack Price. The center back position next to Maxsø is currently undecided, it will either go Lalas Abubakar or Danny Wilson's way. Draft pick (No. 3) Moise Bombito from the University of New Hampshire may see some looks as well. Keegan Rosenberry will hold down the right fullback role. There is also some serious depth in this side, from U22 Initiative player Max, to Bryan Acosta, Ralph Priso, and 18-year-old forward Darren Yapi. It may take some time for the chemistry to form, but there is no reason that this team cannot make a run in 2023 and be a force in the West once again.
Projected XI:
GK: Yarbrough
DEF: Gersbach, Maxsø, Abubakar, Rosenberry
MID: Price, Ronan, Cabral, Bassett, Barrios
FWD: Rubio
Off-Season Grade: A
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