The Colorado Rapids are entering 2015 losing the most players of any MLS team during the offseason. Their 8th place finish in the Western conference was just two points better than last place San Jose. This upcoming season is a definite rebuilding year.
The player losses during the off season are largely on Colorado though. Of the nineteen players Colorado had rights too, there are fourteen that had their options declined, and were not offered contracts or left on mutual consent. It was clearly a move to unload as many unnecessary players as possible and free space for the new blood. It should be noted that two of the players were not on Colorado's 2014 roster, but their rights were owned at the time of declining options.
Roster Loses
Joe Nasco: The 30 year old goalkeeper was traded for two players that were then cut.
Tony Cascio: Selected by Orlando City in the Expansion Draft
Danny Mwanga: Another player selected by Orlando City in the Expansion Draft
Brian Mullan: This long time midfield veteran retired following the 2014 season.
Chris Klute: This young defender was traded to Columbus as part of a draft day swap of picks and allocation money.
Roster Additions
Michael Harrington: A right back with some speed and skill. He's been a starter with both Portland and SKC and looks to have found his way into another starting spot with the Rapids.
Bobby Burling: The former Chivas defender was selected in the Dispersal Draft. He also appears to be a regular starter in for the defense.
Zac MacMath: The Philadelphia goalkeeper is on loan to Colorado for 2015. It is unclear if he will start over Clint Irwin. MacMath is a valuable addition to the roster.
Axel Sjoberg: Colorado traded up to select Sjoberg in the Superdraft. His preseason showing has many expecting him to be the third new defensive starter in 2015.
Marcelo Sarvas: A two time MLS Cup Champion with the LA Galaxy, Sarvas was acquired in a trade which sent the #3 allocation spot and allocation money to the defending champs. He will be a valuable addition in 2015.
Sam Cronin: Colorado sent allocation money to San Jose in exchange for Cronin. Sam will be a valuable addition to the revamped Colorado midfield.
Lucas Pittinari: On loan from Argentine club Belgrano, this midfielder is expected to make an impact. The Rapids have an option to buy his contract at the end of 2015 for $1.5m.
Dominiqu Badji: Another Superdraft pick that is expect to have an impact in 2015. Badji had a great showing at the combine and has looked solid in preseason.
Lineup
Colorado's lineup will look a lot different this season with at least four or five newcomers in the starting lineup. Burling, Sjoberg, Harrington, Sarvas, Pittinari, and Badji all look ready to start in the season opener if called upon. The constant rotation at forward will keep opponents guessing as to what the actual lineup will be, but Gabrielle Torres looks to be a lock at starter.
Irwin
Riley - Burling - Sjoberg - Harrington
Sarvas - Pittinari - Sanchez
Torres -Serna - Badji
Season Outlook
In 2015, Colorado will be aiming to make the playoffs and build some chemistry. If their new look roster can gel quickly, they have the potential to be a threat to any team in the Western Conference in a single game. But with all rebuilding teams, consistency is likely to be an issue which will keep them from going far in the playoffs if they make it at all.
Early Schedule
Colorado has three very winnable games to open the 20th MLS season. They start on the road in Philadelphia. The Union are also looking to rebound from a poor 2014. After a week off, the Rapids will host the MLS newcomers, New York City FC. Playing this talented team before they have enough time to work out all the kinks may be the best thing for Colorado overall. A trip to Houston finished the month. This may be the hardest test in the first three games as Houston has added some real threats to their squad.
Overall Summary
Colorado appears to have made all the right moves heading in to 2015. These moves may not have an immediate payoff, but they are built for success in the long run. Additions like Burling, Sarvas, and Pittinari bring MLS ready players into the mix. Perhaps the smartest and most exciting moves came in the Superdraft though. Both Sjoberg and Badji look like they will be long term MLS stars and ready to start as rookies. Making the playoffs is definitely the goal and a deep run is the hope.