It’s hard to miss . The Rapids’ 6-foot-7 Swedish center back towers over his teammates on the training field.
In just his second season in the league last year, Sjoberg anchored the Rapids’ stingy back line and was named to MLS Best XI in 2016, an honor that goes to the top players in the league at each position.
“It was a good feeling,” Sjoberg said of the honor. “Team awards are always more important to me, but as an individual, you always like to be appreciated.”
Now entering his third season in MLS, Sjoberg insists he has an encore in him.
“There are many ways to follow that or top that,” Sjoberg said. “Winning MLS Cup, winning a Supporters’ Shield will top that. On an individual basis, winning MLS defender of the year.”
The Rapids allowed just 32 goals in 34 regular-season games last year, and Sjoberg was a big part of that, helping keep the back four organized and using his big frame to clear aerial balls. The 25-year-old appeared in 31 games in 2016, more than double the 14 he played in as a rookie, and was named a finalist for MLS defender of the year.
“What you don’t see is off the field, the dedication, the work he puts in,” Rapids striker Kevin Doyle said. “He’s got a different frame from most people. Itap difficult to keep it injury free, and he works really hard on that side of it.”
Sjoberg was a bargain for the Rapids last year, something essential for clubs working within the constraints of a salary cap. He earned just $81,000 in his Best XI season, according to figures released by the MLS players union. The Rapids picked up his option for 2017 back in December. Despite his strong season, he was quick to quash any idea that he might be looking to transfer to a club in Europe, where he could potentially earn more money.
“No, I’ve been solely focused on the Rapids and MLS,” Sjoberg said. “I’m very happy here, and for the foreseeable future I see myself in Colorado. I have no problem saying it.”
Sjoberg does have aspirations of playing in Europe, but as a member of the Swedish national team. However, he said he hasn’t spoken with the national team coach as of yet.
“Itap definitely a personal goal of mine to play and represent my country,” Sjoberg said. “I think thatap one of the highest honors you can have as a soccer player, so I definitely want to do that.”
Rapids sporting director said Sjoberg adapted quickly to MLS in his rookie season in 2015, after four years at Marquette University, and he’s shown a great ability to learn quickly.
“We saw a real step forward last year, and we would hope there would be another step forward this year,” Smith said. “Thatap the key thing now to show a level of consistency there.”
