November 2nd 2024.
The Colorado Rapids' recent 4-1 loss to the L.A. Galaxy in their elimination game was a microcosm of their rollercoaster season. It seemed to follow a pattern of ups and downs, much like their overall performance. The team started off with a fluke goal against them and then rallied back with a spectacular shot that tied the game. However, they ultimately fell short with two late goals conceded.
This trend was evident throughout their season, with a disappointing 4-0 loss in their first game against Portland, followed by a surprising third place finish in the Leagues Cup and an impressive 13-game unbeaten streak at home. But then, they hit a rough patch with seven losses in their last eight games. Despite the tough ending, the Rapids showed determination and resilience in crucial moments, a quality that had been lacking in the previous two years.
The 2024 season brought renewed energy and enthusiasm to the Rapids fan base. As captain Keegan Rosenberry reflects on his first year leading the team, he takes pride in the fact that they were able to reignite the passion of their supporters. After a tough 2023 season and a disappointing early exit in the 2021 MLS Cup playoffs, the fans were hungry for a taste of victory. And the 2024 season, with a new coach in Chris Armas, delivered just that, until the final stretch.
Rosenberry shares that their goal at the start of the season was to win back the fans' support, and he believes they were successful in doing so, even gaining new fans along the way. While they have tangible achievements like winning the Rocky Mountain Cup and placing third in the Leagues Cup, the biggest accomplishment for the team was coming together under new leadership and adapting to a new system and tactics. Such a drastic turnaround in just one year is no easy feat.
For Armas, every day as a coach is a learning experience. He believes that constantly learning about his team, players, and coaching techniques is the key to improvement at any level. And this philosophy was evident in the foundation he helped build for the Rapids. Midfielder Oliver Larraz, who scored a long-range goal against L.A. Galaxy and played a crucial role in the Leagues Cup third-place game, also experienced rapid growth during the season. He was thrown into a starting role early on due to injuries, and over the course of 27 starts and 36 games, he learned the importance of rest and recovery in a long and demanding season.
One of the highlights of the Rapids' season was the revitalization of their culture under Coach Armas, whose urgency and ambitious goal-setting were infectious. The team's willingness to invest in players who made an immediate and consistent impact is also a positive sign. With the recent record-breaking transfer of Moïse Bombito for $7.7 million, the Rapids have the potential to make more big moves in the upcoming off-season.
However, one area that needs attention is the depth of their roster. While the team has made significant progress in terms of culture and performance, they lack firepower on the bench, which becomes a disadvantage against strong opponents. This was evident in their inability to come back from a goal deficit in crucial games. Moreover, with many players playing over 2,500 minutes in the regular season alone, and some even exceeding that in the Leagues Cup, there is a need for rotation and rest to avoid burnout.
Coach Armas acknowledges the need to address this issue and strategize with the management to make necessary tweaks and additions to the roster. But he also believes that the current team has a lot of potential and has achieved many great things. It will be crucial to strike a balance between building on their strengths and addressing their weaknesses to reach their ultimate goals.
As the 2024 season comes to an end for the Rapids, there is a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Despite the disappointing end, the team has made significant progress and shown glimpses of their potential. And just like the sea of burgundy and blue flags that waved passionately in the stands at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, soccer is alive and thriving in the Centennial state once again.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
