Colorado Rapids forward Jonathan Lewis (7) during a 2023 match at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. Photo: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
The Colorado Rapids were just plain bad last year, winning five games, losing 17 and tying in 12. But, possibly worse, they were boring.
Zoom in: That's how Mitchell Carroll, who covers the team for DNVR, characterized last season's team, which finished dead last in the MLS' Western Conference.
Driving the news: The team will play its first home game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on Saturday against Nashville SC.
- The Rapids lost their season opener 4-1 against the Portland Timbers last week.
Yes, but: There's reason for optimism for the Pids. The team added new players and hired a new coach, and Carroll tells us all they have something to prove after returning to the States from stints in European leagues.
- Head coach Chris Armas previously served as an assistant coach for teams in the English Premier League, the top soccer league in the world.
Between the lines: This is a very young team. The oldest player is captain Keegan Rosenberry, who just turned 30.
What to watch: Here are three new players to keep an eye on:
- Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has played for the U.S. men's national team on 29 occasions and was arguably the club's splashiest signing this off-season.
- Defender Sam Vines, who's from Colorado Springs, and midfielder Djordje Mihailovic are also poised to help the team improve.
What's next: The game kicks off at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $15.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Denver.
More Denver stories
No stories could be found
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Denver.