MLS Players Association releases 2021 salary guide
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Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, the MLS Players Association released every player’s 2021 salary. While the salary guide is typically made public annually, it didn’t happen last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means the 2021 release is our first chance to gauge the salaries of recent additions like Younes Namli and Nicolas Benezet.
The Colorado Rapids have always had a reputation for being a little cheap, and in 2021 they have the fifth-lowest total salary in the league, totaling $10.1 million. And while pinching pennies has backfired on the Rapids in the past, this season, it makes General Manager Padraig Smith and the rest of the Front Office look like geniuses, rolling out a serious Western Conference contender and spending $2.2 million below the league average.
2021 Downstream Game 1: Away to FC Dallas
The Colorado Rapids are heading to Frisco for the season opener.
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Goals: 28 for, 24 allowed, +4 differential
Postseason: Lost to Seattle 0-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals
We’re back! After a mostly successful 2020 and a quiet but productive offseason and what seems to be the longest offseason in history we’re ready for a new season. The Rapids have undeniably approached the upcoming season with a stronger foundation and a readiness to fight. We start the season with a road trip to Dallas followed by the home opener against newcomers Austin FC.
Previewing the Colorado Rapids 2021 roster
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Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
In 2020, the Colorado Rapids took a big step forward as a club by qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2016. They played exciting, attacking football, and were led by a young core of players like Sam Vines and Cole Bassett.
And things look to get even better in 2021, as young players like Auston Trusty and Jonathan Lewis could potentially become break-out stars. Even with such a bright future, the club added a few more pieces this year three, to be specific.
First, the club acquired veteran winger Michael Barrios from FC Dallas. Then, through a series of moves, they drafted highly-rated midfielder Philip Mayaka third overall in the MLS SuperDraft. And finally, the club permanently added goalkeeper William Yarbrough, who was on loan from Liga MX’s Leon last year. With these three pieces, it seems the Rapids are finished bolstering their roster ahead of 2021.