Blog

  • Podcast: Zack Steffen Nations League Call-up

    Podcast: Zack Steffen Nations League Call-up

    PODCAST – Hello Colorado Rapids fans! We hope you had an aLright, aLright, aLright weekend. This week on Holding The High Line, we discuss the Zack Steffen Nations League call-up and a big win at Austin FC.

    Matt gives some insight into Djordje Mihailović getting catharsis in his first game back at Q2 Stadium. Rafael Navarro has three goals and two games and is embracing his heel arc. Ian Murphy put in a shift out of position. The Rapids held their own, Cole Bassett frustrations and all. Five points from three games. Also VAR don’t like! Cry about it, Diego.

    We’ve got some updates From Field 20. A few Rapids players are looking healthy for Saturday at San Jose Earthquakes. Red has some insight having spoken to Ted Ku-Dipietro and Josh Atencio. Then we preview Bruce Arena’s new look Quakes. Rabbi has thoughts.

    In the Round Table, we talk about which MLS teams could Gio Reyna would be a good fit for and have a Rapids depth multiple choice question. Oh, and Mark’s renaming his laundry room after Keegan Rosenberry.

    We’ve partnered with Magic Mind to help the Rapids Community build on their pillars of health, including sleep, diet, exercise, and more. Magic Mind has launched their 24 hour pack, including focus and sleep shots in one. Get started with Magic Mind today with our special link. Use the discount code HIGHLINER20 at checkout.

    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: John Babiak

    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.

  • VAR Don’t Lie: Colorado Rapids win 1-0 at Austin FC

    VAR Don’t Lie: Colorado Rapids win 1-0 at Austin FC

    AUSTIN, Texas – Sometimes you make your own luck and ride it like a Texas cowboy to three points. On Saturday night, the Colorado Rapids defense had two penalties called against them. They found a way to a clean sheet and a win. Djordje Mihalović returned to Austin and Q2 Stadium where he hurt his ankle on Decision Day last year. It was a cathartic night for the Burgundy Boys where the ball and the ref did not lie.

    There was a shake up for the Rapids at the back. Chris Armas rolled out the 4-3-3 like last week. Andreas Maxsø returned at center back. Reggie Cannon was out with a groin injury. Ian Murphy moved over to left back. Rapids 2 rookie Anderson Rosa made his fourth and final MLS call-up.

    For Verde, USMNT forward Brandon Vazquez was up top. Next to him was record signing Myrto Uzuni, who made his first start for the club. Former Rapid attacker Diego Rubio was on the bench.

    The first half was energetic. Both teams were aggressive and direct in the first 30 minutes. Colorado were direct and central with the three-man midfield and Djordje Mihailović pulling the strings. Verde went for crosses and headers. The 11 first half crosses challenged the visitors.

    Colorado made it 1-0 in the 18th minute. Oli Larraz found Mihailović in space in midfield. The Olympian delivered a perfectly weighted ball to a sprinting Rafael Navarro, who chipped goalkeeper Brad Stuver.

    Austin nearly equalized in the 20th and 43rd. First Uzuni beat Steffen to a header inside the six yard box on a redirected header. The ball went off the post and Steffen collected. In the 43rd, he got a free header that Steffen got a touch to. The ball went off the crossbar and out. The half ended 0-0.

    The second half was minutes of Austin attacks punctuated by momentary chances for Colorado. Just three minutes in, Dani Pereira passed the ball right to Navarro, who couldn’t capitalize. He shot from the top of the box wide.

    Austin nearly drew a penalty in the 51st. Uzuni and Chido Awaziem battled in the box with Uzuni establishing position in the box. Both players went down. The foul was called. VAR called referee Marcos de Oliveira to the monitor. Uzuni was found to be offside in the build up, bailing out Chido.

    The match left Cole Bassett snake bitten offensively. He should have drawn a tactical foul on a counter attack in the 67th. He would have gotten an open shot in the box set up by Mihailović. Then in the 73rd, Djordje found him in a crowded box for a back heeled shot that was wide.

    Two minutes into stoppage time, Austin thought they had a lifeline. Rubio had subbed on. He went for a loose ball just inside the box. He and Wayne Frederick II met the ball at almost the exact same time. The ball went away from goal. Rubio went tumbling to ground. The referee called a PK. After several minutes, VAR took him to the monitor. The penalty was overturned with Frederick getting to the ball first. If anything, Rubio put the studs on Wayne.

    Colorado saw out the extended stoppage time to win 1-0. They are now unbeaten to start the MLS season with five points from three games and four goals scored.

    “Big three points for us on the road. Most importantly, we play every match as the protagonist. We go after it. The energy has to be there. We’re developing an ability to ramp it up,” Armas said in his opening statement.

    Gritty performance from Colorado Rapids tonight. Managed the game well once they took the lead. Frustrated Austin. Defense rode its luck a bit. But this make the start of the season feel much better. 5 points from 3 games. Didn't get wrecked by Rubio. Good night!

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-03-09T03:43:38.237Z

    Three goals for Navarro, Djordje Decision Day Revenge:

    Just one goal and three shots on target. Still, it was a good day for the offensive players on the Rapids. Navarro now has three goals in two games. Mihailović said after the Dallas match that a 20 goal season was possible for him. He’s well on his way.

    This game had to feel good for Mihailović. He got an assist after not getting credit for one last week. He played well and rolled his sleeves up. And to do it in his first game back at the stadium where he got injured last year. Cathartic.

    “I definitely thought about coming back here for the first time since that injury. I put that behind me. I felt good after the goal. You can’t hesitate in those moments,” Djordje said, reflecting on the play that got him injured compared to the sequence of the goal tonight.

    Elsewhere, the Denver De Bruyne Oli Larraz had another great shift. He and Josh Atencio are running things in midfield. They’re covering round and making smooth passes. With Bassett off to a slow start offensively, others are rising to the occasion.

    “Oliver fits so well into what we do here. His ability to play between lines allows us to be vertical. That first goal, it’s a good goal. He’s a big part of that. It was a strong night for that midfield trio,” Armas said of Larraz.

    https://bsky.app/profile/juanners.bsky.social/post/3ljw4ozy7ys2y

    The defense survives VAR’d PKs, posts, and Diego Rubio:

    The defense had a lot to deal with in this game. Six shots from Brandon Vazquez. A shot off the post. Another deflected onto the crossbar. Two PK shouts, both overturned by VAR. The second one coming against Rubio was chef’s kiss. VAR don’t lie.

    The whole team dealt with all the crosses well on the night. Steffen made a play on both shots that hit the woodwork. VAR got it right in overturning both penalties. Maxsø looked fine in his first minutes of the year. Big props to Ian Murphy, being forced to play left back and go up against Osman Bukari. The players in front helped out as well. What a response to giving up three goals to Dallas last week.

    VAR DON'T LIE. After review, no era penal! Vindication for Wayne against Diego Rubio. Got to the ball first. Good work officials.

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-03-09T03:34:52.977Z

    “Another fairly strong performance on the road. Clean sheet. We tried to be the aggressors. In so many ways it was mature. VAR gets the calls right. It creates some drama. We thought (Frederick) got all ball in real time,” said Armas.

    “Ian Murphy, he’s a good player. He’s versatile. We’re light at full back. He stepped into a tough one. Tuned in. Up for that matchup (with Osman Bukari). We’ve talked about being more stingy defensively. That back line lived up to it tonight.”

    “Defending low crosses. We know the game would go this way if we got the lead. It took 11 of us, plus the guys coming off the bench, to finish the game off. It’s the second time we’re playing in this structure,” Mihalović closed with.

    Colorado are back in action next Saturday next Saturday at San Jose 8:30 p.m. MT.

    I can't remember a Rapids defender playing his first couple MLS games and looking so comfortable on the ball.Anderson Rosa's done with the first team this year after tonight, but he's gonna be a name to remember.

    — Braidon Nourse (@braidonnourse.bsky.social) 2025-03-09T03:17:13.879Z

    Photo Credit: John Babiak

    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.

  • Wild West Showdown in Texas: Rapids Away at Austin

    Wild West Showdown in Texas: Rapids Away at Austin

    AUSTIN, Texas—The Rapids will face their first of two Western Conference foes away from home when they travel to Austin to take on Austin FC tonight. Both teams have had an up-and-down start to 2025, so let’s take a look at this matchup.

    When: Saturday, March 8 @ 6:30 p.m. MST

    Where: Q2 Stadium

    TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Attack Thrives, Defense Sacrificed

    The Rapids’ last MLS game had a completely different look than we had seen in league play or Concacaf Champions Cup play. Chris Armas’s men had trouble getting in front of the net, going two straight games without a goal or even a shot on target. This was not the case against Dallas, as the two teams put on a show, combining for 28 shots and six goals, with the Rapids having 16 shots of their own in the 3-3 draw at home. 

    The Rapids got it started early with a Rosenberry shot/cross that looped over Dallas keeper Maarten Paes. Whether he meant to or not (probably not, given his muted celebration), The Rapids had their first shot on target in over 190 minutes of play. And they would continue the barrage on Paes’s goal throughout the match, showing a side of this Rapids attack we had not seen yet this season. Rafa Navarro played his role as a poacher, securing the two other Rapids goals from close range. Rafa and Oli Larraz combined for four goal contributions, with Larraz having a more offensive and wider role than we have seen from him. He had two assists on the night.

    For as fun as the Rapids attack had, there were some worrying moments for the Rapids defensively throughout the game. The defense gave up three goals of their own, two minutes away from each other right before half-time. A scrappy goal midway through the second half from Petar Musa put the Rapids in a losing position from 2-0 up. Dallas had more expected goals, although slightly (1.99 xG to 1.88). It could have been worse for the ‘Pids as FC Dallas forward Logan Farrington had hit the back of the net to make it 4-3, but the goal was ruled offside. 

    The defense had a rough go at it, and it wasn’t helped by the injuries to Awaziem and Cannon, both of whom had to be substituted. This made way for the season debut of Michael Edwards and the professional debut of Rapids 2 call-up Anderson Rosa. Both of them held their own in their appearances, but the second game of the season seems a little too soon to be having to go this far down the depth chart for minutes.

    Lineup Prediction:

    Steffen / Rosenberry (c), Murphy, Awaziem, Rosa / Larraz, C. Bassett, Atencio / Mihailovic, Navarro, Cabral 

    The biggest news from the injury report from Friday was Reggie Cannon being out due to a groin injury. This makes it three Rapids outside backs that are out due to injury. When Reggie went down against Dallas, Anderson Rosa had to step in, and it looks like the same for Austin. 

    Colorado Rapids @ Austin FC availability report: T KDP, Travis, Vines out as expected. Reggie Cannon is out with a groin injury. Maxsø questionable. Ronan and Yapi not listed. Presumably, Anderson Rosa starts at LB tomorrow. Cascante out for Verde.

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-03-07T23:01:19.492Z

    Chris Armas has said that he wants to continue the proactive football that we saw against Dallas. In that game, we saw Bassett return to the midfield, but in a more attacking role, as an eight alongside Larraz, with Josh Atencio holding up the midfield as a six. This change in the midfield structure was the key to unlocking the attack and letting Larraz grab two assists while Bassett helped create in the attacking third. 

    This didn’t come without risk, and FC Dallas exploited this for their goals. The usual midfield had a pair of sixes, and Atencio was left on his own at crucial points against former MLS MVP Lucho Acosta. Finding the right balance between the attack and defense will be tricky for Armas and Co, and a lot of that decision making will be based around the middle three for the Rapids. 

    If Armas wants to shut down shop at Austin, I could see Mihailović slotting back into the midfield and Bassett and Atencio/Larraz being the two sixes, giving the Rapids a more familiar midfield balance. It will also be important to see how far along players who have been on the injury report have come in the last week. Ronan played 26 minutes against Dallas, with other notable injured Sam Vines and Andreas Maxsø not making the bench.

    Outside Back Worries:

    It has been an injury-filled position for the Burgundy Boys in 2025. Vines has been hurt since preseason, and while it was reported that his injury was minor and more of a precaution, he has yet to leave the injury report since. It, unfortunately, looks to be a similar case to that of Bassett at the end of last year. The timetable for Vinesy to come back is an unknown at this point, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

    Stand-in for Vines at outside back has been Reggie Cannon, who looked to avoid injury scare at home to LAFC in the Champions Cup, only to get hurt during the game against Dallas. The Rapids, who had already lost their last outside back, not named Rosenberry, Jackson Travis to a hand injury that required surgery. 

    Three of four wingbacks will be listed as out for the game in Austin, and just like last week against Dallas, Rapids 2 call-up Anderson Rosa will likely get the nod. The 23-year-old Brazilian was a name that flew under the radar for many Rapids fans, but not for Chris Armas. The Rapids head coach has been outspoken about how much they trust Rosa and how they felt he was ready to be thrown to the wolves. He will have to be ready again if his name is called in Austin.

    Reggie Cannon on his CCC injury:"When I went down, I heard a pop in my knee. Similar to when I hurt my MCL a year ago. My leg went numb. It was more of a scare. We have a lot games to play. It's nothing that's going to stop me."Played 180 min the next week. Absolute DAWG.

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-02-28T18:50:56.776Z

    Austin’s symmetrical start to 2025:

    Austin has had a much more controlled and calm start to 2025 than the Rapids, with both of their games ending 1-0, a win at home against Sporting KC, and a loss away at Portland. An attack very much changed from a year back has been slow from the jump. A staple to the Austin tea, Sebastian Driussi, has left for River Plate in Argentina, and Austin has filled that hole with USMNT forward Brendan Vasquez. Vasquez has yet to get on the score sheet for Austin, however, with the attack spearheaded by him scoring only one goal across their first two games.

    Austin was very close to doing what is needed to be successful in MLS. Win your home games and keep your away games close. They took care of Sporting KC and kept Portland at 0-0 until an in-swinging free kick from David Da Costa evaded everyone and found the back of the net untouched. Austin’s attack has been slow to get started, but their defense is in midseason form. 

    They kept Sporting KC to seven shots and two on target with an xG of 0.54 and Portland to the same shot count but an xG of 0.59. A little over 1.0 xG over two games is impressive and something that Chris Armas will have to look to do better on Saturday. 

    Prediction: Both teams will limit the opportunities and play out a well-defended game in Austin. It ends 0-0.

    Photo Credit: John Babiak

    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: Colorado Rapids Austin Preview, Dallas, Hailstorm News

    Podcast: Colorado Rapids Austin Preview, Dallas, Hailstorm News

    PODCAST – Hello Colorado Rapids fans. This week on Holding The High Line, we complain about the Concacaf Overton Window. Rabbi and Red banter about hotel art and our 2025 Highliner scarf merch!

    Then we discuss the Concacaf Palencia investigation. It answered one question but prompted several more. Is the confederation to be taken seriously? Are the clubs at fault for the lack of transparency? Is Sergi Palencia innocent given this statement? Did Chido Awaziem cry wolf and if so, should he be punished? We discuss.

    Then we do Good Thing, Bad Thing, Big Thing on the 3-3 draw with FC Dallas. Shout out to FC Dallas Comms for getting us the opening audio of the conversation with Lalas Abubakar. We preview Saturday’s match with Austin FC, new players, Decision Day revenge, and all.

    At the end of the show, we discuss Northern Colorado Hailstorm almost merging with Rapids 2. We talk U.S. Soccer on the brink of hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup and what it means for Denver and the new NWSL team. Then we have an Ask HTHL on Chris Armas’ tactics and formation as it relates to the midfield.

    We’ve partnered with Magic Mind to help the Rapids Community build on their pillars of health, including sleep, diet, exercise, and more. Magic Mind has launched their 24 hour pack, including focus and sleep shots in one. Get started with Magic Mind today with our special link. Use the discount code HIGHLINER20 at checkout.

    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: John Babiak

    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.

  • Future Legends Future: Hailstorm’s Future in Flux Again as Merger With Rapids 2 Falls Through

    Future Legends Future: Hailstorm’s Future in Flux Again as Merger With Rapids 2 Falls Through

    WINDSOR – The future of Future Legends and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC is in further doubt. Burgundy Wave can confirm a deal to merge with Colorado Rapids 2 is off. Multiple sources told Burgundy Wave that NoCo were expected to play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2025 as the affiliate of MLS side Colorado Rapids.

    It is unclear which side’s branding would have been used. Sources were not sure. But technical operations would have been managed by the MLS club’s staff. KSE had filed a trademark for Mile High SC, with a busy crest that looks like something a Colorado Premier League team would wear. This could have be part of a planned R2 rebrand anyways, though they’ve since announced their kits for 2025. MLS teams have been rebranding their NEXT Pro affiliates recently, moving them to a suburb and having their own name and geographic designation.

    Burgundy Wave understands the merged team would have played some home games, if not all, at Future Legends in Windsor. Rapids 2 have released their 2025 schedule and conveniently are on the road the first five games of the year. Previously, the club had not announced if they’d return to the University of Denver’s soccer stadium for home matches. Presumably, they’ll now return to DU with some matches at DICK’s in Commerce City like last year.

    The Mile High SC logo per the public trademark registration.

    Burgundy Wave understands the two sides had agreed to terms but needed NEXT Pro approval. It is not clear at time of publishing if NEXT Pro denied the deal or if something else came up.

    Full disclosure, Nick from Linners and Wosers posted about the possibility of this merger first, albeit with fewer details.

    Hailstorm and Future Legends came under criticism for several reasons last year. They reportedly had mounting debt and some lawsuits. The facility was mostly open, but construction of the main stadium has now been delayed multiple years. Supply chain issues coming out of the pandemic were a factor. Some permits were supposedly delayed for reasons outside the club’s control. With the 6,500 stadium not open, Hailstorm and the baseball team NoCo Owlz were playing on a turf baseball diamond with some high school-like bleachers. Not great, Bob.

    One source told Burgundy Wave that the club weren’t paying their players towards the end of the regular season. USL League One picked up the bill. The league supposedly did not give the club their $100,000 reward for winning the Jägermeister Cup. There was a lawsuit. The USL, who have clubs fold every year due to financial issues, terminated their franchise contract. Future Legends 5 filed for bankruptcy in October to part ways with a financial lender with $10.5 million supposedly being owed. Denver based insolvency advisory firm Cordes & Company were named as the receiver.

    Executive Director Casey Katofsky and everyone at the club have been nothing but gracious and professional with our staff. Everything we heard was that the club was not folding. While the Hailstorm name might survive, Jeff Katofsky’s inability to write checks has them out. They were great to me but if Hailstorm sickos want to criticize them, I get it.

    If nothing else, Future Legends built a great sports complex for the community in Northern Colorado. Their bubble dome is awesome for year-round multi-sport activities. The Rapids can’t say that.

    There’s a lot we still don’t know. What’s happening to the NoCo players who were under contract for 2025? About half the squad from last year has signed elsewhere. Hailstorm have removed the roster page from their website for what that’s worth. There has to be a force majeure clause in the remaining contracts they could trigger their release, making them free agents. Especially if the club hasn’t been paying them. Several of them would be picked up by NEXT Pro or League One teams if it could be on a free transfer.

    They played good football last year. The players will be ok, especially those on the younger side. McCain Clarke would be a good project for a few clubs at this level.

    Hailstorm Technical Director and Head Coach Éamon Zayed is no longer mentioned on the ownership and front office page. He has two more years on his NoCo contract. Sources told Burgundy Wave he was expected to have a role at the merged club but Erik Bushey would remain R2’s head coach. Maybe he was going to get folded into the Rapids FO or becomes the GM of NoCo/R2 United. This would work great given the recent Rapids restructuring.

    Maybe he bides his time. If the players are getting an out because of the circumstances, so should the staff. If anyone deserves to survive Hailstorm folding with a job, it’s him. He has a good relationship with the Rapids top brass. Zayed will land on his feet somewhere in the American pyramid.

    The bigger question is what this means for the finances and the facility. Cordes & Company needs to find a buyer, right? This merger could have set things up for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment to buy the land and run the facility. Buying it just so the Rapids have a heated indoor practice field for when it’s cold might have been reason enough to do that. If a KSE team isn’t player there, not sure that happens. KSE has enough going on with the new developments around Ball Arena. This was an opportunity for the Rapids to expand their footprint on some level.

    Somebody will buy the land. But will they want the teams as well? Could the city or county do that? Does another owner buy it and keep Future Legends’ original vision? A “fit and proper” new owner would have a clean slate to bring them back to USL. There’s the NPSL. Would NISA swipe right on Hailstorm now? We’ll wait for news later in the year. We will not be holding our breath.

    If you told me by 2026, the complex will become publicly owned/run and Hailstorm are a phoenix club in the CPL or NPSL, I wouldn’t be shocked. If you told me Zayed is a Rapids first team assistant or a part of the FO come January, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. If you told me Hailstorm go on a break and are never heard from again like some other USL teams that promise they’d be back next year, I wouldn’t be surprised.

    Long live Hailstorm, 2024 Jägermeister Cup champions.

    Photo Credit: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

    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.

  • Concacaf Palencia Investigation Clears LAFC Player in Incident With Awaziem

    Concacaf Palencia Investigation Clears LAFC Player in Incident With Awaziem

    MIAMI, Fla. – The Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has cleared LAFC’s Sergi Palencia of discriminatory action. This comes after an investigation into alleged discrimination during the later stages of the Conca Champions match between Colorado Rapids and LAFC last Tuesday. Around the 83th minute, play was stopped as Rapids center back Chido Awaziem inquired to referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere about possible discriminatory language said by Palencia to him. LAFC won the match 1-0, advancing on away goals with the aggregate tied 2-2.

    Here’s the full statement Tuesday afternoon:

    “Following a thorough review of the match officials’ reports, available match footage and audios, and the respective positions of both clubs, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has cleared Los Angeles FC player Sergi Palencia of any discriminatory action. 

    While the evidence confirms that the interaction between Palencia and Colorado Rapids player Chidozie Awaziem involved inappropriate language, it is clear to the Committee that the word reported by the Colorado Rapids in its official position to Concacaf was not used. 

    Concacaf will continue to urge teams, players, and fans to participate in our sport positively and with respect for the opposition. There is no room for discrimination in our game. What’s Wrong is Wrong.” 

    Chidozie Awaziem speaks on the abusive language he suffered late in the LAFC game last night via his Instagram.

    — Braidon Nourse (@braidonnourse.bsky.social) 2025-02-27T00:24:18.938Z

    Neither Concacaf nor either club has clarified what Palencia is accused to have said. Awaziem used the phrase “abusive language,” in a post on Instagram. Rapids manager Chris Armas used the word “discriminatory” in the postgame press conference. LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo stated Awaziem felt the language was directed towards him, possibly suggesting a difference in understanding of the context.

    Awaziem stated that the playing environment should protect “players of all races and cultural backgrounds,” in his Instagram post. This is the only public statement to suggest that what was accused was racist in nature.

    Burgundy Wave has reached out to Concacaf for clarification on what words were alleged to have been said, what constitutes “discriminatory action” and “inappropriate language,” and how those two are different. At time of publishing, we have not received a response. A Concacaf official declined to answer our questions and comment further beyond the issued statement.

    Sources have told Burgundy Wave that what Palencia said was not in English and not racist in nature. Palencia is from Spain and has played in France. Awaziem has played in Spain and France. So the conversation could have happened in Spanish or French. Lauziere is Canadian and fluent in French. Concacaf’s banned language goes beyond race (homophobia, sexism, etc.).

    Without more information from the Disciplinary Committee, I’m hesitant to draw any conclusions. Typical of Concacaf, they’ve announced their conclusion but kept the receipts private.

    Most soccer players say swear words throughout the 90 minutes. Is basic profanity considered “inappropriate language” to Concacaf? How far does that definition go? There’s plenty of ways a player could say something discriminatory without using discriminatory profanity.

    Did Palencia just say some generic Spanish swear words that many other soccer players say? Did he say something racist without using a slur? If so, where do we draw the line on that being punishable?

    There’s been plenty of LAFC fans on social media who’ve argued Awaziem should be punished for crying wolf, implying he made this up to get a competitive advantage. I don’t see the logic here. The only time a Concacaf or PRO referee has sent off a player for discriminatory language has been if they hear it directly. Lauziere would have said what he heard in his match report. There’s no precedent for an official giving a yellow or red card because of an accusation they aren’t first hand witness to.

    Getting Palencia suspended a week later after an investigation wouldn’t have helped the Rapids in the final 10 minutes of the second leg.

    Furthermore, stoping the game for this to try and get more stoppage time is at best a zero sum game. The referee wasn’t going to stop the game for four minutes to hear Chido out and then add five minutes of stoppage time for that. There’s no plausible outcome where the Rapids get a competitive advantage before the end of the game.

    Awaziem speaks Spanish and French as second languages. There’s a chance he misheard or misinterpreted what Palencia said. There’s a chance his understanding of inappropriate language, discrimination, and what’s wrong to say on a football pitch is different from what Concacaf has defined as punishable. The culture in other leagues he’s played in might be different. Again, Concacaf needs to be more transparent.

    To use an analogy, there’s plenty of times in soccer where there’s a tackle, the tackled player hits the ground, and no foul is called. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s a dive.

    Without further details on the investigation, I’m not going to speculate on what Palencia allegedly said or presume the morality and intent of either player’s actions. Just like how last week I didn’t immediately assume Palencia was guilty and demand he be tarred and feathered by Rapids and LA Galaxy fans.

    May 31 at BMO and October 18 at DICK’s just got more intense.

    Photo Credit: John Babiak

    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.

  • Cheer For Chido: Rapids Community Supports Awaziem in six Goal Thriller!

    Cheer For Chido: Rapids Community Supports Awaziem in six Goal Thriller!

    COMMERCE CITY – Sure the Rapids lost in Conca Champions and have two points in two leagues games. But are you not entertained?! Chido Awaziem balling out and getting supported by the entire crowd. Lalas Abubakar made his return to Colorado. Six goals with Oli Larraz and Rafael Navarro cooking. RapidMan in one piece ski suit. Other than a win, what more could Rapids fans have wanted from an MLS home opener?

    Saturday night saw the Colorado Rapids host FC Dallas in their MLS home opener. This just four days after nearly advancing in CCC.

    Colorado Rapids were unchanged personnel wise from Tuesday. The team was mostly in a 4-4-2 and a 4-3-3 at times. Anderson Rosa made the bench with his third of four call ups for the year. Connor Ronan made the match day squad for the first time this year.

    Lucho Acosta started off his move to Dallas from FC Cincinnati. Petar Musa started up top, having scored last week and in his last visit to DICK’s. Former Rapid Lalas Abubakar was on the bench.

    The first half was a wild swing of momentum. Colorado had their best 40 minutes of the season attacking wise. It took just six minutes for their first shot on goal. Playing up the middle, Oli Larraz played the ball out wide to Captain Keegan Rosenberry. Rosenberry delivered a cross first time to the far post that turned out to the be on target. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out.

    Fittingly, the 15,410 fans in attendance, ready to cheer for Chido erupted.

    Kévin Cabral, Djordje Mihailović, and others had chances. Set pieces. Corners. Shots on goal. Colorado was cooking. They deservedly made it 2-0 in the 39th minute. Rafael Navarro rose above everyone for a header on a Djordje cross to find the back of the net.

    All that good work by the Pids was undone in two minutes. In the 43rd minute, Acosta set up Shaq Moore with a through ball. Ian Murphy tried to block the cross but couldn’t get all of it. The ball found its way to Pedrinho who smashed it past Zack Steffen to make it 2-1.

    Just before halftime, Lucho and Musa had a give and go that got Acosto around Awaziem and 1-v-1 with Steffen. He chipped the keeper. The crowd was stunned as the half ended 2-2.

    Dallas took the lead in the 68th minute on a messy play. Reggie Cannon and Anderson Julio battled for a loose ball on a counter attack inside the six. Cannon went down, possibly fouled from behind. Musa was there to side-heel the ball off substitute Micheal Edwards and in.

    The Rapids however did not hear the bell. Oli Larraz, who’d been having a great game, got to the end line in the 72nd and crossed to the near post. Navarro went to ground for a tap in, making it 3-3.

    The final 18 minutes saw big chances for both teams. Lucho took a free kick at the top of the box that was wide of the post. Logan Farrington scored on a break but was called offsides. Bassett had a great chance set up by a Navarro press but he shot wide. Mihailović was visibly upset.

    The match ended 3-3 with Abubakar on the bring of subbing in.

    “We feel like we’re getting close as a team. We don’t want to say we let a team off the hook. Didn’t defend the goal as good as we should have. That’s part of learning. We’re still a team that’s hard to beat,” Armas said in his opening statement.

    Cheer For Chido and Lalas:

    It was so fitting that the Rapids scored in the 6th minute right as Rapids fans were going to give Chido a standing ovation.

    Chido had a great match again. Other than getting played around by Acosta, he was flawless. The crowd cheered him anytime he made a play. It’s taken him four games to win over his new club. What a pick up. He was subbed off in the 64th minute. He was dealing with some groin tightness. It was precautionary. Edwards came on for him and was ok. Chido has made a fantastic first impression at the club.

    It was great for Rapids fans to see Lalas back at DSGP so soon. He got a big ovation when he was announced as a substitute prematch. He made the roads pre and post game. He seems well. Too bad he didn’t actually get to play. Lalas said postgame he was happy yet surprised to get the support from the fans as a former player. He and Cabral swapped kits.

    Larraz and Navarro led the awoken attack:

    Larraz with two assists for the first time in an MLS game including on the equalizer. Navarro with his second brace against Dallas after a big miss on Tuesday. Colorado mustered 18 shots, six on goal, 1.88 xG per FotMob. This after two straight games with no shots on goal.

    “Better is the amount of chances created. Not better is the we can’t score 3 goals and not win. Upgrade your shots. It just doesn’t happen. That’s frustrating,” Mihalović told Burgundy Wave.

    “I told (Larraz) before the game, he wears #8 now. It’s time to be on the scoresheet. It’s important for his development and the whole team. He’s grown a lot. It’s going to be helpful at the end of the season when we’re all tired and he can keep running.”

    Keegan Rosenberry with his first MLS goal since September 14, 2022 (a 2-1 win vs San Jose). This was a great offensive game. And that was with Mihailović and Bassett not firing on all cylinders. Cabral, for all his faults, ran with intensity and attracted defenders, to create space for Navarro. There’s lots of ways to contribute. This team is still set up to score a bunch of goals, especially at home.

    “No not even close. (Julio) came in quick. I just tried to ride the tackle into a cross and put it in a dangerous area. I don’t know if you could tell from the lack of celebration, I laughed it off. It wasn’t very purposeful. They all count the same. I’ll take it,” Rosenberry said of his opening goal.

    Blew a two goal lead but still an entertaining game:

    This was the first game where Colorado’s defense did not make the opponent uncomfortable. Musa and Acosta are a great pair. They’re really hard to stop. The defense did not space well on the first conceded. The second was just Acosta doing his thing as an MLS MVP. The third goal was a comedy of errors and possibly a foul. That one deserves a look back.

    “The positive takeaway is we go down 3-2 and don’t throw the match away. We climb back and get a point from it. I think we lose the game in those 5 minutes at the end of the first half,” Rosenberry said.

    “It’s a step in the right direction even though it’s a disappointing night. We will find that balance. We were focusing on the offensive side of things. In games past, we’ve showed we have the defensive side of things. When we put those two things together, we’re going to mature into the team we want to be,” Larras added.

    Colorado eventually became a great attacking team last year. They’ve showed they’re capable of being a great defensive team. Clean up the mistakes and find that balance, Armas and company will be ok.

    Also Anderson Rosa made his debut. Good possession based fullback out of the draft. Needs to work on his 1-v-1 defending. But didn’t look out of place.

    Photo Credit: John Babiak

    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 MLS Home Opener Preview: Retro Ski Night Against Dallas

    Colorado Rapids MLS Home Opener Preview: Retro Ski Night Against Dallas

    COMMERCE CITY – The 2025 Colorado Rapids have their home opener at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park against a fellow MLS Original in FC Dallas. The Rapids are coming off an exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup at the hands of LAFC and look to right the ship in league play. Let’s take a look at this matchup.

    When: Tuesday, March 1 @ 7:30 p.m. MST

    Where: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park

    TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Colorado’s Exit from CCC:

    The Rapids are coming into this home stand three days out from their 1-0 loss (2-2 on aggregate, Rapids lost on away goals) at the hands of LAFC in Los Angeles. It was one of the better results the Rapids have had at BMO Stadium, but it wasn’t enough to advance in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

    Fulltime. 1-0. 2-2 on aggregate. LAFC advance on away goals. Tough night for Colorado Rapids at BMO Stadium again. Offense never really got going. The tactic was better in terms of letting Bassett cook. Wasn't enough. LA needed one goal and they got it. 0-8 all time. #Rapids96

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-02-26T04:59:13.799Z

    The Rapids defense put in a good shift, frustrating the hosts in the first half and limiting them to only two shots on target. Similar stats were created in the second half, but a 49th-minute goal from midfielder Marco Delgado ended up being LAFC’s one big chance of the game. Rafa Navarro missed the Pids’ only big chance of the game early, and the Rapids failed to produce a shot on target for the whole game.

    The Rapids can say that they were in the game throughout, which cannot be said for most visits to BMO Stadium. But it was not a clean game from the Burgundy Boys. Throughout the game, the Rapids’ players were too loose with their passes and gave the ball away too much in poor spots. When LAFC dropped back into a low block in the second half, Colorado couldn’t seem to string two passes together in the final third and instead opted to play around the back in key late moments of that game.

    Chris Armas and his players can take a lot of good from their short CCC appearance, but they also have things to iron out before they meet FC Dallas on Saturday.

    Reggie Cannon on his CCC injury:"When I went down, I heard a pop in my knee. Similar to when I hurt my MCL a year ago. My leg went numb. It was more of a scare. We have a lot games to play. It's nothing that's going to stop me."Played 180 min the next week. Absolute DAWG.

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-02-28T18:50:56.776Z

    Early Woes in Front of Goal:

    In the first three games of the season, the Rapids have scored twice, both through Djordje Mihailović, and have totaled five shots on target through that stretch. All five shots on target happened in the first leg against LAFC, and the ‘Pids have gone two straight games without a shot on target. 

    Colorado Rapids had 2 shots on Saturday at St. Louis, none on goal. Tonight at LAFC was 5 shots, none on goal. The Rapids attack is off to a slow start this year outside of Djordje. Rafa's PK claim be damned.

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-02-26T05:55:44.233Z

    In 2024, the Rapids was near the top of the league in expected goals and now has gone two straight games without creating a shot on target. The good news is that it is still early in the season and that the fixtures themselves are tough ones. LAFC and St. Louis away are some of the hardest games of the year, and both were accompanied by more defensive-minded tactics from Armas.

    Now, if the Rapids aren’t able to get the offense rolling at home against Dallas, the alarm bells may have to start ringing in Colorado.

    Lineup Prediction:

    The Burgundy Boys haven’t been spoiled for choice when it comes to depth, and it seems to continue into this matchup. 

    Colorado Rapids availability report vs FC Dallas:Ted KDP out (shoulder). Jackson Travis out (hand surgery, 4-6 weeks). Sam Vines (thigh) still out. Andreas Maxsø (knee), Connor Ronan (thigh), and Darren Yapi (shoulder) are questionable. That's better.CC: @bigdsoccer.com

    — Burgundy Wave (@burgundywave.bsky.social) 2025-02-28T22:59:48.852Z

    We could see the return of Andreas Maxsø, Darren Yapi, or Connor Ronan into the starting lineup, but I would bet on them seeing the bench for a game or two before being slotted back into the starting lineup. Here is my prediction for the lineup against Dallas:

    Steffen / Rosenberry(C), Awaziem, Murphy, Cannon / Atencio, Bassett / Cabral, Mihailović, C. Harris / Navarro

    With Jackson Travis out for 4-6 weeks and Vines still out of team drills, I can’t see much rotation along the backline. I believe we will see Bassett slot back into his preferred position alongside Atencio, allowing a more attacking approach from Armas. It was interesting to see Armas opt for youngster Alex Harris to make his debut for the Rapids before looking Omir Fernandez’s way at LAFC. It could be a trend that could see less of Omir in the coming weeks, or the opposite, and he was being rested for this game. Either way, until Ted Ku-DiPietro is healthy, that winger role is a hole in this team.

    New Look Dallas:

    The FC Dallas front office knew there had to be some changes to the team that had finished 11th in the Western Conference and missed out on the playoffs in 2024. And changes there were. They traded away important players like Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola to Seattle, while Sam Junqua and Nkosi Tafari went to RSL and LAFC, respectively. They also saw to the transfer of Alan Velasco to Boca Juniors in Argentina while offloading 15 total players. 

    But they brought in just as many new faces, with the standout pickups being MLS star Lucho Acosta from Cincy and MLS veterans like Lalas Abubakar, Leo Chu, Anderson Julio, and Shaq Moore. They rounded out their transfer window with some signings from North Texas and some free agents, so this Dallas team will have a new look under new head coach Eric Quill, and they have more help on the way:

    Sources: FC Dallas finalizing deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Kaick from Gremio for $4m. CLMerlo first reported.Kaick, 19, is a graduate of Gremio's academy.

    — Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-02-27T00:31:28.886Z

    We got a first look at this Dallas team in their impressive 2-1 win at Houston last Saturday. However, it wasn’t all pretty, as Houston scored first off of a mess of a clearance from the Dallas backline. They equalized through a comically bad pass from Houston centerback Ethan Bartlow and scored the eventual winner though ex-RSL man Anderson Julio getting on the end of a well-placed Petar Musa through ball. 

    The new designated player, Lucho Acosta, didn’t get on the scoresheet but showed his quality and his ability to create for Dallas. He will be a man to keep tabs on for Colorado, along with Petar Musa, who has been great for Dallas since joining them in 2024. The Rapids will also have to make sure they do not recreate Bartlow’s mistake and look better on the ball than they did in LA. The speed that Dallas has up top will be a problem as well, and it was on display for Anderson Julio’s winner in Houston. It is the early days for Eric Quill in Dallas, so it will be interesting to see how his team shapes up in Colorado.

    The Return Of Lalas Abubakar:

    FC Dallas is a familiar foe for Colorado, and now they have a familiar face with them. Lalas Abubakar joined Dallas as a free agent after the Rapids could not come to terms on a new contract with the 30-year-old. Lalas had become a fan favorite in Colorado during his six-year stay, and Saturday will be his first game back in Colorado.

    Lalas didn’t start for Dallas in their season opener at Houston and did not make an appearance in that game. FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill opted to start Sebastian Ibeagha and Osaze Urhoghide at center-back. I expect Quill to lean toward those two again in Colorado unless he wants to ultilize Lalas’ experience at DICKs Sporing Goods Park.

    Start or not, it will be a weird sight to see Lalas on the other side on Saturday. I expect the Rapids faithful to give him a warm welcome and for him to return the favor.

    Cheer for Chido at 6 Minutes:

    Awaziem accused Sergi Palencia of using derogatory language towards him towards the end of the game on Tuesday. Concacaf has launched an investigation. Many in the Rapids Community have suggested the fans do what they did for Moïse Bombito last summer. Cheer for Chido at 6:00 on the game clock.

    Chido Awaziem wears #6. Lalas Abubakar wore #6. Fans cheered Moïse Bombito (#64) in the 64th last year when he was racial abused during Copa America. Standing ovation when the game clock reaches 6:00 tomorrow. Spread the word.

    — Holding The High Line (@rapids96podcast.bsky.social) 2025-02-28T18:34:16.523Z

    Prediction: The Rapids have a better night in front of the goal and continue their good defensive record against a dangerous Dallas attack. Rapids win 2-1. 

    Photo Credit: John Babiak

    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: Chido Awaziem Sergi Palencia Controversy

    Podcast: Chido Awaziem Sergi Palencia Controversy

    PODCAST – Hello Colorado Rapids fans. This week on Holding The High Line, it was a tough couple days for the Rapids Community. We banter about Indianapolis potentially being a target for MLS Expansion. Then we address Chido Awaziem accusing Sergi Palencia of using derogatory language towards the end of Tuesday’s game. We address the possibility that it was racist in nature.

    We recap the 0-0 draw against St. Louis CITY and the 1-0 loss to LAFC in Conca Champions. No shots on goal in either game. Colorado have been in the Concacaf Champions Cup or the equivalent five times in their history. They’ve never advanced from the round/group in which they’ve entered. No other MLS team has been in CCL/CCC that many times and not advanced in a round. Brutal.

    Then we preview FC Dallas in the home opener and talk about Lalas Abubakar.

    We’ve partnered with Magic Mind to help the Rapids Community build on their pillars of health, including sleep, diet, exercise, and more. Magic Mind has launched their 24 hour pack, including focus and sleep shots in one. Get started with Magic Mind today with our special link. Use the discount code HIGHLINER20 at checkout.

    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: John Babiak

    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.

  • Farewell, Lalas Abubaker: Good Luck in Dallas!

    Farewell, Lalas Abubaker: Good Luck in Dallas!

    FRISCO, Tex. – After six years with the Colorado Rapids, Lalas Abubakar has joined FC Dallas on a free after being released by the Rapids. The 30-year-old was briefly in discussions to remain in Commerce City. Lalas had racked up 153 appearances across those six seasons, scoring nine times, assisting three, and cemented himself as a fan favorite who played for the badge.

    FC Dallas have signed center back Lalas Abubakar.Abubakar made 153 apps with the Colorado Rapids before departing this winter.

    — Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T16:04:37.168Z

    Lalas Abubakar was drafted by the Columbus Crew in 2017, then loaned out to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds before making his return to the Crew in 2018. He had become a starter by 2018 for the Crew but had slowly lost his starting place during the 2019 season, and the Crew looked to have him get his playing time elsewhere.

    Lalas joined on loan from the Columbus Crew midway through a turbulent 2019 season, which saw head coach at the time, Anthony Hudson fired just nine games into the season, he anchored a backline that he immediately improved. With 22 appearances, he was named the club’s 2019 Defender of the Year. Under interim head coach Conor Casey and then full-time head coach Robin Fraser, he shined in a late playoff push, which saw the Rapids fall just short by six points.

    With his loan expired in the offseason, huge rumblings were made about Lalas’s future. Would he return to Columbus? Would the Rapids look to acquire him for the long term? Will this be the most expensive transfer of a defender within the league? Abubakar was upfront with then Crew GM Pat Onstad. He wanted to stay in Colorado. 

    Lalas got his wish. The Rapids signed the defender for $400k in GAM and an international roster slot. This was labeled a bargain at the time and kept the Ghanian in Colorado. This transfer was great for the Rapids, as Lalas had an exceptional 2020 season, with the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

    Rapids lose third
    Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

    The good times continued into 2021, with Lalas being a key part of the Colorado side that won the west. The center-back trio of Lalas, Auston Trusty, and Danny Wilson propelled Colorado to have one of the best defensive records in the league. And while the season ended in their first playoff game, 2021 was still a wildly successful year.

    The Rapids could not continue the success, with 2022 being an underwhelming year and 2023 being one of the worst years in club history. Lalas wasn’t having bad years by any means, but there was a decline in production from him, and by the end of 2023, Moïse Bombito began to make his mark.

    Bombito, becoming the starter in 2024, left Lalas as the first center back off the team sheet. But Lalas was keen to start again, and when Bombito left for international duty, Lalas got to start again. Featuring in a much more high-octane style Rapids team than in years past, Lalas played well in the absence of Bombito and commanded the starting job once Bombito went to Nice during the Leagues Cup. Despite a strong Leagues Cup, by the end of the season, the wheels had fallen off the bus, and it all came crashing down, with the Rapids conceding nine across two MLS Cup Playoff games against the LA Galaxy.

    2024 was a contract year for Abubakar, and the Rapids front office deemed that his performance did not warrant picking up his contract option. A tough decision, but with Lalas making around $700k on his current contract, it was maybe the right decision based on the numbers, and with center backs Ian Murphy and Chidozie Awaziem joining from FC Cincinnati.

    Lalas Abubakar Ramadan
    Photo Credit: John Babiak.

    As a team, the Rapids have had a spotty defense record the last few years, conceding 54 goals in 2023 and 60 goals in 2024, a far cry from the defensive record of 35 goals against in 34 games in 2021. Conceding 60 goals is a problem, and some questions have to be raised on the personnel of the back line, Lalas was a casualty of these questions as the Rapids looked to refresh their defense in 2025.

    But the numbers cannot show how much Lalas leaving will hurt the Rapids faithful. Lalas loved Colorado, and Colorado loved him back. The passion he had for the badge and the club did not go unnoticed. Along with stellar years in 2019-2021, it was easy to fall in love with Lalas. He was no stranger to joining the fans in celebrations after games, climbing into the stands to cheer with them. He always made sure to thank Centennial 38 after a game, no matter the result. Colorado was where he became comfortable discussing his faith after MLS changed the rules around players observing Ramadan. The team celebrated him becoming a U.S. Citizen last year. How can you not love this man?

    And how can you mention Abubakar’s name without talking about his amazing hair? Easily one of the best the league has ever seen.

    FC Dallas is not just getting a great player; they are also getting a great human being with Lalas Abubakar. It will be weird to see Lalas on the other side in the Rapids 2025 home opener against Dallas this Saturday, but I am sure the Rapids fans will give him the ovation he deserves. Thank you, Lalas, good luck in Dallas!

    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.

google.com, pub-7058379508891613, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
Verified by MonsterInsights