Colorado Rapids

Founding and Early Years

Colorado Rapids were founded on 6 June 1995, one of MLS's ten founding members, and began play in the league's inaugural 1996 season. The club have played since 2007 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, in Commerce City.

Club Evolution

The name "Rapids" evokes Colorado's fast-flowing rivers and rapids. The club adopted burgundy and sky blue in 2007, aligning with the identity of owner Stan Kroenke's other franchises.

Great Managers

Glenn Myernick (1996-2000) led the club to its first MLS Cup final in 1997. Gary Smith (2008-2011) won the club's only MLS Cup in 2010, against FC Dallas. Pablo Mastroeni, captain of the 2010 title team and later head coach (2014-2017), and Robin Fraser (2019-2023), who delivered the club's best-ever regular season in 2021, are among the other notable figures.

Iconic Players

Marcelo Balboa, a member of the inaugural 1996 squad, is the club's first great legend. Pablo Mastroeni holds the club's appearance record, while Conor Casey remains its all-time top scorer.

Major Achievements

Colorado Rapids have won one MLS Cup (2010), after a lost final in 1997, without ever winning a Supporters' Shield or the US Open Cup, the latter slipping away in the 1999 final.

The Club Today

Led by Matt Wells since 2026 and chaired by Stan Kroenke, also owner of the NFL's Rams, the NBA's Nuggets, and the NHL's Avalanche, the club stands out in 2026 for reaching the US Open Cup semi-final, their best result in that competition since 1999.