The Colorado Rapids are gearing up for the return of the Leagues Cup, hoping to replicate their impressive performance from last year’s tournament, which proved both exhilarating and cautionary. In 2024, the Rapids achieved a phenomenal four-match winning streak against Liga MX teams, culminating in a semifinal appearance as the lowest-seeded team of the tournament. This spectacular journey included a stunning victory against the famous Club América and concluded with a third-place finish after a loss to LAFC.
However, the aftermath of that exhilarating performance was not without its challenges, as the Rapids faced significant struggles in the latter part of the regular season, suffering five losses in their final eight matches—including a painful 9-1 combined defeat in two games against the LA Galaxy.
Despite these hurdles, the experience gained from last year’s run has instilled confidence in the team as they prepare to host Club Santos Laguna in this year’s tournament opener. Key players like goalkeeper Zack Steffen emerged from the previous year’s success, earning accolades and returning to the U.S. Men’s National Team radar. Steffen’s exceptional performance included an average of five saves per game and outstanding contributions during penalty shootouts.
Darren Yapi has also seen his prominence grow, scoring crucial goals and becoming a dynamic presence off the bench. He scored his first-ever goal during last year’s Leagues Cup and has since continued to prove his worth with impactful performances throughout the season.
On the other hand, Cole Bassett stands at a pivotal juncture, aiming for a rebound after a string of injuries affected his game. He is keen to leverage this tournament as a launchpad to recover his scoring touch, having previously transformed adversity into success.
Looking back at the previous tournament, coach Chris Armas has reflected on the need for better rotation and squad management. He believes this year’s broader player pool will allow for greater tactical flexibility and higher performance levels without compromising balance. The anticipation is that if the Rapids can manage their depth effectively, another deep Leagues Cup run could enhance their performance as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, rather than depleting their energy.
With the excitement of tournament play upon them, the Rapids are poised for another chapter in their Leagues Cup story, focusing on the lessons learned from last year while remaining determined to seize victory. The upcoming matches promise to reveal whether they can indeed balance ambition with sustainability in their quest for another trophy.