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Colorado Rapids 2026 Season Preview

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Team Snapshot

Former Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells takes over as Colorado head coach ahead of the 2026 season, following Chris Armas' two-year stint in charge.

The first-year manager will oversee a side with strong US men's national team ties – most notably DP midfielder Paxten Aaronson and goalkeeper Zack Steffen, along with defenders Sam Vines and Reggie Cannon.

Rafael Navarro is Colorado's top returning scorer with 12g/5a last year.

Key Signings

  • Hamzat Ojediran: The deep-lying midfielder arrives from Ligue 1 side RC Lens. Ojediran represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup. 
  • Dante Sealy: The Trinidad & Tobago international attacker was acquired from CF Montréal after a breakout 2025 season in which he delivered a career-best 9g/2a.

Key Departures

  • Cole Bassett: The homegrown midfielder was traded to the Portland Timbers after completing two different stints (2018-21 & 2023-25) with Colorado.
  • Calvin Harris: Harris signed with Sporting Kansas City in free agency. He spent three seasons with the Rapids.
  • Oliver Larraz: The homegrown midfielder joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in free agency. Larraz was out of contract after four seasons with Colorado.
  • Andreas Maxsø: Acquired as a Designated Player in 2023, the former Denmark international center back’s option was declined.

Projected Starting XI

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Predictions

Apple TV talent predict the 2026 regular season for the Colorado Rapids.

  • Andrés Agulla: 13th in Western Conference
  • Marcelo Balboa: 8th in Western Conference
  • Max Bretos: 13th in Western Conference
  • Steve Cangialosi: 9th in Western Conference
  • Daniel Chapela: 14th in Western Conference
  • Miguel Gallardo: 13th in Western Conference
  • Michele Giannone: 12th in Western Conference
  • Tony Husband: 12th in Western Conference
  • Sacha Kljestan: 15th in Western Conference
  • Kaylyn Kyle: 14th in Western Conference
  • Lori Lindsey: 12th in Western Conference
  • Dax McCarty: 13th in Western Conference
  • Sammy Sadovnik: 11th in Western Conference
  • Bruno Vain: 14th in Western Conference
  • Bradley Wright-Phillips: 15th in Western Conference

New Kit

Odds & Ends

  • Head coach: Matt Wells
  • Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park
  • Last year: 11W-15L-8D, 41 points, 11th in Western Conference
  • Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: Did not qualify