Season Preview: COLORADO RAPIDS

Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season Preview. This season, I'm giving each team their own individual preview, allowing you to read about the clubs you want to, and skip those you have no interest in. I of course suggest you read them all, but understand that some clubs just aren't as sexy as others. So, without further ado, here is my MLS Season Preview for... The Colorado Rapids



IN:
F Caleb Calvert (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
D Michael Harrington (12/8/14 - trade from Portland)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - trade from New England)
D Bobby Burling (12/10/14 - Waiver Draft)
GK Zac MacMath (1/6/15 - loan from Philadelphia)
D Axel Sjöberg (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
M Marcelo Sarvas (1/15/15 - trade from LA Galaxy)
M Sam Cronin (1/19/15 - trade from San Jose)
M Lucas Pittinari (1/31/15 - loan from Belgrano)
M Juan Ramirez (2/20/15 - transfer from Argentinos Juniors)
M Nick Labrocca (2/27/15 - re-signed)
M Carlos Alvarez (2/27/15 - re-signed)



OUT:
M Brian Mullan (retired)
D Gale Agbossoumonde (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Davy Armstrong (11/25/14 - option declined)
F Edson Buddle (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Kamani Hill (11/25/14 - option declined)
M Nick LaBrocca (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Thomas Piermayr (11/25/14 - option declined)
D Grant Van De Casteele (11/25/14 - option declined)
GK Joe Nasco (12/8/14 - traded to New England)
F Dimitry Imbongo (12/8/14 - option declined)
F Geoffrey Castillion (12/8/14 - option declined)
M Tony Cascio (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
F Danny Mwanga (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to Orlando City)
D Marvell Wynne (12/18/14 - Re-Entry Stage 2 Draft)
D Chris Klute (1/16/15 - traded to Columbus)
M Jose Mari (1/16/15 - mutual termination)
D Zat Knight (2/2/15 - mutual consent)



MANAGER: Pablo Mastroeni (and his amazing mustache)


The front line of the Rapids is a major question this season, with Kevin Doyle a potential summer addition, but until then, Deshorn Brown looks to be the main man. He has the potential to be a quality MLS forward, but still has a lot to prove, and the first few months of the 2015 season could tell us if a quality addition is really needed or not.

The midfield has been almost completely rebuilt around 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year Dillon Powers, with other young talents like Dillon Serna getting pushed aside as Sarvas, Ramirez, Sanchez, and Pittinari looking to be the preferred starting five in Mastroeni's preferred 4-2-3-1.

The defense, which conceded the most goals of any club last season, looks to be potentially improved, but not much. Quality CB Shane O'Neill looks to be paired with Watts or Sjoberg (pronounced ho-berry), with veterans Harrington and Harriston at fullback. A questionable back line looks to thrown further into question when you consider the potential rotation at keeper behind them. The Rapids took Union keeper Zac McMath on loan, while also having veteran Clint Irwin between the sticks. If either makes the position their own, it could dramatically improve the Rapids fortunes.

One major question coming into 2015, is the longevity, or lack thereof of manager Pablo Mastroeni. While he undoubtably has the greatest mustache in all of MLS, another season of poor results could see the second year coach facing the axe.

2014 Western Conference Finish: 8th
Predicted 2015 Western Conference Finish: 10th


Feel free to check out my other MLS Season Previews, and as always, remember... MLS Matters.