The Colorado Rapids set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding defensive midfielders and a lone striker up top. Following is a breakdown of their roster.
Goalkeeper:, 25, will start the season in goal for Colorado while iconic U.S. international , 37, recovers from a serious groin injury that ended his 2016 season. MacMath led MLS in goals-against average in 2016, while Howard was a finalist for MLS goalkeeper of the year. With third-string keeper , 26, nursing a wrist injury, it’s possible trialist Cody Mizell, 25, could break camp as MacMath’s backup.
Central defense: Colorado returns starters Axel Sjöberg, 25, and , 25, along with , 32, who started 16 games last season. The 6-foot-7 Sjöberg provides strong clearances on aerial threats and is a prime target on set pieces in the attack. He was named to MLS Best XI last year, leading Colorado’s league-best defense. The Rapids traded defender Joe Greenspan, 24, to expansion Minnesota United FC this offseason, but signed homegrown center back Kortne Ford, 21, who helped leadUniversity of Denver to the NCAA College Cup last year.
Fullback: The Rapids will look to have their fullbacks push up into the attack and provide service into the box. , 32, had a breakout season in 2016, making 27 starts. He showed an ability to deliver quality crosses from the left side. , 24, emerged last year as the Rapids primary option at right back, but also made appearances in central defense. Colorado also has good options in , 26, and , 23.
Defensive midfield: Captain , 30, partnered with , 29, a year ago and both excelled at breaking up plays, intercepting passes and defending counterattacks. The Rapids signed box-to-box midfielder Bismark “Nana” Adjei-Boateng, 22, this offseason from Manchester City, and he will compete for time in central midfield.
Attacking midfield: Significant roster subtractions were made. U.S. international , 35, who played the No. 10 role when healthy, was traded to . Playmaker Marco Pappa, 29, and veteran attacker , 33, left via free agency. , 26, has featured as the primary option this preseason as the playmaking central midfielder. Shkëlzen Gashi, 28, Colorado’s leading scorer last year, is the team’s best option on the left wing, but could be spelled by the speedy Dominique Badji, 24. Gashi also played the No. 10 role at times last season. On the right wing, , 22, is primed for a breakout season, using his speed and playmaking ability. Homegrown winger Dillon Serna, 22, is close to a return from a season-ending ACL injury last year. Homegrown rookie Ricardo Perez, 21, provides depth.
Striker: Colorado will look for its lone striker to hold the ball up, play with his back to goal, create space for teammates, and get on the end of crosses in the box. Irish international Kevin Doyle, 33, is the Rapids primary option at center forward. Offseason free-agent signing Alan Gordon, 35, provides the Rapids a like-for-like replacement for Doyle, something they lacked last year. , 20, who made his MLS debut last year, has had a strong preseason.
Projected opening day lineup
GK – Zac MacMath
DF – Marc Burch
DF – Axel Sjöberg
DF – Jared Watts
DF – Eric Miller
MF – Sam Cronin (c)
MF – Micheal Azira
MF – Dominique Badji
MF – Dillon Powers
MF –Marlon Hairston
FW – Kevin Doyle
