On the eve before one Kroenke Sports and Entertainment team was set to begin its quest for a first Larry O’Brien trophy, another team in the organization lost its sixth consecutive game to hit rock bottom of the Major League Soccer standings.
After the Rapids 3-2 loss in Columbus Wednesday and results went final elsewhere, the team was first-place in a race no MLS team wants to compete for: The Wooden Spoon — “awarded” at the end of the season to the team’s supporters with the worst record in the league. The Nuggets are looking to win one of the most arduous trophies in all of sports. The Rapids, meanwhile, are looking to avoid one of the more humiliating ones at all costs.
Despite the downturn in results, coaches and players alike were forthcoming Wednesday and here are takeaways from the loss, plus where the Rapids (2-8-6, 12 points) are at as a whole.
Robin Fraser is going through it
Even in the year-plus since Fraser signed a contract extension through 2025 after the triumphant 2021 campaign, it’s hard to have predicted the hand the Rapids head coach has been dealt.
A serious lack of depth by way of countless injuries (a league-high seven on Wednesday), an ongoing investigation into alleged match manipulation scandal and not seeing out games for the full 90 minutes — that’s just what he and his staff have faced over the last month. Wednesday, he recalled going through some difficult times with Chivas USA, his first and highly-tumultuous head coach gig. He also admitted it’s the toughest challenge he’s faced since arriving in Commerce City.
“I think itap kind of a perfect storm for us,” Fraser said. “Itap a difficult time. Is it the most difficult? I’m not really sure and I can’t really remember that clearly all those years ago (with Chivas USA). But certainly for the time I’ve been here itap by far the most difficult time.”
For fans looking to the organization to force a change, KSE will not act unless it is wholly necessary. Case in point: Michael Malone or Jared Bednar reached the top of the coaching pinnacle and achieved success as a result of the organization remaining patient.
“When you go through a string of results like this, people aren’t the same with zero losses as they are with six losses, and the problem is you start to question yourself and you start to have doubt. And thatap the thing that we can’t allow is for the guys to stop believing,” Fraser said. “… The key really for us, I think, is to keep pointing out the things that we’re doing well. And itap just very fine margins for us right now.”
Cole Bassett expects more accountability
The Littleton native’s return to the Rapids has been hampered by a hamstring injury. While didn’t dull the sting of a loss, he’s looking to everyone, including himself, to be more accountable.
“These two week have sucked,” Bassett said. “Every three days coming back pissed is not how want to be. … Each and everyone of us has to hold our own selves accountable to do more. … As the season goes along, we’re gonna have to start winning games at the same rate we’re losing them right now.”
Colorado will get a chance to get its first win at home at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against a revived San Jose Earthquakes organization and squad which is currently fifth in the West.
MLS having dialogues about improvements
To make off-the-field matters more glaring, on Tuesday, Inside Rapids, an anonymous fan account the league office was “heavily encouraging or perhaps even mandating” improvements to DSGP training facilities and players had allegedly filed grievances with the Players’ Association.
The Post reached out to confirm the veracity of the report. The Rapids installed new turf on the training pitch and stadium field, in addition to making several in-stadium renovations. The club issued, in part, the following statement.
“We are in the midst of a series of renovations to our team’s facilities at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. … Further upgrades and renovations to the facility will be carried out into 2024 and we have engaged external consultants to undertake a feasibility study with the aim of determining the best approach to meet our training and performance needs. We will continue to have ongoing dialogue with the League Office regarding our facility renovations, planned improvements and feasibility study.”
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