As we do every year, Burgundy Wave is counting down our 10 most important things to watch for the Rapids this year. Coming in at number 6 is a good summer.
I've never been one for belief in the old 'Rapids Summer Slump' trope that always seemed to be trotted out, since the success of the team never seemed to be inexplicably tied to the Summer performances alone. That changed the past two seasons. It's hard to remember, but in 2012 we weren't actually in full meltdown mode until the Rapids managed to go 0-6-0 in the month of July, which kickstarted the slide to the bottom that we all remember the 2012 season as.
Just about everyone agrees that we've got a brutal schedule to start the season. Colorado plays the reigning Supporters' Shield winners, the reigning Western Conference winners and the current MLS Cup champions in succession. That in mind, we're probably going to need the relatively tame (by comparison) summer to provide the points if the Rapids are going to build a playoff resume before the last minute.
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Matt Pollard 