Tim Howard. (Felipe Dana, The Associated Press)
The Colorado Rapids have not only jumped up the MLS standings this year, they’ve also made a big leap in payroll, according to figures released Thursday by the MLS Players Union. A year after being ranked 17th out of 20 MLS teams, the Rapids jumped to No. 6 overall with an annual payroll of $8.49 million.
Colorado’s payroll increased almost $3.5 million year-over-year. That was led by the acquisition of U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is set to make $2.57 million in guaranteed compensation this season, the 12th highest sum in MLS and the most-ever paid to a Rapids player.
The Rapids also broke the bank for Albanian winger Shkelzen Gashi, who will earn $1.66 million in annual salary. Irish international Kevin Doyle, who was the Rapids’ highest-plaid player last season, now ranks third on the team at $1.12 million.
Colorado got a bargain on U.S. international Jermaine Jones, who is earning $650,000. Last year, Jones made $3,052,500.
The Denver Post has compiled a list of the league’s top earners, MLS team payrolls, and how each team spent its money.
