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  • Colorado Rapids 2 are Coming Together Despite Home Opener Loss

    Colorado Rapids 2 are Coming Together Despite Home Opener Loss

    COMMERCE CITY – Five road games to start a soccer season is tough. So is an offseason rebuild after drafting nine players. But Erik Bushey and company are making it work. Colorado Rapids 2 are coming together with new faces and renewed hope for player development.

    After a 3-1-1 start on that long road trip, R2 had their home opener against Minnesota United 2 on Thursday. It was a tough first half and some lessons learned in the second half. Generation Adidas forward Alex Harris hit the crossbar on 10 minutes. Six minutes later, Loic Mesanvi overhead kicked the ball from the end line, looping it over R2 goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo and in.

    Colorado responded with some good passing sequences. Ted Ku-DiPietro had a look. So did Harris and Colton Swan. Those shots were saved or blocked. The second half was better between the boxes but the final product was missing. Minnesota were comfortable being compact and protecting the lead. Again, R2 got into good areas but just did not execute.

    “We didn’t have the ball the majority of the half, the majority of the game. It was frustrating. We were working so hard defensively but weren’t getting anything out of the game offensively. Our attitude going into (preseason), it’s a different vibe. We come in knowing we’re capable of winning. Erik has done a good job instilling a sense of ruthlessness in the team. Tough result tonight but it happens. Got to bounce back,” Generation Adidas winger Kimani Stewart-Baynes told Burgundy Wave.

    “The body language wasn’t right. The game wasn’t under control. I know we’re working hard. Three wins in a row, but two games where the subs come on and change the game for us. We couldn’t make it happen. I’m proud of our work. I know what our guys have. We have more to give. I don’t think that performance was quite representative of who we are and certainly who we can be. I’m really grateful for that game. I hope we can learn from it and be better,” R2 head coach Erik Bushey said.

    Prior to this match, they had won three games in a row, all on the road. The defense was growing and gaining chemistry. They’d been ruthless in the attack, especially KSB. For a team that’s a lot of unfamiliar individuals, they’ve done well.

    “Our preseason was the best (in R2 history). It was guys willing to be part of a team. Most of those draft picks went to Mexico with the first team. They all came in and said let’s go to work. The amateur players took things to a new level. They showed real development. Guys right now are willing. That’s the foundational piece,” Bushey added.

    R2 are back at home at the University of Denver on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. MT.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Podcast: Ted Ku-DiPietro. Rapids 4-2-2-2.

    Podcast: Ted Ku-DiPietro. Rapids 4-2-2-2.

    PODCAST – Hello Colorado Rapids fans. This week on Holding The High Line, it’s Darren Yapi Hour! Matt and Mark break down that great 3-2 win over San Diego FC.

    The guys give Chris Armas and Yapi praise. How was the Rapids 4-2-2-2 and what were its permutations? Who else stood out? Was this chaos ball? Also, Sam Vines and Ted Ku-DiPietro made strides. What a bounce back performance and win. Also, Djordje Mihailović wore the captain’s armband for the first half.

    We again discuss the winger depth chart and what Ku and Kamani Stewart-Baynes are doing. The guys preview Houston Dynamo and analyze what’s gone wrong for Jack McGlynn and company. Oh, and Chicago Fire are being a meme. We try to make sense of it.

    Stay classy, Colorado Rapids Syria.

    About the hosts:

    Matt Pollard is the Managing Editor of Burgundy Wave, having overseen the site’s move to being independent in April 2023. He moved to Denver in 2015 and has covered the Rapids since 2016. An engineer and environmentalist by day, when he’s not watching or writing about soccer, he’s hiking or skiing in the mountains. He also writes for Last Word on Sports, covering the USMNT.

    Mark Goodman, known as Rapids Rabbi or Soccer Rabbi, lived in Colorado from 2011-2018. He became an MLS Sicko after seeing Lee Nguyen of the New England Revolution pull off some silky moves at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. He’s a professional rabbi during the day and the author of the well regarded Backpass series, which started at Burgundy Wave. He watches the Pids from a far, having moved to Pittsburgh. He also covers the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL Championship for Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Glass Half Full or Empty? Rapids Draw Dynamo After Conceding Late.

    Glass Half Full or Empty? Rapids Draw Dynamo After Conceding Late.

    HOUSTON, Texas – A goal six minutes in to stoppage time makes for a climactic end of a soccer game. One team comes back in the game. The other drops points. But when the team that concedes does so regularly at the ends of halves, it can deflate you. Is your glass half full or half empty?

    On Saturday night, Colorado Rapids went to Shell Energy Stadium to play Houston Dynamo.

    Chris Armas ran it back with the starting line. The team that beat San Diego last week was unchanged. Darren Yapi started up top in the 4-2-2-2. Djordje Mihailović was on the left with Cole Bassett on the right.

    Houston’s lineup did not have many surprises given the injuries. Jack McGlynn was in midfield. Amine Bassi was in the attack. Newly signed Jonathan Bond made his debut in orange in goal.

    The first half was energetic from both sides. Both teams played up tempo. The Rapids pressing did well. They had several long balls out of the back that led to chances. Houston played down their right flank through Evergreen, Colorado native Griffin Dorsey.

    Djordje Mihailović was in the center of the attack. Minutes into the game, Oli Larraz delivered a great ball into the box and the temporary captain tried a bicycle kick. In the 20th minute, Yapi played him into the six yard box. He went 1-v-1 with the keeper at the near post but Bond made the save. Navarro also had a breakaway that he squandered with a chip that was wide with Bond off his line.

    Houston tried to feed striker Ezequiel Ponce but the Rapids center backs held their own. Houston took the lead on 42 minute. A Dorsey cross to Ponce could not connect. The rebound was played to Bassi who beat Steffen. The Rapids midfield shifted over to the side the ball came down and the back line dropped back with Ponce making a run.

    Colorado responded to start the second half. Navarro chased down a ball into space in the box, surprising center back Obafemi Awodesu. Awodesu ran into Navarro for a penalty. Mihailović calmly beat Bond, sending him the wrong way 59th to make it 1-1.

    The game got stretched with both teams playing direct. Navarro got his just rewards in the 77th. Substitute Kévin Cabral pressed and won the ball at midfield. Navarro played Mihailović to spring a counter attack. Djordje played the ball back to the Brazilian who threaded the ball from an angle past Bond. It was 1-2 with 13 minutes left.

    Colorado appeared to be hanging on, with the defense bending but not breaking. However in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Colorado did not put pressure on the ball. McGlynn crossed to Franco Escobar, who headed it to new star striker Ondrej Lingr. He headed the ball out of the reach of Steffen. The ball rolled towards the far post and in. The match ended 2-2.

    “With the second goal, it’s a difficult header. Puts it in the one place that Zack can’t get it. It’s the little details that bit us again. It is what it is,” Mihailović told Burgundy Wave.

    Navarro gets his just rewards:

    Rafael Navarro has been a pressing monster since coming to Colorado. He does so much thankless dirty work off the ball that helps the team. And often times he does that in tough road games where he’s alone up top (Navarro Island) with no service. He draws a penalty which gets converted then scores minutes later. He now has 5 goals in 9 games and that’s with Mihailović on penalties.

    Armas was complementary of his striker: “He’s obsessed with scoring goals. But he does all the dirty work. He’s so important for us. I love that he scores. His confidence will remain high. His commitment to run in behind, he gave them fits.”

    Djordje the PK Taker and Captain!?

    Djordje Mihalović is the Rapids talisman. If everyone else does their job as expected and he is special, they can beat most teams in MLS. He was good on the ball. Calm and collected on the penalty. And he’s now the vice captain with Rosenberry coming off the bench for tactical reasons the last two games.

    “The role that he steps into when he wears that captain’s armband, it’s good for him. To challenge his leadership. His teammates are relying him,” said Armas.

    “It’s something I’ve thought about before. “I don’t change who I am. Glad that the coaches and players say I have, I won’t say respect, but loyalty with this role. It’s an honor. I talked to Keegan about how he does his (pregame) speeches,” Mihailović reflected.

    It was More Consistent. There’s Still Room for Improvement.

    Credit to Jason Maxwell for this stat. Colorado has conceded 15 goals this year. Eight of those have been in the final 5 minutes of halves or in stoppage time. This was a much better performance on the road. It was great to see them play well after a win. They need to finish halves better. A little more consistency and they can be great in this league.

    “Essentially had to make one more play. We didn’t. They did. We have to accept that. You’ve got to be able to close it out. We’ll learn from it,” said Armas.

    Speaking of consistency, Cabral has come under a lot of criticism for his start of to the season. He’s come off the bench in two straight games. Did well to press and win the ball on the second goal. Still hasn’t done much in the final third. Andreas Maxsø’s marking wasn’t great on either goal.

    Rapids Draw Dynamo: Glass Half Full or Empty?

    “We were looking for consistency. As a group, we’ve agreed this is an area we want to show growth. We think we showed that. For that, it looks like a win. If you just look at the result, it feels a little bit like a loss,” Armas said.

    “For 80 minutes out of the game, we do a good job. We go down a goal, we stick together. We leave two points on the table. We come into the locker room in a pretty bad mood. But overall it’s a good performance from us,” added Mihailović

    There’s an argument for both glass half full and empty. I’ll go glass half full. Plenty of Rapids fans were ready for a let down because this team has been so inconsistent between home and road games. Houston’s better than their record I think. The performance was much better. Glass half full. If this happens in October, it’ll be glass half empty.

    Speaking of improved performances, Colorado host Seattle Sounders next Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 pm MT.

    Also, I have no idea how the officials came up with 8 minutes of second half stoppage time. Two second half goals. No real injury stoppages. Four stoppages for substitutions. No hydration breaks. It could have been 5-6 minutes. That was some 2022 World Cup stoppage time math.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Early trip to the Lone Star State – Rapids Dynamo Preview

    Early trip to the Lone Star State – Rapids Dynamo Preview

    HOUSTON, Texas— The Rapids take their first trip of the season into the Lone Star State to take on the Houston Dynamo. From snowy Colorado on Friday to the sunshine of Texas on Saturday, it’ll be a good weekend to play an away game, and mid-April Texas is a lot better than midsummer Texas.

    Kickoff should only be around 80°F and drop from there. The Rapids will try to break their win one lose the next streak they have going on after an impressive win at home against San Diego. Let’s take a look at the mtahcup.

    When: Saturday, April 19 @ 6:30 p.m. MST

    Where: Shell Energy Stadium

    TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Yapi Hour against San Diego:

    In what was probably the game of the week in MLS, the Rapids won in their first match against the new expansion side, San Diego FC. The Rapids’ attack exploded against San Diego, with Apple TV showing the Rapids having 4.47 expected goals at full time. A fair amount of those expected goals came from before the Rapids’ first goal, as it felt like the ‘Pids were going to have one of those nights where they couldn’t find the back of the net, despite chance after chance. We haven’t seen that type of performance from the Rapids in a long time, but they did not start those problems back up again.

    The key from the first half for the Rapids was high pressure, and it is what got them chance after chance before Darren Yapi was taken down in the box by San Diego goalkeeper Carlos Dos Santos. This allowed Djordje Mihailović to sneak his penalty under Dos Santos for the 1-0 lead, his 30th goal contribution in 37 games. That makes him the fastest Rapids player ever to reach 30 goal contributions, and it helped the Rapids take a 1-0 lead into the half.

    The lead would not last long after the break, as Luca de la Torre uncorked a screamer into the top right corner of Zack Steffan’s goal to make it 1-1. The Rapids responded with their first corner kick goal of the season after a Maxsø to Awaziem header combination allowed Yapi to poke it home for his first of the year. The young homegrown added a goal to an impressive starting debut in 2025, impressive enough to get praise from his goalkeeper.

    Zack Steffen on Darren Yapi: "He had a mature performance tonight. Holding the ball up. Being a man. Being a force. Happy for him with the goal. I hope he continues to grow and push himself. We’ll continue to push him to his highest capacity."

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-04-13T21:49:36.398Z

    Yapi’s striker duo, Rafa Navarro, found his goal in the 60th minute, just seven minutes after Yapi’s go-ahead goal. A picture-perfect counterattack from the Rapids sliced open the San Diego defense and led to one of the prettiest goals of the Chris Armas era. The Burgundy Boys had looked good in multiple looks that Armas put them in based on what the game demanded. The high pressure led to great chances, and when the Rapids had the lead in the second half, the counterattacks were well worked.

    The Rapids sliced through San Diego again late in the game, with a beautiful counter leading to Kevin Cabral missing wide from twelve yards out, an opportunity he really should have taken. Despite the pressure the Rapids were generating, it was San Diego who took their chance, with substitute Tomas Angel scoring another good goal to make it 3-2 and keep it interesting in stoppage time. But interesting was all it ended up being, as the Rapids held on to win against San Diego in their first matchup. It was one of the Rapids’ best performances of the season and was a great win against a great team in San Diego.

    Personnel and Formation: Who and What?

    Chris Armas employed an unfamiliar formation against San Diego that he called a fluid 4-2-2-2 that could be a 4-4-2 defensively, and a 4-2-4 offensively. While we have seen both formations employed midway through games based on what the game is calling for, we haven’t really seen a lot of starting in the 4-4-2 shape, and sticking with it throughout the game. It was a tactic that was employed last season against NYCFC, leading to a 2-0 win for the Rapids away from home. It has worked for the Rapids in the past, and it worked against San Diego. But is it a formation that Chris Armas will start to look at more with the Rapids getting healthy?

    The Rapids are starting to look healthy, with Sam Vines starting for the first time this year alongside Reggie Cannon, both of whom are making their way back from injury. We also saw the first minutes for Ted Ku-DiPietro, who could be in line for more minutes out wide. Yapi’s first start of the year was good enough to yield some more minutes, and a two-striker system with Navarro could be a great way to incorporate Yapi in the starting eleven. All of these pieces are coming back for Colorado, but it causes some headaches for Chris Armas to deal with who starts and how to set up the team. It is a better headache to have than not having the full team together, but still something to have to get right for Armas and Co.

    The Rapids had not practiced the 4-2-2-2 much before employing it against San Diego, and while I see them using this in games that would suit this style, I believe the Chris Armas formation is the 4-2-3-1. If Ted Ku-DiPietro becomes an electric player on the wing, we could see this formation become truly unlocked by the Pids’ attack. But formation-wise, I see a lot of fluidity due to the personnel that Armas wants on the field.

    There is a good bit of depth on this Rapids team all of a sudden, and it may come down to who is the hot hand, and if it’s Yapi, we could see a return of the 4-2-2-2. If it is one of the wingers, we could see the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 again. One thing is for sure: this upcoming lineup is one of the hardest to predict correctly, and that is good for Chris Armas. The unpredictability and fluidity of the Rapids personnel and formation are a dangerous thing for opponents to deal with, and can give the Rapids the edge in big moments.

    Rapids Dynamo Preview Lineup Predictions:

    Steffen / Cannon, Maxsø, Awaziem, Vines / C. Bassett, Atencio, Larraz, Mihailovic (c) / Navarro, Yapi

    Rapids continue to get healthier, with Connor Ronan back from his appendicitis. Houston are also getting a little healthier but still have too many injuries for comfort.

    — (@spencer-baldwin.bsky.social) 2025-04-18T21:26:24.229Z

    The Rapids are as healthy as they have been all season, just missing Adam Beaudry and Ali Fadal, who were long shots to start or even get minutes. I would not be surprised to see Ted Ku-DiPietro in a starting eleven sooner rather than later, but I think Yapi gets the nod as the one player to start that isn’t a part of the usual core of the team. I also think that Chris Armas will continue with the 4-2-2-2 formation we saw against San Diego, which will give Yapi another chance to showcase his abilities in a striker partnership with Rafa Navarro.

    I believe Armas will opt for the 4-2-2-2 formation again for this game, with another week’s preparation of the formation under the team’s belt. We have seen this Rapids side be able to play well with a deep 4-4-2 shell, especially away from home, and the 4-2-2-2 allows for a seamless transition between a defensive look and an offensive look. Both will be needed against Houston, as I would not be surprised to see some high press from this Rapids side, looking to disrupt the tempo of the Houston possession.

    With everyone healthy on the backline, it will be interesting to see who starts at outside back. It has been a position that has been filled by a committee, with numerous amount of injuries causing Armas to employ centerback Ian Murphy at outside back, and reaching into Rapids 2 to play Anderson Rosa in a couple of matches. With everyone healthy, however, the Rapids have three quality outside backs for the two available spots.

    It seems like Keegan Rosenberry would become the odd man out, with a lot of money going into both Sam Vines and Reggie Cannon. Keegan would start on many MLS teams at outside back, and he is the team captain, so it would be a difficult name to leave off the starting eleven. It will be interesting to see who the go-to outside backs are down the stretch, with hopefully everyone available.

    Not-So-Hot Start for Houston:

    The Houston Dynamo has had a puzzling start to 2025. Ben Olsen had turned the team around in the last few years to become a playoff team, making the postseason each of the last two years. But they haven’t started like a playoff team, as through eight games, they have six points and only one win on the year, which was against a rotated LAFC team.

    Houston’s most recent game summed up their year so far, as they failed to hold a one-goal lead against a struggling LA Galaxy side, even when Galaxy defender Matias Jorgensen was sent off 28 minutes into the game. They started the season winless in their first six matches, and haven’t yet scored more than one goal in a game this season. But, Houston is a team that is desperate to right the ship, and a desperate team is a dangerous team.

    On paper, Houston is dangerous enough, even without the desperation they have. It is a very similar team to the ones of the last few years, with the big change being the departure of Hector Herrera. A big change in the middle of the field for the Dynamo, but they brought in youngster Jack McGlynn, who had been making a name for himself at Philadelphia. An attack speared by Ezequiel Ponce and Amine Bassi, and supplied by Jack McGlynn is a scary prospect to defend. No matter how incorrectly Bassi shoots an arrow in his celebration. So why has this attack and team struggled to start 2025?

    A big reason and a growing concern for this Dynamo team is the injury report. It has grown and grown and grown to start the season. They have lost their first two starting goalkeepers to injuries so far, and had eight names on last week’s injury report, only eight games into the season. Ben Olsen has had to play superdraft pick and first-year professional Obafemi Awodesu at center back, and while he has stepped up and played well, it surely wasn’t the plan to hurl him into the starting lineup so soon.

    They also have fallen to their third-string goalkeeper, Blake Gillingham, and started 20-year-old Brooklyn Raines against the Galaxy. They have had to go far down the depth chart early in the season, and have been a huge factor in the early struggles for Houston. The Rapids will have to use this to their advantage on Saturday to get all three points.

    Prediction: The Rapids continue to pour the misery on Houston, and go to Shell Energy Stadium and leave with three points. Rapids win 2-0.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Bayou City Soccer Previews Colorado Rapids at Houston Dynamo

    Bayou City Soccer Previews Colorado Rapids at Houston Dynamo

    HOUSTON, Texas – Colorado Rapids head down to Texas to play at Houston Dynamo this weekend. We reached out to our friends at Bayou City Soccer to see what’s up with Forever Orange ahead of the match. Thanks to Dustyn Richardson for collaborating.

    Houston had a decent season last year but is off to a bad start. What’s gone wrong? Should Ben Olsen be on the hot seat?

    It really boils down to losing three key players from last season and not fully replacing them yet. The midfield duo of Hector Herrera and Coco Carrasquilla have both moved on to Liga MX and left a big hole in the middle of the park for the Dynamo. Center back Micael, who many had as a Best XI level player last season, was sold to Brazil.

    Olsen and the staff have had to kind of put things back together on the fly and the adjustments seem to be working. There are also new players joining soon, we could see the debut of new DP Ondrej Lingr tomorrow. I think some fans might want Olsen out, a very small “some”, but I don’t think his job is at risk at all.

    The big offseason acquisition of course was midfielder Jack McGlynn from Philly. How good has he been? How is the Dynamo midfield doing?

    McGlynn has been solid. The last two matches, he moved over to the right midfield role that Carrasquilla played and that seems to have unlocked even more of the youngster. He scored the winner against LAFC and he seems very comfortable playing higher up the field.

    With Lingr and Duane Holmes both coming into the team soon, it remains to be seen whether McGlynn will stay in that more advanced role or drop back into more of an 8. How this plays out will go a long way into what their midfield can be this season. Artur is Artur, a rock in the 6 position, but they are still trying to figure out exactly what the 8 and 10 look like.

    Last week saw Houston draw LA Galaxy after being up a goal and a man in the first half. What went wrong? What needs to be better this weekend?

    Talking to Olsen and players this week there has been a clear feeling of disappointment with that result. They got an early goal then went up a man in the first half and just couldn’t find another breakthrough.

    Diego Fagundez scored a great free kick to equalize and the Dynamo weren’t able to grab a winner, even against 10 men. I think a lot of what we talked about earlier with still trying to figure out the midfield plays into that. They need another playmaker in the worst way. Lingr and Holmes should bring that but until they get into the lineup it’s been very hit-and-miss with Amine Bassi and Sebastian Kowalczyk.

    Houston’s one of a few MLS teams with some question marks in goal. Jonathan Bond just joined the team. Does he start against Colorado?

    It seems to me that Bond will be the starter…eventually. Rookie Blake Gillingham has done surprisingly well after Andrew Tarbell and Jimmy Maurer went down with injuries. Gillingham is still a rookie and he still has so much to learn but I think Olsen will ride the hot hand at least for a little longer before Bond takes over. Olsen has raved about goalkeeper coach Tim Hanley and his work, especially with Gillingham, so they may have uncovered something here with their young keeper.

    If another MLS team has a Colorado native, I have to ask about him. Griffin Dorsey was great in the game at DSGP last year. How’s his season going?

    Dorsey is such a fan favorite here in Houston. Fans love the passion and energy he brings week in and week out. On the field, it’s been a bit of a slow start for him. He plays almost as a winger from his right back position but he hasn’t created as much in 2025 as he has in years past. Like most of the team, this should improve with the addition of the new attacking pieces being inserted into the lineup soon.

    Lastly, got a prediction for us? Stoppage time winner for Houston after a Rapids player gets elbowed in the face? Andreas Maxsø is definitely still mad about last year.

    I almost forgot about that Brad Smith winner last season!

    I think the Dynamo are really peeved after that result last weekend and their home form in general this season. They need to start picking up points soon. This is a very good Colorado team but I think Houston grabs a win here, it may not be pretty, 1-0.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Shocker: Colorado Rapids trade Omir Fernandez to Portland Timbers for $200k in GAM

    Shocker: Colorado Rapids trade Omir Fernandez to Portland Timbers for $200k in GAM

    COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids shook things up ahead of the primary transfer deadline on Friday, as it traded away winger Omir Fernandez to the Portland Timbers for $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money. The Rapids could also receive up to another $50,000 in 2025 GAM if certain performance metrics are met during the remainder of the 2025 season. There is no sell-on clause.

    The trade was initially confirmed by Tom Bogert of Givemesport.com, and Burgundy Wave was subsequently able to confirm the news shortly thereafter.

    Fernandez, 26, was the first major signing of the Chris Armas era as he arrived in December 2023. At the time, it was seen as a major acquisition as the rules around free agency had recently changed to include younger players with fewer years of service who were eligible for free agency.

    Portland will take over Fernandez’s contract, as he had a guarantee for the 2026 season and a club option for 2027. Per the MLS Players’ Association, his guaranteed salary was $636,875.00.

    It is worth noting, per MLS’ club profile, as of March 3rd, 2025, the Rapids had approximately $245,208 available in GAM. Just like that, it nearly doubles to nearly half-a-million in GAM if you include the performance metric money.

    That being said, the move is a surprise in a lot of ways. Fernandez was a valuable asset and was in the mix of being a regular starter in 2024. He started 19 of 33 games for 1,600-plus minutes, tallying two goals and three assists. Even with an injury bug late in the 2024 season, he was still a solid contributor. This year, he did not receive one start in the eight games but played in every match for Colorado. All told, Fernandez appeared in 50 games for the Burgundy and Blue.

    “We are grateful to Omir for his time spent with the club and we wish him nothing but the best in the future,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids president in a team statement.

    Omir Fernandez trade is down to a young, hungry depth chart

    It is no secret that Colorado has looked to increasingly younger players for contributions. The thought from the Burgundy Wave staff (including EIC Matt Pollard) is no different: This trade, as surprising as it may be, is down to who’s around Fernandez in age and experience.

    There were three other players around Fernandez fighting for that position: Calvin Harris, 25, Alex Harris, 22, Kimani Stewart-Baynes, 20, and Teddy Ku-DiPietro, 23. Fernandez had plenty of experience and added a ton to the group, but with competition being so tight for the winger role, the front office possibly could have felt, it had to make a move to free up roster space so the younger guys can step in.

    Calvin Harris has proved his value since he came over from FC Cincinnati in 2023. KSB is still only 20 and is on a Generation Adidas Contract. Same with recent SuperDraft pick Alex Harris, who the club is very high on as well. Meanwhile, the T-KDP signing felt seismic because of how productive he was in D.C.

    Oh, and there’s the Bryce Jamison signing from USL Championship side Orange County FC as he will arrive next year.

    It is a loaded and busy group but the Rapids, at least, got some decent coin out of a free agent signing in Omir Fernandez.

    Chris Armas thought he was a starter

    For only $200,000, it was a surprise. The floor definitely appeared to be a lot higher, maybe closer to the $350-400k range. It seems low given his versatility, production and attacking prowess.

    Even the other week, Rapids head coach Chris Armas called him a starter. Fernandez assisted on the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Charlotte FC on March 29th and praised the winger shortly after.

    “Omir is a starter in this league,” Armas told the media that day. “Did he start today? No. It’s competitive, the internal competition that we have. I don’t know which coach has to make these decisions on who’s out and who’s in? That’s me obviously. It’s tricky.

    “The best part about what you’ve seen about him is he had an amazing offseason,” Armas continued. “Omir came in the fittest that he’s been. He’s had a good season so far. Competition’s tight. Omir’s making a case for himself. Good performance off the bench. Helps us get the first goal.”

    The Deadline is fast approaching. What’s next?

    The MLS Primary Transfer Deadline is Wednesday, April 23rd. The Rapids freed up a roster space so that other younger players can fill in that role off the bench. Given that Kévin Cabral is still not as productive as he was expected to be, buying him out at this stage would be a surprise even as it’s becoming increasingly clear a situation has to resolve somehow. Meanwhile, Fernandez was an important conduit between the Spanish and Portuguese speakers on the team as he was tight with Rafael Navarro, so it’s one less communicative piece the Rapids will have moving forward.

    All of that being said, if they have what they hold by Wednesday, it will put them in a solid spot ahead of the summer transfer window.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Meet Ted Ku-DiPietro, Colorado Rapids Newest Winger

    Meet Ted Ku-DiPietro, Colorado Rapids Newest Winger

    COMMERCE CITY – Saturday night, Ted Ku-DiPietro made his 2025 debut for the Colorado Rapids. This came after offseason shoulder surgery and a February cash transfer from his hometown D.C. United for $1.125 million. Colorado’s most significant attacking addition and newest winger is here. Let’s get to know him better.

    First, he goes by Ted, Ku, or Ku-D. Only his mom calls him Theodore and that’s usually when he’s in trouble. Similar to Oli Larraz. Though some fans on the internet have called him Ted KDP. His parents are Chinese and Polish/German, making for a fun double last name.

    He’s back on the pitch after a long rehab for shoulder surgery. Having joined the team in Florida, he missed much of the altitude training during the preseason trip to Mexico.

    “I felt like an away player tonight. It was so much fun to be back out there even though I was dead after,” Ku-DiPietro told Burgundy Wave postgame.

    “The first two weeks (in Colorado) killed me. The fitness will come. Slowly but surely. Just trying to get out there and get as many minutes as I can.”

    Head Coach Chris Armas added his thoughts on the player: “He brought energy into the game. Another energetic guy. What you can expect from Ku is a very vertical, dynamic player. An attacker that likes the run with the ball at his feet. He’s a guy who makes things happen. Even in a short time in training, he makes things happen. He’s fearless, aggressive, and powerful. It was good that he got some minutes tonight.”

    What’s Next? Minutes, Goals, and Competition.

    He’s back in full training now. Rehab had him likely game ready in early April, so he was on schedule. He should be able to build fitness over the week and be close to 90 minutes in a few weeks despite only getting six minutes last night.

    The 23-year-old admits his favorite thing to do is score goals and can’t wait to get his first one in Burgundy. His advanced stats show he’s a directly goal dangerous winger. Comparatively, Omir Fernandez prefers to pass (usually to Rafael Navarro). Calvin Harris is balanced. Armas and the coaching staff have options at winger, even without Kévin Cabral.

    “My favorite thing to do is get in the pocket and drive. Or in transition moments, get in the open space and go at people in the center of the park. I can play out wide,” said Ku-DiPietro.

    Ku-DiPietro 2024: Injuries hurt, but mostly he wasn't a great fit in Lesesne's system.Ku-DiPietro 2023: One of the most dynamic & productive young attackers in the league in a system that prized the ball more.Love this for the Rapids.

    — Matthew Doyle (@mattdoyle.bsky.social) 2025-02-04T15:57:35.527Z

    Finding a Role and Adapting to Changing Tactics:

    We’ll see where Armas deploys him. Could he be in the three-man midfield that Josh Atencio, Cole Bassett, and Larraz have been in? Does he backup Djordje Mihailović while he builds fitness? I liked the idea of him coming in at right wing in the context of the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Armas has mixed up the formation in recent weeks. Ted KDP has had a learning curve.

    “It’s a little confusing. You have to adjust to it on the fly,” he said. He also spoke on how Colorado’s different and a better fit compared to D.C. United.

    “It’s pretty similar in terms of the pressing. But on the ball, it (Colorado’s style vs. D.C.) fits my style more. Being very vertical and getting in the pocket. I love it. I love driving at people. Going 1-v-1 and scoring.”

    Troy Lesesne wanted his wingers to stick out wide and provide service to Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke. At Colorado, he gets to be more direct if he wants to be. And he wants to be.

    As D.C. fans will tell you, he’s a dog. Super competitive. He hates losing the ball or basic training drills, even 5-v-2 rondo. Similar to Mihailović, he’s soft-spoken off the field. Expect to see his character come alive and be fiery on the pitch. Rapids fans are going to love his mentality.

    “I’m kind of shy when I get to a new team. I don’t like to talk at all even though I’m a talkative person after people get to know me. But then a lot of guys were getting injured. They would mix in with me and I would get to know guys 1-v-1. It was awesome to do that.”

    Ted Ku-DiPietro: Chinese descent (Mom), Polish and German (Dad). DiPietro is the last name of his adoptive Italian grandfather.The KDP family is a legit starting XI (9 children)! Hope, sister, a defender for George Washington University WoSo. #DenverNWSL future‽ 🧐#Rapids96

    — Matthew Wick (@matthewwick.bsky.social) 2025-02-04T21:16:02.499Z

    Getting Settled After a Surprising Move:

    This is the first time Ku has lived outside the D.C. area. He signed a contract extension and became a U22 player last September. He wanted to stay with United and work to becoming a starter this year. The trade and its timing caught him by surprise.

    “Extremely. I didn’t request it or anything. It was a big surprise. I got 1-2 days notice. But now I’m loving it. This is my first time out of moving of of Virginia/D.C. It’s a tough transition but I think this is the best thing that happened to me.

    “The guys right now don’t really know me. My personality comes out more on the pitch. That’s where I can show it more.”

    He and the partner are moving into a house. He’s already made friends in training. Fellow D.C. kid Wayne Frederick has a mutual friend in Kristian Fletcher, who’s currently on loan from United to Nottingham Forest’s reserve team. He also likes playing with Darren Yapi.

    If he hits as well as Chido Awaziem, Colorado’s attack will be as balanced and elevated as Chido has made their defense. We’ll see if he starts and scores May 3 at Audi Field against D.C.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Darren Yapi Hour Magic! Colorado Rapids Down San Diego FC 3-2!

    Darren Yapi Hour Magic! Colorado Rapids Down San Diego FC 3-2!

    COMMERCE CITY – The 2025 Colorado Rapids are fun but inconsistent. When they’re on, they can win at home against any team. And Yapi Hour can go long into the night for the South Bank sickos. Wearing their secondary Headwaters kit, the Burgundy Boys held their own against the second best team in the MLS Western Conference.

    Rapids boss Chris Armas made two changes from Saturday’s loss to Vancouver Whitecaps. Kévin Cabral was benched after another poor performance. Homegrown Darren Yapi started up top with Rafael Navarro. Keegan Rosenberry was on the bench getting some rest, so Reggie Cannon was at right back and Sam Vines at left back. It was the first starts of the year for Yapi and Cannon. The lineup was otherwise as expected.

    For the Chrome and Azul, it was as expected. Early season star Anders Dreyer and Mexican star Chucky Lozano were in attack. Former Rapid Jasper Löffelsend started at right back.

    The first half was entertaining and feisty. The teams played like that had beef, not first time opponents. Both teams pressed and tried to be sharp on the ball. They were energetic.

    It could have been 2-0 by the 10th minute. San Diego had a break down at the back in the 6th. Djordje Mihailović and Navarro pursued. Navarro eventually had a shot saved. A better angle and it’s an open goal. Navarro and Bassett had a similar sequence off the press in the 33rd that was blocked. That Navarro chance was the best at that point in the game.

    Earlier in the 7th, Cole Bassett made a run on his own and had a shot set for the bottom corner that was saved by Carlos Dos Santos.

    San Diego could have had a similar goal in the 28th. A long ball was a dime to Dreyer. He headed it down to Onni Valakari who shot wide with Zack Steffen closing him down.

    Colorado deservedly took the lead before half on a penalty. Yapi worked hard to fend off a defender in the box. He was taken down in the box. After a few minute delay, the PK was confirmed. Mihailović took it, blasting it through the legs of the diving Dos Santos to make it 1-0.

    The second half matched the intensity but had way more finishing. It took SDFC just four minutes to equalize. American International Luca de la Torre got the ball at the top of the box and put it on a rope last Zack Steffen to make it 1-1.

    The two sides went at it the rest of the half.

    Darren Yapi went out for Yapi hour in the 53th minute. Colorado had a corner kick on the north end. It bounced around in the box before Chido Awaziem headed it down. Yapi tapped it in with traffic all around for a scrappy goal to make it 2-1. It was their first goal off a corner of the year.

    Then in the 66th, the Rapids counter attack cashed in. The Bassett Hound made a lung busting run forward. The other three attackers combined to find him. Bassett danced, finding Navarro open in the middle of the box. The pass was a bit off, but Navarro did great on his second touch to send the ball into the top corner.

    The match was end-to-end after that. Dreyer had a great chance going shoulder-to-shoulder with Vines in the 75th but he shot over the bar. Dreyer made up for in the 89th, finding Tomás Ángel for a cool finish in the 89th to make it 3-2.

    Colorado held on to win, moving them up to fourth in the Western Conference, level on points with SDFC with 14.

    Burgundy Boys Bounce Back Again:

    This team is young, inconsistent, talented, and fun. When they’re on, they can beat anyone in this league. What a performance from front to back against an excellent expansion team. And to do that after a lackluster loss at Vancouver.

    “The team responded and had a good reaction after the last game in Vancouver. We’re looking for consistency. We see how good we can be in moments, certainly in our building. That’s the challenge. How consistently good can we be? Pressing. Running. Scoring. We’ll look to build on it,” a proud Chris Armas said postgame.

    This game was everything the Rapids want to be. Intensity. Putting the opponent under constant pressure. Matching the intensity and being chippy. Creating high quality chances on set pieces, counters, and pressing. If last week was out of character for the Burgundy Boys, this was them at their best.

    Darren Yapi Hour is Happy Hour:

    First start of the season. First goal. Drew a penalty as well. Was a pressing monster. Helped Navarro. This was Yapi’s best performance as a Rapids player. Ever.

    “We were all together. I just wanted to work hard and create chances for the team. That’s what I did. I played well. Just doing all the little things. Being a threat is just as important. Happy to get the win,” Yapi said humbly. He went on to say the coaches want him to improve on everything.

    Credit to Armas as well who changed the shape but kept the principals of play. Defensively it was a 4-4-2, but then was a 4-2-2 in transition and in possessive attack a 4-2-4. It was a calculated risk. It worked out, in part because Yapi did his job spectacularly. He complemented an elevated Bassett and standard performance from Mihailović.

    “It was new. We did it in New York last year. It felt really good to work off another striker,” Yapi said of playing as a second No. 9 along Navarro.

    “We tried something different. A whole new formation. Clearly it worked. At home, we need to bring energy. Darren is a player who loves to score. He works so hard off the ball. He earns that goal through all that dirty work off the ball,” added Mihailović.

    Rivalry Brewing?

    This did not look like a first ever game between these two teams. Cole Bassett got wrecked on a play in the first half that wasn’t a foul. Awaziem bodied Ángel before his goal. Former Rapid Löffelsend had plenty to say after whistles. These was a high energy game between two teams who wanted to win. Two teams that did not like each other at the full time whistle.

    Could this become a rivalry even though Colorado has RSL and the Rocky Mountain Cup and Azul has three other California teams? We’ll find out when May 14 turns into Midweek MLS After Dark.

    “It’s always chippy when two good teams go at each other and it’s a close game. You try to get the edge, get in each other’s heads. Colorado did a good job delaying our restarts. We’re a direct team. They did a good job delaying that. I don’t like that but I do the same thing when it’s going our way. Can’t complain about it. It’s part of the game,” Löffelsend said.

    Ted KDP Debut! Sam Vines Starts!

    Ted Ku-DiPietro and Sam Vines won’t make the headlines tonight but they made strides tonight. Vines in his first start of the year looked himself. He was a two-way fullback. Got involved in some attacks. Was good on the ball. Was not a liability defensively. Hopefully the 2021 Vines-back is on the way.

    “He’s been on the sideline for a lot of months. Our plan, he can be an attacking fullback but aggressive defensively. He was solid on the night. The best is still yet to come as he gets fitter and fitter. Tonight was a strong performance,” Armas said of the fullback.

    Ted KDP brought the energy and the pressing. He had a great chance after coming on in the 84th, but had a poor first touch. He’s still building fitness and getting caught up to the tactics. But you can see there’s a player there. He said next step is to get his first goal. We’ll see if he beats Cabral to that.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Colorado Rapids Unified Team Kicks off 13th Year With Wholesome Joy

    Colorado Rapids Unified Team Kicks off 13th Year With Wholesome Joy

    BROOMFIELD – This past Tuesday night at Flatiron Crossing in Broomfield, the Colorado Rapids Unified Team kicked off their 13th season. It was pure joy.

    Every team in Major League Soccer has a partnership with the local Special Olympics. Former Chief Business Officer Wayne Brant started the program 13 years ago. Colorado was one of the original United Teams along with Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. It grew year over year as Brant pitched it to the league and other clubs. Now it’s a requirement of MLS teams with many programs traveling and playing multiple games against other MLS and even some USL Unified Teams.

    “This program means everything to the club. It’s the program our front office, staff, players are all bought in on. We want these athletes to feel included,” Rapids VP, Community, Events & Entertainment Caitlin Kinser told Burgundy Wave.

    “This is by far my favorite night of the year. It’s my 10th one. It’s special. It never gets old. Seeing them sign the contracts and genuinely feeling a part of the club. It means so much. I look forward to it every year,” Kinser added.

    The Rapids treat this team as their own first team. They’ve gotten their own coach bus for away matches. The signing day has its own pageantry unto itself. The only teams that use the main home team locker room at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park are the Rapids first team, the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and the Rapids Unified Team.

    Colorado Rapids unified team
    Scotty Stephens, legend. Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids

    The legendary Scotty Stephens, who represented the club at New York Fashion Week one year, has sat at Tim Howard’s old locker. If that’s not inclusion and opportunity for a marginalized group of young people, I don’t know what is.

    “This is the start of life-changing experiences for everyone involved. The event is so significant. So many players don’t get the chance to play soccer at an organized and competitive level. It brings together what we’re about, playing in a Unified space. It becomes a growing opportunity,” said Molly Underly, the Unified Team Head Coach.

    More than the chance to meet professional athletes, the program provides an incubator for Athletes and Partners to cultivate meaningful relationships.

    “It’s about the relationships first. The soccer comes after,” Molly added.

    “We have to focus on the human piece. Bringing together the human spirit. Treating people with kindness. Being inclusive. Being safe. We don’t focus on their disabilities. We celebrate their strengths and their spirit.”

    Last year was a banner year for the Unified Team. Yes, they retained the Rocky Mountain Cup on an amazing goal at RSL. Yes, their coach and goalkeeper were a part of the MLS All-Star Unified Team. The real wins were in the growth of a group of young people:

    The Athletes who made friends, found confidence, and got to share in the love of the game. The Partners who became better allies and ambassadors. All of these kids just needed a platform and an opportunity. Colorado Rapids has provided that.

    “Sports help you build life skills. They helped you build confidence. It helps with their mental health. That reinforces why it’s so important for us to provide these opportunities. The more we can do, the better off they’ll be,” Kinser said to that point.

    Colorado Rapids unified team
    Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids

    They’re so wholesome and grateful as well. During the signing event, one player got asked why he chose #11. “I always say #1 is a good number but two #1s would be even better.” Another player chose #19 because her parents used to wear #2 and #17 respectively.

    The Unified Team has already started practice for the season. Their first match is the Rocky Mountain Cup on May 17 vs RSL. They’ll play at New England June 28. Their scrimmage with the Rapids staff is in early August. Their final match is September 13 vs Houston.

    The Unified Team always wins the staff scrimmage by the way. It gets headed. There’s been yellow cards and penalties. These kids know how to get stuck in. You gotta love it.

    Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

  • Nicolas Hansen Signs as Colorado Rapids First Team Third Goalkeeper

    Nicolas Hansen Signs as Colorado Rapids First Team Third Goalkeeper

    Commerce City – The Colorado Rapids finally have a third goalkeeper on their first team roster. Friday morning, the club announced Rapids 2 keeper Nicolas Hansen. The contract is a one-year deal for 2025 with club options for 2026 and 2027.

    Hansen had previously been called-up a few times with Zack Steffen and Adam Beaudry unavailable. now the Rapids have straight up made him the Rapids third goalkeeper. It’s not have this clarity given the Burgundy Boys where thin at that position. There were some rumblings that Colorado was going to get a veteran with MLS experience, a Clint Irwin type, but that did not materialize.

    Hansen made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in a 2-2 draw at Real Monarchs. The 23-year-old Florida native spent time in the youth setups at Everton and Swansea. He played for Atherton Collieries A.F.C. in the lower divisions in England for two years, making 52 appearances. You will be interested to know he’s a Danish International. He’s appeared three times for the Denmark U-19s.

    From what Burgundy Wave has seen in training, he’s not miles off. He’ll be a training keeper and fill in on the bench. For what’s probably an MLS minimum contract, it’s some good peace of mind. Hopefully Beaudry’s ankle is ok.

    Hansen’s three short term call-ups were the Portland, Charlotte, and Vancouver games. He was with the team through preseason in both Mexico and Florida. Rapids Goalkeeper Coach Chris Sharpe has had plenty of time to evaluate him. If he thinks he can do a job as one of the three Rapids third team goalkeepers, then I trust him.

    Colorado could have an interesting situation come the offseason next year. Zackory Campagnolo is on a two-year NEXT Pro deal with a pre contract for 2027. Should Colorado pick up Hansen’s options, they might start the offseason with four goalkeepers on paper. There’s no MLS rule saying you can’t have a fourth goalkeeper. But that’s not something you’d want to do as part of a roster build.

    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.

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