The previous Leagues Cup was a fairy tale for the Colorado Rapids, but it also served as a cautionary tale.
As the US-Mexico Club tournament returns, the Rapids are aiming for the same heights that made August 2024 one of the most thrilling months in the club’s recent history. After a tough 4-0 loss in their opening match, they went on to win four consecutive matches against Liga MX teams, securing a spot in the semifinals as the 46th overall seed.
That memorable journey included a match against the iconic America in the quarterfinals. Although the Rapids were ultimately defeated by LAFC in the semifinals, they triumphed over the Philadelphia Union shortly after, finishing in third place.
However, the quest for another deep run comes with the looming risk of repeating the adverse consequences that followed last season: five losses in the last eight regular-season games, alongside a staggering 9-1 defeat over two games against the eventual MLS champion, LA Galaxy.
Despite this, the Rapids gained many positives from last year’s cup run, and there are valid reasons to believe that another successful venture could be beneficial as the tournament kicks off at home against Club Santos Laguna.
One of the key figures from last year’s cup run was goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who found his form during the tournament after a challenging start to his time in Colorado. Dominating with an impressive five saves per game, he earned tournament honors and played a crucial role in saving three penalty kicks, including a memorable one against America.
Darren Yapi, who scored his first goal for the Rapids during last season’s cup run, has emerged as an exciting player, contributing significantly as a substitute and netting five regular-season goals this year, demonstrating his knack for crucial late-game moments.
Cole Bassett stands to gain the most from a tournament restart. After an outstanding 2024 season, injuries hampered his performance this year. Now healthy, he aims to recapture his form, having had six goal contributions following an Olympic snub last year that fueled his drive.
The possibility of another deep cup run is plausible, but last year’s success did exhaust the Rapids. Coach Chris Armas faced criticism for not rotating his squad effectively, but this year the depth of players getting significant minutes is larger. With nine games remaining after the Leagues Cup, the team has the flexibility to explore lineup changes, instilling confidence in younger players.
Armas stated that the team feels better prepared for the challenges ahead, thanks to improved health and a deeper squad. Emphasizing a balanced approach, the Rapids appear to be in a position to pursue cup glory without sacrificing their regular-season ambitions.
This year, the Rapids may not need to compromise between ambition and balance. With added depth, fresh legs, and seasoned players, another successful Leagues Cup run could invigorate their regular season rather than disrupt it.