Centennial 38, the largest organized group of supporters, , voicing concern and disappointment with the team’s trajectory after a 1-5-1 start a year after falling a game short of MLS Cup Final.
Among the concerns voiced in the statement, Centennial 38 listed “troubling events” such as the Rapids’ offseason roster management and the “unbalanced” deal that sent captain and veteran to Minnesota. It also included recent comments from coach to FourFourTwo magazine in which he said the team was looking ahead to 2018.
“You have to start sowing the seeds of 2018 today, so that way you can reap the fruit of all the planning, all the foresight in 2018,” . “So 2018 is critical for us. We’re going to continue doing what we do, but everything is done with the mindset of putting ourselves into position to really be able to utilize all the cap space, all the different transactions we’re making today, in the future.”
In its statement, Centennial 38 called Mastroeni’s comments “particularly concerning, because it gives supporters the impression that being competitive in 2017 is not important to the club.”
The Rapids are in last place in the Western Conference with four points through seven games played. Colorado, which has struggled with injuries and suspensions through its first seven games, have been outscored 11-5 and have only managed to put 16 shots on target this season.
“We expect the club will take the concerns of the fans seriously, and provide a thoughtful response that addresses the things we outlined in our initial statement,” C38 told The Denver Post in a statement. “An open and honest dialogue is the foundation of a healthy relationship. C38 believes it has a good relationship with the Rapids, and we do not doubt that relationship will continue.”
The Rapids had no comment on Centennial 38’s statement when reached Monday morning.
