Colorado Rapids 2022 Season Preview

Tom Bogert

2022 Schedule

Strength: Return most of the team that collected 61 points and topped the West last year.
Weakness: That team lacked a go-to goalscorer. So far, so does this one.

Kellyn Acosta: One Acosta in, one Acosta out for the Rapids’ midfield group. Kellyn departs for LAFC in a huge trade worth up to $1.5 million GAM ($1.1 million guaranteed), with the US international finding a new home. Acosta made 79 appearances with Colorado, the first significant signing of their “Rapids Way” directive to develop and acquire young talent.
Cole Bassett: After a few years in the first team, homegrown standout Cole Bassett has signed for Feyenoord on an 18-month loan and purchase option. The deal would be a club record if triggered. He made 72 appearances with Colorado and even made his senior US national team debut in December while he was still a member of the Rapids. A development success story.
Younes Namli: Things never quite worked out for the Rapids’ lone DP as Colorado declined his contract option from Russia’s FC Krasnodar. He only made 28 appearances as the pandemic, injuries and competition limited his impact. Namli quickly signed with Sparta Rotterdam, who are run by former FC Cincinnati GM Gerard Nijkamp.

Bryan Acosta: Bryan Acosta was a DP with FC Dallas but was available in the Re-Entry Draft, where Colorado selected him and negotiated a new deal. He isn’t expected to be a DP, but the Rapids currently have none, so if there’s cap maneuvering that would make it advantageous, he could occupy a spot. The Honduran international was previously with Tenerife before Dallas and has made 60 appearances in MLS so far. He figures to be a regular starter alongside Mark-Anthony Kaye and Jack Price in the midfield.
Max Alves: Colorado’s second U22 Initiative player, the club went down to Brazil again to sign Max Alves. The attacking midfielder is known for dynamic technical quality as well as a solid defensive work-rate. He can play as a No. 10 or even a little bit deeper, pending manager Robin Fraser’s system. The 20-year-old made 10 appearances with Flamengo and 15 with Cuiaba, where he went on loan.
Full roster