Football Season Guide

MLS

USA

MLS

2020

Colorado Rapids

In

Younes Namli (att) FC Krasnodar - on loan, Lalas Abubakar (def) Columbus Crew, Auston Trusty (def) Philadelphia Union, Drew Moor (def) Toronto FC, Nicolas Benezet (att) Guingamp, Abraham Rodriguez (gk) Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Out

Tim Howard (gk) retired, Kofi Opare (def) released, Tommy Smith (def) Sunderland, Sam Raben (def) released, Axel Sjoberg (def) Columbus Crew

Colorado's last campaign was largely defined by managerial change. An appalling start to the campaign saw Colorado fail to win any of their first 11 games, conceding 3 or more goals in 6 of those fixtures. Colorado ultimately finished comfortably outside the play offs despite a turnaround under interim coach Conor Casey, then permanent replacement Robin Fraser, the Rapids turned their form round entirely, enjoying a 7 match unbeaten run including 5 wins. Fraser has had the off season to regroup and stamp his identity on the side. He's brought in a trio of experienced MLS defenders in the form of Abubakar, Trusty and Moor. He's also added designated player Younes Namil who will give the team crucial pace and skill out wide. Young players, including rookie of the year Shinyashiki and Vines will likely earn more game time as Colorado look to develop their young squad. Another key loss is legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard who retired at the end of last season. They have the experienced Irwin to step into the spot, who shared goalkeeping duties last season.

Target

Colorado will be expecting to break into the play offs, though silverware may be unrealistic. The team are still a work in progress, with a number of young players oozing promise but note quite fully developed, though Fraser will relish the chance to stamp his identity on the team.