NFL
By Keith Richards
Just minutes before the month of August began, the Colorado Rapids would spectacularly flounder out of Leagues Cup 2023 after a 4-1 thrashing from Toluca FC. In fairness, it was a 2-0 match after Diego Rubio’s 91st-minute goal. However, Toluca would close the match by scoring two goals in four minutes. The loss to Toluca and poor performance in the Leagues Cup 2023 proved one thing for Colorado: They’re just not good enough.
Saying the Rapids are just not good enough might be an understatement. Let’s take a look at some of the lowlights of this Rapids’ season to emphasize how they are just not good enough:
• A 3-10-10 record in MLS with 19 points (last in the Western Conference and second to worst in MLS)
• 16 goals scored (last in MLS)
• 30 goals against (last in MLS)
• Home record of 1-4-7 (worst in MLS)
• Not a single player (including forwards) with more than two goals scored in MLS competition
Simply put, it’s just not good enough. It is important to note, however, that there have been numerous roadblocks that Colorado has faced all season. Jack Price was lost to a season-ending injury, Diego Rubio has missed significant time, a key player has been removed from team activities, and players have missed time due to international duty. Neither of the things listed is an excuse. They are contributing factors as to why Colorado has not been good enough. However, there are other reasons as to why the Rapids are just not good enough.
Despite the abysmal goal difference of -14, the defense hasn’t necessarily been a reason why the Rapids are not good enough. The defense is not without fault. There have been numerous times when the defense’s play has cost the team. However, those times have not been significant factors as to why the Rapids are not good enough. In fact, William Yarbrough and the defenders have seven clean sheets to their name. The issue is the Colorado attack.
As mentioned above, there is not a Colorado forward that has more than two goals. Not a single one. It’s just not good enough. Many questioned the team’s decision to let Gyasi Zardes walk. In 21 matches with Austin FC, Zardes has scored six goals. In 26 matches with Colorado last season, Gyasi had nine goals. To seemingly replace Zardes, the Rapids traded for Kevin Cabral and anointed him with the valuable Designated Player tag. Cabral is just not good enough this season.
So far this season, Kevin has played in 20 matches. From those matches, Cabral has 13 total shots, two goals, and zero assists. Not good enough. It’s just not. It doesn’t all fall on Cabral, but he’s not lived up to the expectations as the supposed Zardes replacement at 9. As I said, though, it’s not all on Kevin as to why the Rapids are not good enough.
Following the loss to Toluca Monday Night, Rapids attacking midfielder Cole Bassett had some candid, brutally honest thoughts on the lack of attack from Colorado. Bassett mentioned that the loss was the most pissed he’s been all season. Brendan Ploen of the Denver Post asked Cole what made him reach that boiling point. Bassett’s answer was very telling.
Cole stated, “We just haven’t had the best year and it’s not what I’m used to. It’s tough coming into training every day, you know, after these performances and I don’t think it’s that we don’t have the team, you know? I know we have quality enough players but the players ourselves, we’re not putting together performances well enough for the coaching staff and for the club in general. So, you know, we all have to take ownership.”
Bassett was not looking to place the blame on others either. I asked Cole what he felt he needs to specifically work during the team’s three-week layoff before their next match. He responded, “Yeah, I need goals. I had a couple of chances there to get more. At the same time, just trying to create more stuff in the final third. I don’t think we have enough creative players on the team that are making an impact in the game and changing the game…. Just creativity in the final third and, you know, I think I need to work on over the next couple weeks.”
Cole Bassett was not the only player to give a frank analysis of the attack’s poor play. Diego Rubio, who scored his second goal of the season had very similar things to say, but from a different perspective. Rubio has missed much of this season due to injury. Diego admitted that missing some much time this season has been tough.
When asked by Matt Pollard of Burgundy Wave if this season has been eating him up, Diego stated, “Watching the team struggling out there without you. It’s crazy. I mean, it hurts to be outside, you know? I mean, if we were winning every game I think it would hurt less because at least, you know, I can be someone that I can help outside…be a positive guy. But it hurts more when you’re not winning, you know? I can’t help the team in any way.”
Rubio continued, “People know here inside the facility, you know, that I tried to fight every day to come back as fast as I can…. I tried to do everything since I came here to this team to play every game. And I did it today but, you know, it wasn’t enough. So, that’s what makes me more sad, you know?”
When asked where the team was mentally, Diego Rubio stated, “I mean, to be honest, I’m not gonna lie, but this is tough, you know? It’s tough. I mean, every day you come here you say like we’re gonna turn things around, we’re gonna try to win the next game and it’s not happening. It’s difficult.”
Diego does not feel that all hope is lost though. He would continue to say, “Like I say, I hope with the new players coming, well at least Navarro, I hope at least he helps us, helps us a ton.” Going back to the current squad, Rubio stated, “I think we need to be more objective in terms of we all need to be better…we all need to level up.”
I asked Diego what his thoughts were on Navarro coming to Colorado. Rubio said, “He looks like he can finish, he can hold the ball. So, I hope he can help us and he can get used to the team and the players around him.”
Diego Rubio, though, is not putting all his eggs in the Rafael Navarro basket. He would continue to say, “I don’t think one player is gonna help us. I mean, it’s gonna be good for us, [but] I feel like every player has to raise their level for us. To help [Navarro] acclimatize faster because if we don’t raise the level, it’s gonna cost him too, you know? But I feel like he’s going to be a plus to us, to everybody.”
So, it’s not a secret to either the club or the fans that the Rapids are just not good enough this season. Making the playoffs would be about as easy as summiting K2, but the team is making moves for the future. Bryan Acosta was traded to the Portland Timbers and Anthony Markanich was traded to St. Louis City SC. What does that mean for the Rapids?
It means the Rapids have acquired up to $475,000 GAM over the next two seasons. It also means that the Rapids now have salary cap flexibility to the tune of over $600,000. That could go a long way to filling holes and adding depth to the roster. They have already made moves to acquire Rafael Navarro and Andrew Gutman, but that’s still not good enough.
The front office has to continue to stay hungry and diligent in regards to improving this team. They’re off to a great start, but there is more work to be done. If Padraig Smith and other executives continue on their current path, one day, these Rapids will be good enough.
The Summer Transfer Window closes in just a few days. Be sure to follow Team NBS and myself for the latest MLS and Rapids transfer news. Also, take advantage of the three-week Rapids break and utilize the time to get new gear shipped to you!
