2013 Rapids Player Rating & Review – Atiba Harris

Here, let's look at a quote from me after the Rapids traded for Atiba Harris last year:

That's why it was a surprise to see him start on opening day. Harris started off with a few decent performances in 2013, with his apex coming after a two-goal performance against Dallas. As it goes with Harris though, he dropped off like a rock and Oscar Pareja continued to put him on the field regardless, likely hoping that whatever spark Harris had shown early on would return.

Here's part of the reason it didn't: as the Rapids evolved their tactics into the 'deep possession, speedy break-out' 4-2-3-1 that got them into the playoffs, Harris continued to get minutes, but it clearly wasn't a good system for him. Eventually, he started in the playoffs against Seattle and looked awful as the Rapids failed to create much of anything near the top of the field.