Colorado Rapids Season Preview – Philosophy

Like it or not, the Rapids were never going to get a high-profile, experienced coach this off-season. After Pareja flew the coop, there were fans clamoring for names like the Dely Valdes brothers to get brought in, or at least guys with some experience like John Spencer or Robin Fraser. At the same time, those fans were bemoaning another change in playing style that would come with a new coach. Colorado quickly made it clear that a new style wouldn't be a worry.

The Rapids have, from the front office down, what they've called a 'team-wide philosophy'. They're taking the core elements of what Oscar Pareja brought to town and keeping them, similar to what Real Salt Lake have done despite the departure of Jason Kreis. Just like how Salt Lake were never going to bring in an experienced manager with his own style of play, the same was naturally going to be true for the Rapids. There is a difference in our case, of course. It's a bit harder to swallow that the team is going all-in on a philosophy that really only worked for half a season when Salt Lake have an MLS Cup and no fewer than four other trophies that they just barely missed out on (tee hee) as incentive to keep Kreis' style around.

But what is 'The Rapids' Way'?

Formation & Style

It is dazzling to watch when it works out and it should make the Rapids one of the most fun teams in the league to watch regardless of where they are in the standings. To call it a 'possession' style is a bit disingenuous, because the Rapids are not Barcelona or Real Salt Lake. They do hold the ball, but not everywhere on the field. Colorado does not seek to win games with 65% possession, but they don't tend to do well when held to 35%, either.

Potential Starting Lineup

Mastroeni made it a point during the off-season to involve everyone in the team, and to switch up his starting XI every game so that everyone got a chance to play together. If he's going to have to use a 'next man up' strategy like Pareja did last season, the team will at least be prepared for it. That does leave the starting XI a bit of a mystery, though.

We know there will be changes from expectations last season. Marvell Wynne is returning to center back and Shane O'Neill might be getting minutes at right back. In terms of the forward corps, there are tons of names to pick from. I would assume that we'll see a mix of speed (Brown), power (Buddle) and finesse (Torres) to get the best of all worlds when crafting a starting three of forwards.

See the rest of the Burgundy Wave Rapids Season Preview: