GAMEDAY INFORMATION Date: Saturday, April 29, 2017 Time: 2:00 p.m. MT Venue: Orlando City Stadium Television: UniMas English Radio: Altitude Sports Radio AM 950 Spanish Radio: La Invasora 87.7 FM REF: Robert Sibiga AR1: Adam Wienckowski AR2: Frank Anderson 4TH: Caleb Mendez LAST MEETING BOX SCORE Colorado Rapids 0-0 Orlando City SC August 20, 2016 - Dick's Sporting Goods Park Colorado Rapids: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg, March Burch, Dillon Powers, Sam Cronin (Micheal Azira 81'), Sébastien Le Toux (Marco Pappa 75'), Marlon Hairston, Shkëlzen Gashi, Kevin Doyle (Dominique Badji 90+ ) Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Dennis Castillo, Jared Watts, Mekeil Williams. Orlando City: Joe Bendik, Kevin Alston, José Aja (Tommy Redding 76'), David Mateos, Mikey Ambrose, Antonio Nocerino, Servando Carrasco (Tony Rocha 71'), Kaká, Julio Baptista (Matías Pérez García 63 ), Brek Shea, Cyle Larin. Subs not used: Earl Edwards, Carlos Rivas, Hadji Barry, Luke Boden. Disciplinary COL: Kevin Doyle (caution) 43 ORL: José Aja (caution) 43' ORL: David Mateos (caution) 66' ORL: Brek Shea (caution) 79' MLS TEAM OF THE WEEK Week 1 - Axel Sjöberg Week 2 - Tim Howard MLS ACCOLADES 2017 MLS RECORD Overall Home Road Overall MLS Games 1-4-1 1-1-1 0-3-0 Western Conference 0-3-1 0-1-1 0-2-0 Eastern Conference 1-1-0 1-0-0 0-1-0 Scoring 0 goals 0-2-0 0-0-0 0-2-0 Scoring 1 goal 1-2-0 1-1-0 0-1-0 Scoring 2 goals 0-0-1 0-0-1 0-0-0 Scoring 3 goals 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 Scoring 4+ goals 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 Conceding 0 goals 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 Conceding 1 goal 0-2-0 0-0-0 0-2-0 Conceding 2 goals 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-0-0 Conceding 3 goals 0-1-0 0-0-0 0-1-0 Conceding 4+ goals 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 Scoring first 1-1-1 1-1-1 0-0-0 Conceding first 0-3-0 0-0-0 0-3-0 Leading at halftime 0-1-1 0-1-1 0-0-0 Tied at halftime 1-1-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 Trailing at halftime 0-2-0 0-0-0 0-2-0 In March 1-1-1 1-0-1 0-1-0 In April 0-3-0 0-1-0 0-2-0 In May 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 In June 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 In July 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 In August 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 In September 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 In October 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 LAST FIVE GAMES Orlando City SC - WWWLW W 2-1 Philadelphia Union (3/18/17) L 2-0 @ Columbus Crew SC (4/1/17) W 1-0 New York Red Bulls (4/9/17) W 2-1 LA Galaxy (4/15/17) W 2-1 @ New York City FC (4/23/17) Colorado Rapids - LLLDL L 1-0 @ New York Red Bulls (3/11/17) D 2-2 Minnesota United FC (3/18/17) L 3-1 @ Sporting KC (4/9/17) L 2-1 Real Salt Lake (4/15/17) L 1-0 @ Minnesota United FC (4/23/17)
NEW FACES DEF - Mike da Fonte (Sacramento Republic FC) DEF - Kortne Ford (Homegrown) MID - Nana Boateng (Manchester City) MID - Sam Hamilton (SuperDraft) MID - Ricardo Perez (Homegrown) MID - Mohammed Saeid (Minnesota United FC) M/F - Joshua Gatt (Minnesota United FC) FWD - Alan Gordon (LA Galaxy) INJURY REPORT OUT - Nana Boateng (back), Axel Sjöberg (hamstring) QUESTIONABLE - Dillon Serna (calf) DISCIPLINARY REPORT Suspended - Tim Howard Suspended after next yellow - N/A BOATENG BACK INJURY Nana Boateng will be sidelined for sometime after suffering a back injury during the recent match with Real Salt Lake (4/15). The Ghanaian fractured three lumbar vertebrae and, while no surgery is required, he will miss eight to 10 weeks. Boateng, who joined the Rapids in January from Manchester City, landed heavily on his back following an aerial challenge with RSL midfielder Luke Mulholland. HOME FORM The Rapids unbeaten home record fell on Saturday, April 15 when they lost 2-1 to Real Salt Lake (4/15). They had enjoyed a 19-game run without defeat at Dick s Sporting Goods Park. This is good for joint-sixth best all-time in MLS. In that club record 19-game spell, the Rapids had a record of 12-0-7, while giving up just nine goals. OFFSEASON TRANSACTIONS 12/11/16 - Rapids trade D Joe Greenspan to Minnesota United in exchange for 3rd Round Pick in 2017 MLS SuperDraft 12/11/16 - Rapids acquire 2nd Round Pick from Atlanta United FC in exchange for one International Slot 12/12/16 - Rapids exercise options on GK John Berner, D Bobby Burling, D Marc Burch, D Dennis Castillo, D Eric Miller, D Axel Sjöberg, M Dillon Serna, F Dominique Badji, F Caleb Calvert 12/12/16 - Rapids decline options on D Sean St. Ledger, M Marco Pappa, M Zach Pfeffer, F Conor Doyle 12/13/16 - Rapids trade rights to M Jermaine Jones to LA Galaxy in exchange for a 1st Round Pick in 2017 and a 2nd Round Pick in 2018 12/15/16 - Rapids and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni agree to new three-year contract 01/06/17 - Rapids sign D Kortne Ford and M Ricardo Perez as Homegrown Players 01/13/17 - Rapids select M Sam Hamilton (15th overall) and D Liam Callahan (24th overall) in 2017 MLS SuperDraft 01/17/17 - Rapids select F Jaime Siaj (46th overall) and F Peguy Ngatcha (86th overall) in 2017 MLS SuperDraft 01/23/17 - Rapids sign free agent F Alan Gordon to a one-year contract 01/24/17 - Rapids acquire M Nana Boateng from Manchester City 01/26/17 - Rapids announce Conor Casey as new First Team Assistant Coach 02/10/17 - Rapids acquire $75,000 in GAM from New York City FC in exchange for one International Slot 03/04/17 - Rapids sign 2017 MLS SuperDraft selection M Sam Hamilton 03/14/17 - Rapids sign D Mike da Fonte to a two-year contract from Sacramento Republic FC 03/31/17 - Rapids acquire M Mohammed Saeid, M/F Joshua Gatt and one international slot from Minnesota United FC in exchange for D Marc Burch 03/31/17 - Rapids waive M Sam Cronin, who immediately gets selected by Minnesota United FC off of waivers
MATCHUP TO WATCH Name: Joe Bendik No.: 1 Position: Goalkeeper Age: 28 Height: 6 2 Weight: 217 lbs. Nationality: USA Joined MLS: 2012 MLS experience: 6th season Appearances: 118 Previous MLS club(s): Portland Timbers, Toronto FC What they say: played every minute in a tough 2016 defensively for the Lions, with them conceding 60 goals. Not missed a minute in 2017, has a MLS Save of the Week to his name, and kept two shutouts in six games. Name: Zac MacMath No.: 18 Position: Goalkeeper Age: 25 Height: 6 2 Weight: 194 lbs. Nationality: USA Joined MLS: 2011 MLS experience: 7th season Appearances: 126 Previous MLS Club(s): Philadelphia Union What they say: despite his age, MacMath is an experienced MLS goalkeeper. He lost his starting job with the arrival of Tim Howard but his shot-stopping was fantastic in the first half of 2016. TALE OF THE TAPE ORLANDO RAPIDS 6 Games Played 6 5 Games Won 1 1 Games Lost 4 0 Games Tied 1 8 Goals For 5 5 Goals Against 9 3 Goal Differential -4 15 Points 4 Larin (6) Top Scorer(s) Badji (2) Doyle (2) 66 Shots 48 25 Shots On Goal 15 2 Shutouts 1 1st (East) Standings 11th (West) HEAD-TO-HEAD All-time, the Rapids have a record of 0-1-1 against Orlando City SC in MLS. In the two meetings, Colorado has yet to score against the team from Central Florida. The two sides have met twice in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - sharing a win apiece - in 2013 and 2014, when Orlando were in USL. Previous meetings: 6/24/15 - ORL 2-0 COL 8/20/16 - COL 0-0 ORL USMNT TO DSGP In conjunction with U.S. Soccer, the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced that Dick s Sporting Goods Park will host the FIFA World Cup qualifier between the United States and Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday, June 8 at 5:50 p.m. MT (FS1, Univision). Dick s Sporting Goods Park will host the USMNT for the third consecutive qualifying cycle. The U.S. has posted two shutout victories, including the famous Snow Clasico in 2013 against Costa Rica. Overall, the United States is 4-1-0 in the State of Colorado since 1991.
SJÖBERG INJURED Axel Sjöberg underwent successful surgery on his left hamstring on Tuesday, March 14 after picking up an injury in the dying moments of the 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls. Sjöberg was to be re-evaluated after six to eight weeks at which time a further update will be provided. Last season, Sjöberg earned Rapids Defender of the Year, was one of three nominees for MLS Defender of the Year, and was named to the MLS Best XI. Sjöberg helped guide the league s best defense to an unbeaten regular season at home, as well as a trip to the Western Conference Championship. In all, the Rapids 2015 MLS SuperDraft first round pick has started all 47 matches he has appeared in for the Rapids, while adding two goals and one assist. CHARLOTTE UPDATE Making his first appearance of the season, Enzo Martinez made an immediate impact on his return from injury with a brace at Saint Louis FC on Saturday night to hand Charlotte Independence their first win of 2017. The Rapids USL affiliate were 0-1-2 for the meeting in Saint Louis, and heading to a side sitting third in the standings. Charlotte s night took a backward step just four minutes in, when an under hit back-pass from Bilal Duckett let in Jose Angulo, who slid the ball beyond Cody Mizell. Martinez would level just four minutes later, chasing down a long ball before beating two defenders with some fine individual skill and then popping a shot past Devala Gorrick. The Uruguayan striker struck again just short of the half-hour mark and, despite having to weather a second half storm, Mike Jeffries side held on for their first maximum of the year. Dennis Castillo, on loan from the Rapids, played 90 minutes at left-back. Academy goalkeeper Kainoa Likewise was an unused substitute. Next game: 4/29 at Rochester Rhinos. BY THE NUMBERS Here are 10 stats from the Colorado Rapids' 1-0 loss to Minnesota United FC at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday night. 1. With Ricardo Perez a late replacement for Shkëlzen Gashi (ill) in the 18 for Minnesota, and Kortne Ford starting his third game in a row, it meant the Rapids had two Homegrown rookies in the gameday squad for the first time. 2. With Bobby Burling starting alongside Ford in the center of defense on Sunday, the Rapids have now used four different combinations along the back line in their opening six games. 3. Shutout for the second time this season, the Rapids are now without a win in the last five games, and have managed one point from a possible 15 during that run. 4. This is the longest stretch without success since a six-game winless streak from September 9 to October 21, 2015. 5. A struggle in front of goal is backed-up by the numbers. Through six games the Rapids have managed 15 shots on goal, at an average of 2.5 per game - the lowest in all of MLS. 6. Despite being shutout for the second time this season, the Rapids did have 11 shots during the game, which equals the season-high tally achieved against Minnesota on March 18. Three of the shots were on target - also equaling their seasonbest. 7. The final pass in the final third has been a recurring struggle early on in 2017, and this was again a problem inside TCF Bank Stadium. The Rapids had a 16 per cent accuracy from their 25 crosses. 8. Minnesota conceded 18 goals in their first four games in MLS. They have given up six in the last four. 9. The clean-sheet against the Rapids was Minnesota s first in MLS. Before Sunday, the Loons had never leaked less than two goals in their brief MLS lives. 10. Colorado have now lost all three games in the month of April. Where more than two games have been played in a calendar month, the Rapids have failed to pick up at least a point on four previous occasions (L5, June 2007; L6, July 2012; L5, August 2014; L4, October 2014).
WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS # Club PTS GP W L T GF GA GD 1 Portland Timbers 16 8 5 2 1 18 10 8 2 FC Dallas 14 6 4 0 2 8 3 5 3 Houston Dynamo 13 7 4 2 1 15 11 4 4 Sporting Kansas City 12 7 3 1 3 6 3 3 5 Seattle Sounders FC 9 7 2 2 3 11 8 3 6 San Jose Earthquakes 9 8 2 3 3 8 10-2 7 Real Salt Lake 8 8 2 4 2 9 12-3 8 Minnesota United FC 8 8 2 4 2 13 24-11 9 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 7 7 2 4 1 9 13-4 10 LA Galaxy 6 7 2 5 0 8 13-5 11 Colorado Rapids 4 6 1 4 1 5 9-4 EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS # Club PTS GP W L T GF GA GD 1 Orlando City SC 15 6 5 1 0 8 5 3 2 Columbus Crew SC 13 8 4 3 1 11 10 1 3 New York Red Bulls 13 8 4 3 1 9 9 0 4 Atlanta United FC 11 7 3 2 2 17 8 9 5 Chicago Fire 11 7 3 2 2 10 10 0 6 New York City FC 10 7 3 3 1 11 7 4 7 Toronto FC 10 7 2 1 4 10 7 3 8 New England Revolution 9 8 2 3 3 11 11 0 9 D.C. United 8 7 2 3 2 6 12-6 10 Montreal Impact 7 7 1 2 4 10 12-2 11 Philadelphia Union 3 7 0 4 3 8 14-6
MATCH REPORT - MINNESOTA UNITED FC (4/23/17) In a game of few opportunities, Miguel Ibarra made the most of his as the Colorado Rapids lost a third game on the bounce, with the latest reversal coming inside TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday night. Rapids were forced into making two changes to the side which began against Real Salt Lake the previous weekend. Bobby Burling stepped in for the suspended Jared Watts. Mohammed Saeid - against his former team - made his first start for the Rapids, in place of the injured Nana Boateng. Ibarra s diving header from close range followed a fine push onto the post by Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath, from an Ibson volley. Johan Venegas reacted quickest, diverting his own diving header into the path of Ibarra, who gobbled up his first goal in MLS with 18 minutes remaining. As the game wore on, Adrian Heath s team found more space in the Rapids defensive third. MacMath had twice denied the Loons before being beaten by Ibarra, with the home side snatching back the initiative after the interval. The Minnesota strike came just moments after the visitors had failed to convert their best chance of the game. Eric Miller s pass along the six-yard line was met by Dominique Badji, only for the Senegalese player to slam his effort against the underside of the crossbar. A gaping opportunity went begging, and they were punished. In the first half Colorado were the better side. They were positive in the opening 20 minutes, before balance was struck. During the hot spell, Marlon Hairston got too much on what appeared a goal-bound shot from Saeid, and pushed it away from the danger zone. With few clear-cut chances presenting themselves, it was vital that the few that came along were taken. For the second weekend in a row, the Rapids will rue a failure to be clinical in front of goal. BOX SCORE Minnesota United 1-0 Colorado Rapids TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN Sunday, April 23, 2017 SCORING SUMMARY MIN: Miguel Ibarra (Johan Venegas) 72 MISCONDUCT SUMMARY COL: Dominique Badji (caution) 18 MIN: Kevin Molino (caution) 33 COL: Mekeil Williams (caution) 90 +2 Minnesota: Bobby Shuttleworth; Jerome Thiesson, Brent Kallman (Jermaine Taylor 66 ), Francisco Calvo, Marc Burch; Sam Cronin, Ibson; Kevin Molino (Justin Davis 84 ), Johan Venegas, Miguel Ibarra; Christian Ramirez. Subs not used: John Alvbage, Collen Warner, Bashkim Kadrii, Ismaila Jome. Rapids: Zac MacMath; Eric Miller, Bobby Burling, Kortne Ford, Mekeil Williams; Michael Azira, Dillon Powers; Marlon Hairston, Mohammed Saeid, Dominique Badji (Alan Gordon 75 ); Kevin Doyle. Subs not used: John Berner, Mike Da Fonte, Caleb Calvert, Joshua Gatt, Sam Hamilton, Ricardo Perez.
Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni QUOTE SHEET - REAL SALT LAKE (4/15/17) Pablo, you had chances today but you just couldn t put it away. Can you give us an assessment of the game today? Yeah, I think it was one of our most complete performances. I think defensively for the most part did well negating chances. From an offensive perspective, I think we were very good but just lacked that final shot and that final pass and that's where we let ourselves down today. I thought the effort and the way we defended, as a group was fantastic. A very good game for us as far as performance goes; unfortunately, the result didn't go our way. You talk about the first three steps being good, but it s that final touch. How do you fix that? I think its decision making in parts of the field where you have less time and less space. I think the toughest part of the game is the creative part and understanding what the game is calling for. The choice of what kind of pass or cross and once again, I think we got ourselves in really good positions but let ourselves down in that final third. Dominique Badji has a point blank chance and hits the crossbar. Those things are going to happen but at the same time, this game could have turned out different. Did you mention anything to him after the game about it? I think this is a game of moments. It's a game of capitalizing on those moments when they come and being prepared because you never know when they are going to come. There s no timeouts in soccer and from a mental perspective there is no time to take a break. Defensively as well, if you aren t thinking and really tuned in you will pay the consequences. Again, the toughest thing is you never know when the moment is going to come so you have to be opportunistic on the offensive end by thinking the ball can always come to you, and defensively you have to be tuned in thinking that the ball could hit the post and not just sail over the net. So again, how do you train for that? You can t, that comes with experience. Again, overall I thought it was a very good performance but unfortunately the score didn t validate that. Doesn't get any easier this week going to Orlando City. Have the preparations begun for that and what are your thoughts heading into next week? Yeah, I think they are on a roll. You just talk about how you felt throughout the game. Did you feel like you were on top of it and making good passes individually and as a group? I think we did a lot of good things today so the pressures not on us going to Orlando, it s on them to continue their great home form. We are going to look to go in there and play the same type of football, especially our mentality on the defensive end, we did here today, and hope for some fortuitous bounces off the crossbar and in. Defender Eric Miller ORLANDO CITY SC Looking forward to next week what are some takeaways from today? I think it s another game we were just trying to get out here and get a game better. I think first half was probably one of the best overall soccer performances we ve had all season. I think it s another game like Salt Lake where we played the game on our terms I don t know what minute they scored but it felt like we kind of had the run of the game we were kind of playing the way we wanted to play it. And they got a goal obviously chase after it. Didn t find a lot chances after that but it s a week we were better. Orlando is a tough place to play but if we can do what we do and go on the road and play like we did here and have another good second half, we will be in a decent spot. I mean, besides that, was the homecoming okay for you? Did you see any friends and family? It was great. It s cool to play against the team that you were a ball boy for as a kid at Central High School. It was a lot of fun being back, but you got to put the stuff aside for 90 minutes. Obviously, I was playing against a lot of friends that I know well throughout the years, but you got to put that stuff aside for 90 minutes and then be friends after. MLS in Minnesota it s been a dream of yours. It s wild. Soccer has been since when I lived here, and my family lived here since I was five. It s crazy, but awesome to play games in a full stadium. The fans were going crazy nonstop and when they score its super loud. The crowd is into it for the full game so it s awesome to be out here and see how the club is doing.
2017 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME/SCORE SCORERS/TV Saturday, March 4 New England Revolution W 1-0 COL: Badji Saturday, March 11 @ New York Red Bulls L 1-0 NY: Miller (OG) Saturday, March 18 Minnesota United FC T 2-2 COL: Badji, Hairston MIN: Molino, Ramirez Sunday, April 9 @ Sporting Kansas City L 3-1 COL: Doyle SKC: Sinovic, Gerso, Dwyer Saturday, April 15 Real Salt Lake L 2-1 COL: Doyle RSL: Movsisyan, Lennon Sunday, April 23 @ Minnesota United FC L 1-0 MIN: Ibarra Saturday, April 29 @ Orlando City SC 2:00 UniMas Friday, May 5 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 8:00 Altitude TV Saturday, May 13 San Jose Earthquakes 2:00 UniMas Wednesday, May 17 @ Chicago Fire 6:30 Altitude TV Saturday, May 20 @ Philadelphia Union 5:00 Altitude TV Saturday, May 27 Sporting Kansas City 6:00 Altitude TV Saturday, June 3 Columbus Crew SC 7:00 Altitude TV Sunday, June 18 Portland Timbers 7:30 Fox Sports 1 Wednesday, June 21 LA Galaxy 7:00 Altitude TV Saturday, June 24 @ Atlanta United FC 5:00 Altitude TV Saturday, July 1 Houston Dynamo 7:00 Altitude TV Tuesday, July 4 Seattle Sounders FC 7:00 Altitude TV Saturday, July 22 @ Toronto FC 5:00 Altitude TV Saturday, July 29 @ San Jose Earthquakes 8:30 Altitude TV Saturday, August 5 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 8:00 Altitude TV Saturday, August 12 @ FC Dallas 6:00 Altitude TV Saturday, August 19 DC United 7:00 Altitude TV Wednesday, August 23 @ Portland Timbers 8:30 Altitude TV Saturday, August 26 @ Real Salt Lake 8:00 Altitude TV Saturday, September 2 @ LA Galaxy 9:00 Altitude TV Saturday, September 9 @ Houston Dynamo 6:30 Altitude TV Saturday, September 16 New York City FC 7:00 Altitude TV Saturday, September 23 @ Vancouver Whitecaps FC 8:00 Altitude TV Wednesday, September 27 @ FC Dallas 6:00 Altitude TV Saturday, September 30 Montreal Impact 7:00 Altitude TV Saturday, October 7 FC Dallas 7:00 Altitude TV Sunday, October 15 Real Salt Lake 3:00 Altitude TV Sunday, October 22 @ Seattle Sounders FC 2:00 Altitude TV
NUMERICAL ROSTER AND PRONUNCIATION GUIDE # Player Pos. Pronunciation Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown College Previous club Status 1 Tim HOWARD GK 6-3 194 03/06/1979 North Brunswick, NJ Everton FC DP 2 Mike DA FONTE DEF da-font 6-0 170 04/18/1991 Ossining, NY Sacramento Republic FC 3 Eric MILLER DEF 6-0 175 01/15/1993 Woodbury, MN Creighton Montreal Impact Ga 5 Mekeil WILLIAMS DEF me-kell 6-1 180 07/24/1990 Gonzales, T&T Antigua GFC (GUA) INT 8 Dillon POWERS MID 5-11 170 02/14/1991 Plano, TX Notre Dame Univ. of Notre Dame 9 Kevin DOYLE FWD 6-0 165 09/18/1983 Adamstown, Ireland Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG) INT 11 Shkëlzen GASHI MID SH-KELT-zun Gushi 6-0 165 07/18/1988 Zurich, Switzerland FC Basel (SUI) INT/DP 12 John BERNER GK 6-3 205 02/14/1991 St. Louis, MO SIU SIU, Edwardsville 14 Dominique BADJI FWD Baa-zhee 6-0 175 10/16/1992 Dakar, Senegal Boston Boston University INT 15 Sam HAMILTON MID 6-0 185 07/27/1995 Denver. CO DU University of Denver 16 Alan GORDON FWD 6-3 190 10/16/1981 Long Beach, CA OSU LA Galaxy 17 Dillon SERNA MID 5-7 140 03/25/1994 Brighton, CO Akron Homegrown Player HG 18 Zac MACMATH GK 6-2 194 08/07/1991 St. Petersburg, FL Maryland Philadelphia Union 20 Ricardo PEREZ MID 5-8 160 05/30/1995 Fort Collins, CO Creighton Creighton University HG 21 Nana BOATENG MID Bwah-teng 5-11 160 05/24/1994 Accra, Ghana Strømsgodset IF (NOR) INT 22 Micheal AZIRA MID Ah-ZEER-ah 5-10 160 08/22/1987 Kampala, Uganda Mobile Seattle Sounders FC GC 23 Bobby BURLING DEF 6-5 195 10/15/1984 Monument, CO LMU Chivas USA 24 Kortne FORD DEF CORT-nee 6-2 185 01/26/1996 Greeley, CO DU University of Denver HG 26 Dennis CASTILLO DEF CASS-TEE-Yoh 5-10 160 04/30/1993 San Jose, Costa Rica VCU Virginia Commonwealth INT 29 Caleb CALVERT FWD 6-2 160 10/22/1996 Wrightwood, CA Chivas USA 33 Jared WATTS D/M 6-1 155 02/03/1992 Statesville, NC Wake Forest Wake Forest Univ. 44 Axel SJÖBERG DEF Shoe-berg 6-7 210 03/08/1991 Stockholm, Sweden Marquette Marquette Univ. INT 45 Joshua GATT M/F 5-10 165 08/29/1991 Plymouth, MI Minnesota United FC 90 Mohammed SAEID MID mo-hahm-ed SIGH-eed 5-7 141 12/24/1990 Örebro, Sweden Minnesota United FC 94 Marlon HAIRSTON M/D Hair-ston 6-0 157 03/23/1994 Jackson, MS U of L Univ. of Louisville Ga INT - International player GC - Former foreigner playing as a domestic due to green card status DP - Designated Player DEV - Developmental player Ga - Generation adidas signing HG - Homegrown Sporting Director: Pádraig Smith Head Coach: Pablo Mastroeni Assistant Coaches: Conor Casey, Steve Cooke, Chris Sharpe (Goalkeepers)
PABLO MASTROENI HEAD COACH CLAUDIO LOPEZ DIRECTOR OF SOCCER Birth date: August 29, 1976 Coaching career: Colorado Rapids (2014 -present). Playing career: Miami Fusion (1998-01); Colorado Rapids (2002-13); LA Galaxy (2013). Club honors: MLS Eastern Conference Championship (2010); MLS Cup (2010). International: 65 appearances for USA International honors: CONCACAF Gold Cup (2005, 07). Named the seventh Head Coach in Rapids history on March 8, 2014. Holds club records for most games played (225), games started (217) and minutes (18,669), and served as the Rapids captain from late 2004 until his trade to the LA Galaxy in 2013. Featured for the USA at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup. Joined the Rapids as Director of Soccer in January, 2015. Playing career: Racing Club (1992-96); Valencia (96-00); Lazio (00 04); América (04-06); Racing Club (07-08); Kansas City Wizards (08-09); Colorado Rapids (2010). Club honors: Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup (1999); Italian Super Cup (2000); Coppa Italia: (2004); Primera División de México (Clausura 2005); Campeón de Campeones (2005); CONCACAF Champions' Cup (2006); MLS Eastern Conference Championship (2010); MLS Cup (2010). International: 55 appearances for Argentina. Featured at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup. PÁDRAIG SMITH SPORTING DIRECTOR CONOR CASEY ASSISTANT COACH Prior to joining the Rapids in January, 2015, had spent three years with European soccer s governing body, UEFA, and previously worked for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). His primary focus is to introduce a more data analytical approach to player recruitment, player identification, performance analysis and scouting processes. Smith had been a key player in UEFA s Financial Analysis Group, which assesses the top professional European clubs in the areas of finance, corporate and sporting structures. Returned to Colorado as Assistant Coach in January 2017. Currently tied for 23rd all-time in regular season goals in MLS with 71, scoring 50 for the Rapids from 2007-12, which also ranks him as the club s all-time leading scorer. In 2009, he made MLS Best XI after notching 16 goals and one assist. After six seasons in Colorado, Casey joined Philadelphia Union prior to the 2012 season, where he scored 21 goals in 70 games. The former USMNT striker retired at the end of 2016 after a season in Columbus. STEVE COOKE ASSISTANT COACH Joined the Colorado Rapids coaching staff full-time in February 2010, sharing roles within the first team and academy. Named assistant coach with the appointment of Pablo Mastroeni in March, 2014. Prior to joining the Rapids, Cooke had enjoyed a 20 year full-time coaching career in England and in the United States. Arrived in the United States following a six year career with Sheffield Wednesday, then of the English Premier League, where he performed duties as Youth Team Coach and Center of Excellence Coach. He holds both the UEFA A Coaching License and the USSF A Coaching License. CHRIS SHARPE ASSISTANT COACH/ GOALKEEPERS Named an Assistant Coach at the start of the 2014 season, joining Mastroeni s technical staff, having served as a player and coach with the team since 2008. Sharpe originally arrived in Colorado in 2008 as a player, forming a part of the Rapids squad while serving as an MLS League Pool Goalkeeper, meaning that all MLS clubs could call upon him if their goalkeepers were unavailable. In his five years in that MLS role, Sharpe spent nearly all his time in Colorado, but suited up as a reserve for eight other clubs. Spent time in Australia, Denmark and England. Represented Australia at U-20 level in qualifying for the 2001 FIFA Youth World Cup.
#22 MICHEAL AZIRA Position: Midfielder Hometown: Kampala, Uganda Height: 5 feet 10 Weight: 160 pounds Birth date: August 22, 1987 Citizenship: Uganda Acquired: Signed via the Waiver Draft on 12/9/15. 90 at center midfield Last MLS Assist: 10/08/16 @ HOU Played every minute of the first five games of 2017. In 2016, Azira played more minutes and had more starts than in his previous two seasons combined when at Seattle Sounders FC. Finished the regular season with career-high stats in MLS, in games played (31), games started (28) and minutes played (2503). Tallied his first-ever assist in the 3-2 win at Houston Dynamo (10/8), as he provided the pass for the game-winner from Shkëlzen Gashi. Represented Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon in January, 2017. Last competitive goal came on 8/30/13 for Charleston Battery in a 3-2 loss at Orlando City. #14 DOMINIQUE BADJI Position: Forward Hometown: Dakar, Senegal Height: 6 foot Weight: 175 pounds Birth date: October 16, 1992 Citizenship: Senegal Acquired: Selected 67th overall (fourth round) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Signed a contract on 3/4/15. 90 at LM. Hit the crossbar. Last MLS Goal: 03/18/17 MIN Last MLS Assist: 10/23/16 HOU Opened his scoring account for 2017 in the first game of the season, heading home from point-blank range in the 1-0 success over New England Revolution at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (3/4). Scored his and the club's second goal of 2017 when he latched onto a defensive mistake in a 2-2 home draw at home to Minnesota United FC (3/18). He started more games in 2016 than in his rookie season (9), and made more appearances. Finished 2016 with six goals and four assists, both career highs, while logging more appearances, starts and minutes than in his rookie season (2015). Scored two goals in a MLS game for the first time when netting twice in the 3-2 win at Houston Dynamo (10/8). #12 JOHN BERNER Position: Goalkeeper Hometown: St. Louis, MO Height: 6 feet 3 Weight: 205 pounds Birth date: February 14, 1991 Acquired: Selected with the 35th overall selection (second round) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18. Last MLS Win: 03/22/14 POR Last MLS Shutout: 06/04/14 CHI On the bench for the 2-1 home loss by Real Salt Lake (4/15). This was his first appearance in the 18 since September 3, 2016. Berner made the 18 for the Rapids just once in 2016, for the 2-0 loss at New England Revolution (9/3). With USL affiliate Charlotte Independence in 2016, Berner made 20 appearances and enjoyed a 0.96 Goals Against Average. His last MLS appearance was in a 2-2 tie at home to Portland Timbers on September 13, 2014. Played four years at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville from 2010-13. 2x-Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year. #21 NANA BOATENG Position: Midfielder Hometown: Accra, Ghana Height: 5 feet 11 Weight: 160 pounds Birth date: May 10, 1994 Citizenship: Ghana Acquired: Signed from Manchester City on January 24, 2017. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (back injury) Last MLS Assist: 04/15/17 RSL Full name: Bismark Adjei-Boateng. Goes by Nana Boateng. Only the second Ghanaian to join Colorado, following Junior Agogo (2000-01). Spent four seasons on loan at Norwegian club, Strømsgodset IF, tallying 18 goals in 101 appearances. A member of the Right to Dream Academy from 2010-11 before signing his first pro contract with Man City in 2011. Made MLS debut in the 2-2 home draw with Minnesota on 3/18. Fractured three lumbar vertebrae RSL (4/15). Out 8-10 weeks.
#23 BOBBY BURLING Position: Defender Hometown: Monument, CO Height: 6 feet 5 Weight: 195 pounds Birth date: October 10, 1984 Acquired: Selected 3rd by COL via the Waiver Draft, on Dec. 10, 2014. 90 at center back alongside Ford. Last MLS Goal: 04/30/16 @ MTL Last MLS Assist: 08/27/11 @ TOR (for SJ) Made his 2017 season debut in the 2-2 home tie with Minnesota United FC (3/18), as a replacement for the injured Axel Sjöberg. His second start came at Minnesota (4/23). Missed 13 games in 2016 due to a combination of injuries. He sat out seven games following knee surgery and six games after suffering turf toe. His only goal of the 2016 season was the second equalizer in a 2-2 tie at Montreal Impact on April 30. Since joining his hometown team at the start of 2015, Burling has scored more goals than in his previous eight seasons in MLS. He made his 150th MLS appearance in the 1-0 win at CenturyLink Field against Seattle Sounders FC (5/21/16). #29 CALEB CALVERT Position: Forward Hometown: Wrightwood, CA Height: 6 feet 2 Weight: 160 pounds Birth date: October 22, 1996 Acquired: Joined the Rapids from the Chivas USA dispersal draft in Nov. 2014. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18. Last MLS Assist: N/A Made only his second career start in MLS (3/11/17) in the 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls. His first start in MLS came at Portland on October 16, 2016. MLS debut came 8/26/16 in the 2-1 defeat at Real Salt Lake, entering after 61 minutes. He was 19 years, 10 months and five days. Made a total of eight appearances (one start) in 2016 for a total of 165 minutes. Spent much of 2016 on loan at USL affiliate Charlotte Independence. Scored six goals and two assists in 21 games (20 starts). Initially signed a Homegrown contract with Chivas USA on July 5, 2013 when aged 16 years and eight months. #26 DENNIS CASTILLO Position: Defender Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica Height: 5 feet 10 Weight: 160 pounds Birth date: April 30, 1993 Citizenship: Costa Rica Acquired: Selected 37th overall in 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (loan). Last MLS Assist: 04/23/16 SEA Currently on loan at USL affiliate, Charlotte Independence. Signed to a MLS contract on April 22, 2016. Made his MLS debut a day after signing a contract, replacing Eric Miller in the 60th minute of the home game with Seattle Sounders FC (April 23). In that game he provided the cross for Kevin Doyle's first goal of the season. Castillo made his first start in MLS on June 22 in the 0-0 draw at LA Galaxy, playing the full 90 minutes. His next appearance in MLS was not until October 8, when he played the final two minutes of the 3-2 win at Houston Dynamo. Castillo's final appearance of 2016 came in the last minute of the 2-1 home win over San Jose Earthquakes on October 13. #2 MIKE DA FONTE Position: Defender Hometown: Ossining, NY Height: 6 foot Weight: 170 pounds Birth date: April 18, 1991 Acquired: Signed two-year contract on 3/14/17 from Sacramento Republic FC Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18. Last MLS Assist: N/A Joined from Sacramento Republic FC on March 14. Made the Rapids gameday 18 at SKC (4/9) & again at Minnesota (4/23). Yet to make MLS debut. Made 25 appearances for Republic FC in all competitions, including 19 USL appearances. Scored four goals on the season, second-most on the club. His four goals were the most by a Republic FC defender in a single season. Was named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance in Week 15. In 2015, appeared in 25 matches for New York Red Bulls II in their inaugural season, starting 23. Led Red Bulls II in minutes (2,003), matches started (23) and was second in matches played (25).
#9 KEVIN DOYLE Position: Forward Hometown: Adamstown, Rep. of Ireland Height: 6 foot Weight: 179 pounds Birth date: September 18, 1983 Citizenship: Ireland Acquired: Signed on March 20, 2015, as the club s third Designated Player 90 at forward. Last MLS Goal: 04/15/17 RSL Last MLS Assist: 07/09/16 @ VAN Sat out the trip to New York Red Bulls (3/11) due to headaches. Opened his account for the season with a stoppage-time consolation at Sporting Kansas City (4/9), netting from the penalty spot in a 3-1 loss. On target the following week (4/15), with a header beyond Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake. It was Doyle's 50th appearance. He scored six goals and provided two assists in his first full season in MLS (2016). Made MLS Team of the Week twice last season (Weeks 18 and 32/33). #24 KORTNE FORD #11 SHKËLZEN GASHI Position: Forward Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland Height: 6 feet Weight: 165 pounds Birth date: July 18, 1988 Citizenship: Albania & Switzerland Acquired: Signed on February 1, 2016, as the club s fourth Designated Player. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (ill) Last MLS Goal: 10/23/16 HOU Last MLS Assist: 07/09/16 @ VAN Missed the first game of the 2017 season due to an Achilles injury. Made his season debut at New York Red Bulls (3/11), replacing Dillon Powers for the remaining 18 minutes. Started his first game of 2017 in game three (3/18), when he played 61 minutes of the 2-2 home tie with Minnesota United FC. Scored a team-leading nine goals, two of which were voted AT&T MLS Goal of the Week. His only goal at Dick's Sporting Goods Park came in the last game of the regular season, a 1-1 tie with Houston Dynamo (10/23). Gashi made MLS Team of the Week on three occasions (Weeks 5, 9 and 29). #45 JOSHUA GATT ORLANDO CITY SC Position: Defender Hometown: Greeley, CO Height: 6 feet 2 Weight: 185 pounds Birth date: January 26, 1996 Acquired: Signed to a Homegrown contract on January 6, 2017 90 at center back. Last MLS Assist: N/A Named in the gameday 18 for the first time for the home game with Minnesota United FC (3/18). He was an unused substitute. Became the first Rapids Homegrown player to earn a spot in the Starting XI on their professional debut when given the nod at Western Conference rival Sporting Kansas City (4/9). A week later, Ford became the club's first Homegrown player to start on their home debut, as he did in the 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake. Made 62 appearances over three seasons with the University of Denver, scoring five goals with three assists. He led a Denver back line that finished third in the country in goals against average (0.52) and third in shutout percentage (0.58), Arrived at the Rapids Academy in 2012 from Colorado Storm North. Position: Midfielder/Forward Hometown: Plymouth, MI Height: 5 feet 10 Weight: 165 pounds Birth date: August 29, 1991 Acquired: Via trade from Minnesota United FC on March 31, 2017. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18. Last MLS Assist: N/A Signed with Minnesota United FC on February 15, 2017. Joined the Rapids six weeks later. Made his MLS debut in the 2-1 home loss to Real Salt Lake (4/15/17), playing the last 10 minutes in place of Dillon Powers. His last competitive soccer had been on November 6, when he started and played 85 minutes for Molde in a 1-0 loss at Lillestrom. Turned pro straight out of high school, signing with Austrian club SC Rheindorf Altach aged 18. From 2010-16 with Molde and SC Rheindorf Altach, Gatt - a Michigan native - tallied 15 goals and 15 assists in 75 games. Made his senior international debut for the USA on November 14, 2012 in a friendly match against Russia.
LA) #16 ALAN GORDON Position: Forward Hometown: Long Beach, CA Height: 6 foot 3 Weight: 190 pounds Birth date: October 16, 1981 Acquired: Signed to a one-year contract as a free agent on 1/23/17. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): subbed in for Hairston (75 ). Last MLS Goal: 10/16/16 @ HOU (for LA) Last MLS Assist: 08/24/16 @ CHI (for During second stint with LA (2014-16), he scored 13gls. When Gordon scored, LA were 9-0-4. Made his Rapids debut in the 1-0 home win over New England Revolution (3/4), playing the last six minutes in place of Badji. Missed the trip to New York Red Bulls (3/11) due to a back strain. Played the last 16 mins Minnesota (3/18, for Hairston). Missed two games (hamstring), before playing 15 at Minnesota (4/23). Started all three of the Galaxy's 2016 postseason games. Scored his 50th MLS goal on 9/11/16 Orlando City SC. ORLANDO CITY SC #15 SAM HAMILTON Position: Midfielder Hometown: Denver. CO Height: 6 foot Weight: 185 pounds Birth date: July 27, 1995 Acquired: Selected in first round (15th overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18. Last MLS Win: N/A Last MLS Shutout: N/A #94 MARLON HAIRSTON Position: Midfielder Hometown: Jackson, MS Height: 6 feet Weight: 157 pounds Birth date: March 23, 1994 Acquired: Selected with the 12th pick (first round) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Member of Generation adidas. 75 at right wing. Replaced by Gordon. Last MLS Goal: 08/06/16 VAN Last MLS Assist: 10/23/16 HOU Netted his first goal of the 2017 season in the 2-2 home tie with Minnesota United FC (3/18). First assist of 2017 came in the 2-1 home loss to RSL (4/15). Started the first five games of the 2017 season. Hairston, who made MLS Team of the Week once (Week 22), ended the regular season with more starts, more minutes, more goals and more assists than in any of his first two seasons. His six assists for the season were a team high. Named the club s Young Player of the Year for 2016. #1 TIM HOWARD Position: Goalkeeper Hometown: North Brunswick, NJ Height: 6 feet 3 Weight: 193 pounds Birth date: March 6, 1979 Acquired: Signed as DP on March 20 from Everton FC. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (suspended). Last MLS Win: 10/01/16 POR Last MLS Shutout: 10/01/16 POR Rookie season, having signed a professional contract on March 4. Named in the gameday 18 for the first time on April 9, for the trip to Sporting Kansas City. Made the 18 again the following week for the home game against Real Salt Lake (4/15) & at Minnesota (4/23). Awaiting MLS debut. Helped the University of Denver reach the 2016 College Cup following the program s second consecutive unbeaten regular season. The Evergreen, Colorado native served as team captain in his final season, and started all 24 matches for the Pioneers. In his four collegiate seasons, Hamilton appeared in a total of 83 matches, which ranks him first in DU s Division I history. Made his return from injury in a 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls (3/11/17), in which he made seven saves. Named to the MLS Team of the Week for his performance. Handed a three-game suspension by MLS, following incidents at Sporting Kansas City (4/9), forcing him to miss the home game with Real Salt Lake, and the trips to Minnesota and Orlando City. Made his Rapids' debut and MLS return on July 4, 2016 in a 0-0 draw with defending champions Portland Timbers. Made his 100th MLS appearance on October 13, in the 2-1 home win over San Jose Earthquakes. Ended the 2016 regular season with a 1.12 Goal Against Average. Made two saves in the penalty shootout of the Western Conference Semifinal second leg as the Rapids triumphed over LA 3-1 in PKs.
#18 ZAC MACMATH Position: Goalkeeper Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL Height: 6 feet 2 Weight: 194 pounds Birth date: August 7, 1991 Acquired: joined via a trade with PHI on December 10, 2015 in exchange for a 2017 second-round pick Last Match (04/15/17 @ MIN): played 90. Three saves but gave up one goal. Last MLS Win: 03/04/17 NE Last MLS Shutout: 03/04/17 NE Made his 2017 debut in the season opener, a 1-0 home win over New England Revolution (3/4). On the bench for the next three games, before returning in the absence of the suspended Tim Howard for the 2-1 home loss to Real Salt Lake (4/15). Finished the 2016 regular season with a franchise-best 0.76 Goals Against Average, improving on the previous record of 1.07 set by Joe Cannon in the 2004 season. The Rapids went 9-3-5 with MacMath in goal in 2016. This record puts MacMath second all-time on the Rapids' list of goalkeepers with regards winning percentage, at 0.676. Kept six shutouts from just 17 games in 2016. #20 RICARDO PEREZ Position: Midfielder Hometown: Fort Collins, CO Height: 5 feet 8 Weight: 160 pounds Birth date: May 30, 1995 & Mexico Acquired: signed to a Homegrown contract on January 6, 2017. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, but in the 18 Last MLS Assist: N/A MTL) #3 ERIC MILLER Position: Defender Hometown: Woodbury, MN Height: 6 feet 0 Weight: 175 pounds Birth date: January 15, 1993 Acquired: joined from MTL on 2/14/16 in exchange for GAM and 2018 first-round pick. 90 at right back Last MLS Assist: 06/29/14 @ HOU (for Scored the own goal at New York Red Bulls (3/11), which gave the home side a 1-0 win. Absent from the 18 to face hometown team Minnesota United FC (3/18) due to a hamstring injury. He had started the previous 15 regular season games, a career-high, and had not missed a game since July 16, when ruled out through suspension. Played youth soccer with Minnesota defender Brent Kallman, and is dating Kallman s sister, Kassey. He made his 50th appearance in MLS on September 17, 2016 and the 0-0 tie at home to San Jose Earthquakes. #8 DILLON POWERS Position: Midfielder Hometown: Plano, TX Height: 5 feet 11 Weight: 170 pounds Birth date: February 14, 1991 & Italy Acquired: selected with 11th overall pick (first round) of the 2013 SuperDraft. 90 in the #8 role. Last MLS Goal: 03/20/16 @ DC Last MLS Assist: 10/08/16 @ HOU Signed professional contract as a Homegrown player on January 6. Named in the 18 for the first time in his MLS career for the 1-0 loss at New York Red Bulls (3/11). Did not play. In the 18 for a second time at Minnesota (4/23). Was a late replacement for Shkelzen Gashi (ill). Did not play. In his final season at Creighton, Perez earned 2016 BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year honors after helping the Bluejays to a 13-7-3 overall record. Registering four goals and five assists in all 23 contests, Perez was also selected to the All-BIG EAST First Team. Perez finished his collegiate career with 15 goals and nine assists in 88 games - the third-most matches played in program history.. The midfielder joined the Academy in 2008 at the U-14 level and played with the Rapids U-16 team in each of his first four seasons. Started first two games of 2017, though subbed out in both. His next start came in game five, when he played the full 90 as the #10 in a 2-1 loss to RSL (4/15). Went the distance again at Minnesota (4/23), playing alongside Azira. In 2016, Powers made his 100th appearance and then his 100th start in MLS. He also broke into the top 10 of appearances for the club. The only goal of the 2016 regular season came in the 1-1 tie at D.C. United on March 20. Talllied two assists in the 3-2 win at Houston Dynamo (10/8). The club's Humanitarian of the Year for 2016, for his work in the community and with the Special Olympics Unified Team.
#90 MOHAMMED SAEID Position: Midfielder Hometown: Orebro, Sweden Height: 5 feet 7 Weight: 141 pounds Birth date: December 24, 1990 Citizenship: Sweden Acquired: Via trade from Minnesota United FC on March 31, 2017. 90 in the #10 role. Last MLS Assist: 10/01/16 CHI (for CLB) Started three of Minnesota's first four games, for 243 minutes. Made his Rapids debut in the 2-1 home loss to RSL (4/15). He came off the bench after 32 minutes to replace the injured Nana Boateng. Missed the trip to Sporting KC (4/9) due to a calf injury. His first start for the Rapids came at Minnesota (4/23). Yet to score in 55 MLS appearances (46 starts). Selected No. 6 overall by Minnesota in the 2016 Expansion Draft. In 2016, Saeid made 25 appearances (24 starts) for Columbus Crew SC, registering five assists in 2,016 minutes. He made 50 regular season appearances for Columbus Crew SC. #44 AXEL SJÖBERG Position: Defender Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden Height: 6 feet 7 Weight: 210 pounds Birth date: March 8, 1991 Citizenship: Sweden Acquired: Selected 14th overall (first round) of 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (hamstring) Last MLS Goal: 07/09/16 @ VAN Last MLS Assist: 04/30/16 @ MTL Named in the MLS Team of the Week for his performance in the 1-0 home win over New England Revolution (3/4) on the opening weekend of the 2017 season. Suffered a hamstring injury at the end of the 1-0 loss at NYRB (3/11), and not played since. Sjöberg s second season in MLS (2016) brought his first goals. The first was at Seattle Sounders FC on May 21 and the second was a game-tying goal during 2-2 draw at Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7/9). Named to the MLS Team of the Week twice (Weeks 12 and 19). He again started every game he played in 2016, doubling in all key areas from his rookie season (starts, appearances and minutes). Rapids' Defender of the Year for 2016. Nominee for MLS Defender of the Year, but named in MLS Best XI. #17 DILLON SERNA Position: Midfielder Hometown: Brighton, CO Height: 5 feet 7 Weight: 140 pounds Birth date: March 25, 1994 Acquired: Signed by the Rapids as a Homegrown Player on January 14, 2013 Pronunciation: SARE-nah Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (calf) Last MLS Goal: 05/11/16 SKC Last MLS Assist: 08/26/15 HOU His 2016 season was ended during a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game at FC Dallas on June 29. He sustained a torn ACL and torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. Made his MLS return in the 2017 season opener against New England Revolution (3/4), playing the last 11 minutes as a substitute for Dillon Powers. Played 31 minutes at Red Bull Arena in Week 2 (3/11), replacing Caleb Calvert. Off the bench again in game three (3/18), in place of Shkëlzen Gashi. His last MLS appearance of 2016 was as an 85th minute substitute in the 2-1 home win over Chicago Fire on June 18. #33 JARED WATTS Position: Defender Hometown: Statesville, NC Height: 6 feet 1 Weight: 165 pounds Birth date: February 3, 1992 Acquired: Selected with the 33rd overall pick (2nd round) of 2014 MLS Super- Draft. Last Match (04/23/17 @ MIN): DNP, not in the 18 (suspended). Last MLS Goal: 07/11/15 RSL Last MLS Assist: 03/04/17 NE Picked up his first assist at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and only the third of his MLS career, in the win over New England (3/4). Started the first five games, alongside three different central defensive partners (Axel Sjöberg, Bobby Burling, and Kortne Ford). Sent off for the second time in his MLS career during the latter stages of the 2-1 home defeat by Real Salt Lake (4/15). Granted opportunities in 2016 due to injuries, Watts grabbed them with both hands and established himself within the tightest defense in MLS with career-high numbers. He made more appearances, more starts and played more minutes than either of his previous two seasons in the league. He made his 50th appearance in MLS during the 2016 season, achieved in the 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers on October 16.
#5 MEKEIL WILLIAMS Position: Defender Hometown: Gonzales, Trinidad & Tobago Height: 6 feet 1 Weight: 180 pounds Birth date: July 24, 1990 Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago Acquired: Discovery Signing from Antigua GFC (GUA) on 02/04/16. 90 at left back Last MLS Assist: 04/30/16 @ MTL Made his season debut in the 2-2 home draw with Minnesota United FC (3/18). He had previously featured in a regular season game on October 16, 2016 and the 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers. He gave away the penalty which led to T&T teammate Kevin Molino scoring from the spot for Minnesota's equalizing first goal. (3/18) Gave away the freekick which led to the RSL equalizer and Jared Watts handball/being sent off (4/15). In 2016, played in every position along the back line. The team were 8-0-7 from his first 15 starts (9-0-7 from his first 16 appearances). First assist in MLS, in the 2-1 home win over NYRB on 4/16/16, the first of three in consecutive games. Finished 2016 with four assists. Named to MLS Team of the Week twice in 2016 (Weeks 2, 11). ORLANDO CITY SC