Colorado Rapids endured a disappointing 2014 season after managing only an eighth place finish. It was just two points above San Jose Earthquakes at the bottom of the league.
This was the debut season for coach Pablo Mastroeni, who feels that he has learned a lot from the mistakes made. Mastroeni came in on an interim basis initially and he has since been made as the permanent manager. This prevented him from making changes to the squad. This factor alone will see Colorado Rapids perform well this season according to the coach.
The club has made some crucial signings during the off-season. Even though they have not managed to bring in top young names, the arrival of Juan Ramirez is a major boost nonetheless. He is expected to be the replacement for Vicente Sanchez, who can no longer be regarded as a regular first-team player.
The 35-year-old may not have the legs to deal with top-level European football, but his experience could be crucial in the MLS. Hence, Colorado Rapids are likely to depend upon Ramirez for the dynamics options in the wing.Mastroeni is also likely to expect more out of his playmaker, Dillon Powers, who finished last season with nine assists in five goals to his name.
“To sustain any type of success takes time. Any organization, whether you’re a soccer team or you’re in the computer world or you’re in the accounting world, everything takes time. Team-building takes time. Instilling a certain kind of philosophy takes time. Last year, being thrown in with a group of guys that I had to come to understand as the season went on, both on and off the field, didn’t necessarily allow for the smoothest transition from playing to coaching. I still think there are a lot more bumps along the way,” said Mastroeni.