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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The 2018 season was one of growing pains for the Colorado Rapids, finishing second to last in the Western Conference with 31 points in 34 games – the worst total for a 34-game season in club history. That, along with a couple lengthy winless spells, was just one of the many growing pains under then first-year head coach Anthony Hudson.

In 2019, Colorado is looking forward, not just on the calendar, but in the team’s tactics. With a focus on attack, the Rapids spent the offseason adding several proven MLS goal scorers, with Kei Kamara, Diego Rubio and Benny Feilhaber being among the more notable names brought in.

Will it be enough to push them over the hump and into the MLS Cup playoffs? The regular season will bring the answer to that question, with the Portland Timbers providing the initiation.

Rapids face defending Western Conference champ Portland Timbers

When: March 2, 6:00 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. ET

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Broadcast: TV — Altitude-Comcast Channel 25, Dish 413, DirecTV 681; RADIO – Altitude 92.5 FM (KKSE), 950 AM

Live stream: ESPN+

The buzz:  Colorado’s abysmal 2018 campaign prompted mass changes from Rapids vice president and general manager Padraig Smith, who sought out to sign proven attacking options and players with MLS experience.

There are few challenges harder than Colorado’s first regular-season test. The Portland Timbers won the Western Conference Championship last season before bowing out to MLS Cup winner Atlanta United. Normally, altitude could be on the Rapids’ side entering a match like this, but having spent the entire preseason at lower elevations, it could be equally challenging for the home side.

 

Colorado’s coach and front office touted 2018 as “playoffs or bust,” but failed to deliver. In year two, the same sentiment holds even more true, particularly for Hudson, who could find himself in the hot seat should the Rapids’ improved roster fail to deliver results in an expanded playoff format.

Other key matches

May 11 & Aug. 24 vs./at Real Salt Lake – The Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry matches, along with the corresponding trophy are always important to supporters of both Colorado and Salt Lake. Last season, Colorado was dominated in the Rocky Mountain Cup series, outscored 11-2 in three matches, including a record breaking 6-0 home loss at home in late August.

Taking back the Rocky Mountain Cup, which Colorado has only one once in the past five seasons and twice in a decade, will be an important step for both Anthony Hudson and the club to win back supporters.

July 4 vs New England Revolution – The Fourth of July game is always an important one for Colorado as a home match that always sells out (partly due to the postgame fireworks). But this year’s edition is set up to be a classic. Aside from the clever scheduling of the Revolution, there are real personal rivalry implications. Left back and former USMNT teammate of Tim Howard Edgar Castillo was shipped to New England in a three-way deal which brought Diego Rubio to the Rapids, and could have something to prove in his return to Colorado. Additionally, there seems to be some lingering bad blood between former USMNT keepers Howard and Brad Friedel, the Revs’ head coach.

Check out the full 2018 schedule here.

Quotes & Notes

“I’m never going to be totally content. It’s been a strange preseason because of niggly injuries. I always feel uncomfortable by that. I never feel fully ready when we’ve not had a real preseason like that. This week is about recovering the lads and feeling fresh. Fitness-wise I feel like a few of us need to get 90 minutes under our belt, so that will come.” — Anthony Hudson

“It’s going to be a long season, but I think we’re ready. It’s been a good preseason. Everyone’s been working so hard, but it’s never easy. We just can’t wait to kickoff next week at home in front of our home crowd.” — Kei Kamara

Colorado Rapids Week 1 Injury Report

Biggest offseason moves

Acquired right back Keegan Rosenberry from the Philadelphia Union Acquired former Whitecaps/Revolution/Crew striker Kei Kamara in expansion draft deal Traded backup keeper Zac MacMath to Vancouver in exchange for Nicholas Mezquida Re-acquired goalkeeper Clint Irwin via trade with Toronto FC. Drafted attacker Andre Shinyashiki from the University of Denver in first round. Added two Homegrown signings, 21-year-old defender and Wake Forest product Sam Raben and 18-year-old forward Matt Hundley, from UCLA. Sent left back Edgar Castillo to New England in a three-way deal which sent Kelyn Rowe to Sporting Kansas City and landed attacker Diego Rubio in Colorado. Locked up Kellyn Acosta, Keegan Rosenberry and Rubio to long-term deals with three-year contract extensions.

Roster breakdown

Forwards – Shkëlzen Gashi, 30, Niki Jackson, 23, Kei Kamara, 34, Diego Rubio, 25, Andre Shinyashiki, 22, Matt Hundley, 18.

Midfielders – Kellyn Acosta, 23, Bismark Adjei “Nana” Boateng, 24, Cole Bassett, 18, Benny Feilhaber, 34, Nicolas Mezquida, 27, Sam Nicholson, 24, Jack Price, 26, Johan Blomberg, 31, Dillon Serna, 24.

Defenders – Kortne Ford, 23, Sam Raben, 21, Keegan Rosenberry, 25, Axel Sjoberg, 27, Tommy Smith, 28, Danny Wilson, 27, Sam Vines, 19, Deklan Wynne, 23.

Goalkeepers – Tim Howard, 39, Clint Irwin, 29, Andre Rawls, 28.

See full roster details here.

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Few can argue that Wayne Rooney has been a success on the pitch since joining DC United from Everton last year. Manchester United and England’s record goalscorer revitalised his club’s fortunes in 2018, inspiring them to a 14th postseason appearance in their history. Their quest for the MLS Cup final ended in a penalty shoot-out […]

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It is all change in Major League Soccer as the new season looms. FC Cincinnati have arrived to grow the league to 24 teams, while Copa Libertadores finalist Guillermo Barros Schelotto is in at Los Angeles Galaxy. Columbus Crew are staying put in Ohio, but they have new owners, a new general manager and a […]

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The post MLS 2019: Champions Atlanta face competition in new-look league appeared first on Soccer News.

Nicolas Gaitan will move from Dalian Yifang to Chicago Fire, the Chinese Super League club have announced. The 31-year-old’s arrival has not yet been confirmed by Fire, but the deal is expected to be announced soon. Gaitan joined the CSL outfit in February last year from Atletico Madrid and made 28 appearances last season, scoring twice. The former […]

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Jozy Altidore has signed a new Toronto contract running until the end of the 2022 season, the club announced on Thursday.  The 29-year-old United States international joined Toronto from Sunderland in January 2015, returning to MLS after nearly seven years abroad. He has starred as a designated player for Toronto, contributing 60 goals and 20 assists in […]

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Jozy Altidore has signed a new Toronto contract running until the end of the 2022 season, the club announced on Thursday.  The 29-year-old United States international joined Toronto from Sunderland in January 2015, returning to MLS after nearly seven years abroad. He has starred as a designated player for Toronto, contributing 60 goals and 20 assists in […]

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The post Altidore signs three-year extension with Toronto appeared first on Soccer News.

When talking about players whose careers have been derailed by injuries, one of the first names that come to mind in recent memory is the one of Giuseppe Rossi. The Italian-American forward began his career as one of the most promising Academy graduates from Manchester United, but he never lived up to his potential and […]

The post Giuseppe Rossi Would Be A Great Addition To The MLS appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Giuseppe Rossi Would Be A Great Addition To The MLS appeared first on Soccer News.

According to a recent report from ESPN, Ricardo Quaresma’s wage demands have led to Toronto FC going off the idea of signing him. The 35 year old appeared to be set for one final big payday over in Major League Soccer in North America, but it seems like he may have taken things one step […]

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The post Quaresma wage demands stop Toronto move appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids bolstered their defensive depth Monday ahead of their season opener, announcing the signing of former D.C. United centerback Kofi Opare. It was a move originally reported by Stephen Goff of the Washington Post, but later refuted by Opare on social media.

Nonetheless, Opare had been spotted throughout the preseason on teammate’s social media posts and on the Rapids’ official lists of camp invitees.

Initially drafted by LA Galaxy out of Michigan in 2013, the 28-year-old has 62 league starts over the past four seasons with D.C. United, despite undergoing two surgeries, including one on a foot injury that ended his 2018 campaign.

“Kofi is a talented centerback who will help bring depth and experience to our back line,” said Rapids executive vice president and GM, Pádraig Smith said in a release. “He has spent the majority of preseason training with the team, so he has already integrated himself into our group and has adapted well to our style of play and tactics.”

As a dual citizen of Ghana and the United States, Opare joins Colorado as a domestic player.

The post Colorado Rapids officially add former D.C. United defender Kofi Opare appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

CARSON, Calif. — In their last preseason test, the LA Galaxy fell 3-1 to the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy were without several key players. Sebastian Lletget, Juninho, Perry Kitchen, Giovani dos Santos and Jonathan dos Santos were all listed as unavailable for the contest. Such an early test of the team’s depth chart, especially in the midfield, could be helpful for new head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who may need to practice roster rotation later in the season as the pressure of a crowded schedule increases.

In the 15th minute, goalkeeper David Bingham was substituted out after taking a shot directly to his face. Matt Lampson took his place for the remainder of the game. There was no update available on Bingham’s status immediately after the match, but he did leave the field walking on his own.

Colorado Rapids forward Kei Kamara, an offseason addition from the Vancouver Whitecaps, scored the game’s first goal in the 42nd minute, beating Galaxy defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a header. Minutes later, Kamara defended a dangerous opportunity for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Diego Rubio, who also joined the Rapids this offseason, doubled Colorado’s lead in the 69th minute after beating Galaxy defender Daniel Steres to the ball and chipping it right over Lampson’s head into the back of the net. Colorado’s general defensive style of play received a notable upgrade with the addition of MLS-tested firepower.

Pressure was mounting for the Galaxy, who responded to a vocal crowd at Dignity Health Sports Park. Ibrahimovic found a response for nervous Galaxy fans in the 77th minute, cutting the deficit in half with a header goal over Colorado defender and Swedish compatriot Axel Sjoberg.

Rubio essentially silenced hopes of a comeback for Los Angeles with a goal in the 85th minute. Colorado forward Andre Shinyashiki capitalized on a mistake from Daniel Steres and made an easy pass to Rubio to put it in the back of the net, giving Colorado the 3-1 lead it held until the end of the match.

An offseason front office overhaul and roster moves will take time to show fruit on the field, but the Galaxy have run out of time to practice team chemistry without consequence. The Galaxy open their 2019 MLS campaign next Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, hosting the Chicago Fire at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The post LA Galaxy fall 3-1 to Colorado in last preseason match appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids enter the 2019 season on the back of an extensive roster overhaul and the team’s front office is hoping it will pay off not just this season, but for the long-term future of the club.

The Rapids announced three-year contract extensions for midfielders Kellyn Acosta and Diego Rubio, as well as defender Keegan Rosenberry on Wednesday.

“We are pleased to announce contract extensions for these three key players,” Rapids executive vice president and GM Pádraig Smith said in a club statement. “We targeted these players over the past 12 months and in Kellyn, Keegan and Diego we have players who have a demonstrated track record of production in MLS and who fit our style of play perfectly.  As they enter their prime we believe they will be key contributors for us in the coming years.  These deals demonstrate our club’s commitment to investing in talented young players and building a strong core, and highlight the confidence that these players have in our future.”

Acosta has been lauded as a key piece to the Rapids’ future since joining the club last summer from FC Dallas, contributing two goals and three assists in 12 MLS matches last season. Previous reports outline that Acosta’s re-structured deal could pay him upward of $800,000 per season.

“I’m excited to stay in Colorado and continue our push to win another MLS Cup,” said Acosta. “We’re building something special here and I want to thank the Rapids for believing in me and making me part of the long-term future of the club.”

Rubio, 25, joined the Rapids from Sporting Kansas City in a three-way deal which also sent left back Edgar Castillo to New England and midfielder Kelyn Rowe to SKC.

In 20 appearance with Kansas City last season, Rubio averaged 0.92 goals per 90 minutes, a stat which rivaled top strikers in MLS such as Josef Martinez (0.96) and Zlatan Ibrahimović (0.92).

“I’m very happy that the club trusts in what I can do,” said Rubio. “We have a strong group here and I am focused on delivering the goals we need to help us achieve our aim of bringing another MLS Cup back to Colorado.”

Rosenberry, 25, spent the entirety of his professional career with the Philadelphia Union before joining Colorado in December in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money, $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and an additional $100,000 in GAM for the 2020 season. Philadelphia will also receive an additional $100,000 in GAM for the 2020 season, should the defender reach specified performance metrics.

“I’m excited about the future here with the Rapids,” said Rosenberry. “I believe in what we’re building and I’m ready to get to work and play in front of the Rapids supporters for years to come.”

A 2016 MLS All-Star, Rosenberry was recently selected along with Acosta to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s recent January camp.

Both Rubio and Rosenberry signed three-year extensions effective with the 2020 season. The Rapids will kick off their 2019 campaign against the Portland Timbers at home on March 2.

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The Colorado Rapids will reportedly make a sizable investment in the midfield by re-signing Kellyn Acosta to a three-year deal.

Acosta’s new contract will pay him an average of $800,000 per season, according to an MLSsoccer.com report. Colorado will use Targeted Allocation Money to buy down Acosta’s new salary because it’s higher than the league maximum, the report said.

In addition, the new deal includes club options for 2022 and 2023.

Acosta, 23, joined the Rapids last July after being acquired from FC Dallas, where he spent the first five years of his professional career. He scored two goals and added five assists in 2018 and continued earning call-ups to the United States men’s national team.

MLSsoccer.com reported in January that Colorado turned down two transfers worth $3 million and $3.5 million from an unnamed club in the English Championship for Acosta’s services.

Acosta and the Rapids kick off the 2019 MLS season March 2, when they host the Portland Timbers in Commerce City, Colo.

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Former Manchester United winger Nani has joined Orlando City on a three-year deal, the MLS outfit announced on Monday. Portugal international Nani arrives in Orlando as a designated player on a free transfer from Portuguese side Sporting CP. The 32-year-old, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at United, […]

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The post Nani joins MLS side Orlando appeared first on Soccer News.

Orlando City have confirmed the signing of Luis Nani. The MLS side have officially stated that they have reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of the Portuguese winger on a free transfer. He has signed a three-year contract and will join the club as a Designated player. City SC EVP of Soccer […]

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