Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids is an American professional soccer club founded in 1996, based in Commerce City, Colorado. The team plays their home matches at Dick's Sporting Goods Park and competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of American soccer. As a founding member of MLS, the Rapids have been competing in the league since its inception and have established themselves as a consistent presence in the Western Conference over their twenty-eight seasons of existence.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Colorado Rapids entered their twenty-eighth season in 2023, maintaining their status as one of the original Major League Soccer franchises. The club has been a continuous participant in MLS since the league's formation, representing the state of Colorado in the Western Conference of American professional soccer.
Most recent season and achievements
The 2023 season marked another chapter in the Rapids' ongoing MLS journey. The club entered the season looking to improve upon their 2022 performance, when they finished 10th in the Western Conference and 18th overall in MLS, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
History
Current period
In recent years, the Rapids have faced challenges in maintaining competitive consistency. The 2022 season saw disappointing results across multiple competitions, including early exits from both the CONCACAF Champions League and U.S. Open Cup. The team was eliminated by Comunicaciones F.C. in the round of 16 of the Champions League and knocked out by Minnesota United FC in the round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup. Additionally, they lost the Rocky Mountain Cup to regional rivals Real Salt Lake.
Traditional Rivals
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake serves as a significant rival for the Colorado Rapids, with the two clubs competing for the Rocky Mountain Cup, a regional trophy that represents supremacy in the Mountain West region of American soccer.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Stadium
The Colorado Rapids play their home matches at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, located in Commerce City, Colorado, which serves as the club's primary venue for MLS competition and other tournaments.