NFL
With all the other news this offseason in Colorado soccer, there is one team that should not be forgotten: Colorado Rapids 2. Yesterday, Colorado Rapids 2 announced their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season schedule. The defending 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference champions will look to build on their success and find consistency season over season. However, they will not enter 2026 with the same roster as 2025.
As of today, Rapids 2 only has 10 players under contract for 2026. Consequently, some players are no longer with the team this season; eight to be exact. Their end-of-season roster updates are below:
Under contract for 2026: Zackory Campagnolo, James Cameron, Josh Copeland, Mamadou Billo Diop, Rogelio Garcia, Grant Gilmore, Charlie Harper, Vincent Rinaldi, Sydney Wathuta, Nathan Tchoumba
Signed First Team Contract: Nico Hansen
Option declined: Anderson Rosa, Matthew “Kofi” Senanou
Loan expired: Antony Garcia
Out of contract: Josh Belluz, Steve Flores, Yosuke Hanya, Malik Pinto
Not only will head coach Erik Bushey need to adjust to key roster changes, but he will also need to adjust to changes in the MLS NEXT Pro schedule format and conference alignment. In 2026, Rapids 2, along with the rest of the league, will play 28 matches over a 30-week span. Each team will play 14 home and 14 away matches, facing each divisional opponent up to three times.
They will also face intraconference opponents to fill out the schedule. Unlike the MLS, there will be no stoppage of play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Decision Day for 2026 MLS NEXT Pro will be September 20th, with all clubs playing on the final day. So, with all that in mind, here are five Rapids 2 matches we look forward to in 2026. Let’s discuss!
Sporting KC II – March 15 – Home Opener
Of course, the home opener makes the list! It will be their third match of the season, but the first home match for Rapids 2 since they won the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Championship. With over 120 days since that match, the Rapidos faithful will be itching to welcome their team back for a new title chase. Colorado won both matches against SKC II last season with an aggregate of 7-1. They will look to continue that dominance in 2026.
Minnesota United FC 2 – April 19 – The Rematch
This will be a big match and a litmus test for Rapid 2. It will be the first time they face Minnesota since the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Championship. Both clubs should be strong contenders for the Western Conference title in 2026. It will be an opportunity for each to see where they stand in this new season. Who will have the early upper hand?
It was Minnesota United FC 2 that had the upper hand last season. Though Colorado won the conference championship match, Minnesota won all three regular-season matches, with an aggregate score of 6-2. For sure, the Western Conference title matters most, but I can safely assume that Coach Bushey will look to win more regular-season games in 2026.
Real Monarchs – May 20 – Rocky Mountain Jr. Cup, Leg 1
The first leg of a derby can be the all-important leg, especially if that leg is on the road. In 2026, the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Jr. Cup will, again, be on the road. In 2025, the Monarchs took the first leg via a penalty shootout (7-6). If Rapids 2 look to win the Cup outright this season, a victory at Zion’s Bank Stadium is essential.
St. Louis CITY2 – August 8 – Late Season Test
For three consecutive seasons, St. Louis CITY2 has been one of the best teams in MLS NEXT Pro’s Western Conference. Respectively, they’ve finished first, second, and fifth in 2025, 2024, and 2023. It’s safe to assume that St. Louis will be tough again in 2026. Rapids 2 only CITY2 once in 2025 in three matches, with an aggregate of 5-5 (the second win for St. Louis was via PKs). A late-season win here could show just how ready Colorado might be for another championship push.
North Texas SC – September 20 – Decision Day
When September 20th rolls around, who knows where Rapids 2 will stand? On Decision Day, Colorado could be fighting for a playoff spot, for a top seed, or for pride. Either way, this will be their last chance to have a positive impact on the regular. I’m sure Erik Bushey will have them ready!
With their season just over a month away, stay tuned to Team NBS for all Rapids 2 news and announcements!
