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The infrastructure

The Rapids don’t spend big. Colorado is viewed as one of the league’s most analytically driven teams, but the Kroenke famly’s overall level of investment in the team has drawn ire from fans in recent weeks.

Offseason priorities: Hire a coach

This decision will set the direction for the offseason, informing all further personnel decisions. Colorado had success under Robin Fraser in the first two years, but were less pragmatic in 2023, something that exacerbated their talent deficit. The Rapids got torn apart in transition routinely. Expect the approach to be different, regardless of who they hire.

Sign a high-level, creative attacker

The Rapids have a notable lack of match-winners in attack, with Rubio limited to 900 minutes and just one goal, and Navarro getting limited service so far.

Colorado need another chance creator, one who can take the burden off Ronan – he has 5.0 xA this season, good for 20th in MLS. He’s the only Rapid in the top 100. Second on the team is Acosta, who was traded this summer. Neither are players known for their work in the final third.

Sign above-average, consistent MLSers

Teams working with budget constraints absolutely need valuable MLSers, like the Rapids team that was so successful in 2021 around Kellyn Acosta, Auston Trusty, Rosenberry and more.

The league has caught up to this market inefficiency a bit, and the price for proven MLS talent has gone up in trades. Colorado will still need to identify targets, even if the price is going up.