NFL
By Keith Richards
The 2026 MLS season has been fast and furious. It feels like the season just started, but the Rapids World Cup Break is upon us. After falling to FC Dallas last Saturday, the Rapids now face almost two months before their next match on July 22nd. That’s almost two months before the team sees competitive action again. In these two months of the Rapids World Cup Break, there are some things for Matt Wells and his staff to consider.
Both tactically and on the personnel side, there are a few burning questions regarding this Rapids squad. There are players on loan with purchase options for consideration. The Wells System remains a subject of debate. The depth of certain position groups is a question. We must also talk about the starting goalkeeper. Many, many things to discuss. For today, I’ve narrowed down the list to five things the Rapids are, or should be, considering during the World Cup break.
The Matt Wells System
Not long ago, I discussed whether the Rapids have improved early in the Wells Era. Now, at the Rapids World Cup Break, I think it’s fair to address that again. Through 15 league matches, here’s where the Rapids stand:
- Record – 5-9-1 (3-3-0 at home, 2-6-1 away)
- Points – 16
- Table position – 11th in the Western Conference, out of the playoffs
- Average possession –9% (5th in MLS)
- Goals per match –7 (10th in MLS)
- Goals conceded per match –6 (18th in MLS)
- xG –8 (15th in MLS)
- Shots on target per match –3 (23rd in MLS)
- Touches in opposition box – 320 (22nd in MLS)
So, is there cause for concern, or should there be full-out panic? I think there is some cause for concern, but full-out panic is a couple of steps too far. I’m certain that I’m not the only one who was caught in the moment of the early Rapids’ success. However, given the team’s recent results, I’m reminded that I did pick them to finish 9th this season. Could they finish above 9th? Of course they could! The schedule for the second half of the season is more favorable than the first half.
However, the most important thing to remember is that we’re still in the first season of a soft rebuild. I’m not sure if anyone in the Rapids organization will admit it, but this is a soft rebuild. There are many positives, but there are many areas of improvement, too. Without a doubt, Matt Wells will be looking at Padraig Smith and the front office to address the roster in the Summer Transfer Window. That includes the next area to consider for the Rapids.
Midfield Depth and Capability
Heading into this season, the midfield position group was a hot topic among Rapids fans and analysts. The team sold Cole Bassett to Portland. In addition, they decided not to resign Oliver Larraz. However, the midfield is the position group that Matt Wells believes is their best. In many ways, the assessment of Matt Wells is correct. The midfield has arguably been Colorado’s best position group heading into the Rapids World Cup Break.
There have been surprises in midfield this season. There was skepticism among some surrounding Hamzat Ojediran. Both his price tag and ability were questioned. However, I think we can safely say that The Destroyer has arguably been the best defensive midfielder on the team. Along those same lines, Josh Atencio has improved in the Wells System, as well. Many believed that Atencio was dead in the water. Yet the new gaffer continues to bring more and more out of Atencio in 2026.
Arguably, the biggest surprise of the season is Wayne Frederick. In his short time with the team, Frederick seemed to be going nowhere. However, in just a matter of months, Wayne has gone from odd man out to reliable starter under Matt Wells. His versatility makes it hard to keep him off the pitch in the Wells System. So, then, what’s the issue?
With the physicality of Wells’ system, whether it’s injury or card accumulation, the Rapids found themselves needy at midfield at times before the Rapids World Cup Break. Atencio, Frederick, and Ronan have missed time due to injury. In addition, Hamzat and Atencio missed time due to card accumulation. That’s not even mentioning the extended period that Ted Ku-DiPietro is out. So, with the Summer Transfer Window in mind, does Colorado look for more midfield depth? Naturally, that leads to the next area to consider for the Rapids.
Personnel Decisions
MLS Summer Transfer opens on July 13th, nine days before the Rapids return from break. There are two players we expect to receive heavy interest. The first of those players is Rafael Navarro. Navarro began receiving strong interest from Brazilian clubs as early as the 2025 MLS Summer Transfer window. There were questions about whether he’d last the Winter Transfer window. With how well Rafa has started the season, it’s not far-fetched to believe that interest will increase in two months.
Navarro plays a big role for this team. However, if a Brazilian club makes an offer of $15 million or more, I have a hard time seeing the Rapids turn it down. The same can be said for 18-year-old center back Lucas Herrington. Herrington went from a player who thought he’d be fighting for limited minutes to someone now getting his second consecutive call-up to the Australian senior team.
There were reports that Lucas had interest from Premier League and Championship clubs before coming to Colorado. If Lucas Herrington makes the Socceroos World Cup squad, he will be very attractive to European clubs. It will come down to price. I think the $15 million-or-more range, like Navarro’s, will also be hard to turn down. My gut says he’ll be here through the rest of the season. I don’t believe I can say the same for Alexis Manyoma.
The Colombian winger came to the club on loan with so much promise. However, that promise changed when the coach changed. While Wells does like Manyoma and has faith in him, the production is just not there. The loan for Alexis expires on July 21st, just one day before the season resumes. With a reported purchase price of over $2 million, it’s hard to see Manyoma remaining with the team. That then opens another can of worms.
Let’s assume Rafael Navarro is sold to a Brazilian club. Darren Yapi then moves to center forward. The problem is that Yapi has been Colorado’s best winger. Georgi Minoungou is continuing to improve as he grows into the system. However, if Manyoma is not retained, that leaves just Minoungou and Sealy as your wingers. That will not do. Even if Navarro stays, the winger depth is an issue. There needs to be a bona fide starter who can bring consistent production opposite Darren.
Is Paxten Aaronson a 10?
I think the short answer to that question is no. Aaronson is definitely improving under Matt Wells. At the time of the Rapids World Cup Break, Paxten has eight goal contributions (four goals and four assists). However, Aaronson has looked best when Rafael Navarro is playing more of the 10 role, and Paxten looks more like his natural 8 position.
When Aaronson can play box-to-box and make late runs into the box, he looks fantastic. When he’s asked to be the primary creator, though, that’s when he hasn’t looked his best. Paxten Aaronson definitely is a valuable member of the team. His contributions, when at his best, are valuable. However, the team would be negligent not to explore bringing in a natural 10 in the Summer Transfer Window.
The Goalkeeper Competition
Last, but not least, it’s time we talk about Zack Steffen. Coming into this season, the expectations were high for Steffen. Many of these expectations Zack placed on himself. It’s safe to say that Steffen is not meeting those expectations. I could get into the advanced statistics of what is going wrong with Zack Steffen. I don’t think we need to go that far. Just look at Zack’s demeanor on the pitch. He just doesn’t seem to be himself. To make matters worse, he has a nagging shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined longer. Enter Nico Hansen.
Is Hansen the permanent answer at goalkeeper for the Rapids? I’m not sure I’m ready to say that. However, Steffen’s contract does expire at the end of this season. With that in mind, even with Zack healthy, do you continue to roll with Hansen to see if he’s the future? It’s hard to argue against that. Many would tell you Nico has been the better goalkeeper so far this season.
If Nico Hansen is not what you expect at season’s end, then you can find a new keeper in the winter…unless you can convince Zack Steffen to take a pay cut. Personally, I don’t believe Steffen is a complete loss. However, at nearly $1 million, his salary is too high. If he takes a pay cut on a new contract, something like one year with a team option for another year, with the understanding that the starting goalkeeper is an open competition, I think that can be beneficial for all parties. Good luck convincing Zack of that, though.
Right now, players not invited to camps or to a World Cup roster get 18 days off. Then, teams return for the second preseason. Matt Wells, Padraig Smith, and the front office have many decisions to make. If they make the right moves, the Rapids may surprise many people in the second half of the season.
