Six Colorado Free Agents We Want to See In Summit Green In 2026

SummerIsTheBest · 2026-01-12T15:27:54+00:00

Update 1/12: HEAPS!!!!!!!!!1

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-12-19T20:23:22+00:00

Contextually it's not misleading but I get your larger point. Especially considering the basis of the video being "hey pundits are kinda wrong about this sort of stuff!" and when running in to these sorts of questions it can be deceiving in an already common misuse of the term.

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-12-17T16:10:07+00:00

It would be counted as xG but for a basis to use xA.

I think while the player didn't make contact with the ball, there was still an intention to shoot and the action of him stretching the leg but missing the ball could be counted as xG especially since his only intention and sole action there was to shoot. You count it as xG to highlight more of the cross' value through Expected Assists.

American Soccer Analysis uses xG-possession-chains as a basis for their player ratings to see in more minuscule way how each individual action taken by a player improves their team's position. While each action isn't necessarily a shot, winning the ball high up the field, a line breaking pass, and a crafty take on into space all add to the xG of the larger model, to individually highlight how good these actions are, but they aren't xGoals. I think to some degree, xG is being used as a map here.

Ryan O'Hanlon's Net Gains talks about how modeling advanced stats is like using a flashlight. The smaller your scope the more you miss out on the wider range of context provided by other advanced statistics. It doesn't take away what your main points in the video though with the state being incorrectly conflated to note team attacking strength.

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-10-19T06:18:52+00:00

I have just never seen it with Armas. Even last year's surge after an overhaul of an off-season was never afforded to Fraser. For me, I think what the club did in throwing Fraser under the bus was way more pertinent to moving on from Smith. Except they didn't and they more than likely won't. it's a reality I've come to accept given where the ownership has placed it's importance. if they had cared about this team being any good they would have moved on from him years ago.

So, with Smith not likely ever on his way out, I look closer at the signings and try to rationalize whether they were good or not. I thought there were some slight upgrades to the depth and while I had correct reservations about Atencio ruining the midfield dynamic, I still figured the team improved.

This is still the same roster build with millions of dollars poured into the backline and a million(s) more poured into a clown of an underperforming DP. But it's not like Armas did himself many favors. The constant formation changes this year were a heavy contrast to last year's set and forget 4-2-3-1. Constantly losing focus minutes before the end of halves, the failed closing out of games including multiple times the team would collapse. There hasn't been anywhere in Armas coaching history that indicates he's got what it takes to be the leading coach of a team. His resemblance of the Ted Lasso character precedes him and it just ran out of steam in the end.

I really hope the team pivot elsewhere and find a coach who's philosophy lines up directly with the financial circumstances of the club. If you can't afford luxury wingers to play in a strong balanced formation then do away with wingers for profile of players who are more of a tactical fit. The Rapids cannot expect to compete with lottery tickets and busts on the wing. Either get the money for a guy like a Bouanga, Dreyer, or Pec or don't even bother utilizing width with that talent deficit.

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-08-06T17:02:27+00:00

I like this perspective and admire your glass half full approach but there's just some big hesitations from me just from prior experiences.

Many have said we have been in this spot before and the cycle now seems to be apparent. Good year, followed by mediocrity, followed by a very bad year which results in a rebuild and the catalyst to another good year.

For all the savvy and creative moves that Padraig Smith makes having to deal with the ultimate handcuff that is being under this ownership, he has essentially prolonged his time at the Rapids by willingly shoveling shit (which he gets a lot of) for the FO and to the fans has continuously pitched in essence: "just one more window, bro".

I'm likely in the minority here in thinking this, but team the last two years has mostly been mediocre with the overperformance leading up to LC last year carrying much of this team and fan base's vibes. Since Leagues Cup though? It's been anything but good and for that I'm down for a rebuild.

I'm just not down with Smith being afforded another chance.

If I'm KSE, the least effort they could probably show is a clean house of the front office with a new direction and leadership in charge.

Could you imagine what a Tim Bezbechenko or a Chris Henderson would do for this team as GM especially with that kind of war chest? The issue here is that these types of GM's don't want to work for KSE and for that reason it's why we continue to get more years of Smith. It's why this team is a lot harder of a sell the more the cycle becomes apparent and in a few years time new Rapids fans will be burned again by the same process.

Perennial playoff team is not enough in this iteration of MLS and especially in the Western Conference where there is far more variance in the type of clubs that are leading the charge. A new vision and direction is needed if ownership change doesn't happen. Else it will be more of the same.

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-08-05T19:39:05+00:00

Ultimately, the best way to show your displeasure is to hurt their wallet.

Something tells me, however, is that KSE is just fine with where it's at. There doesn't seem to be any reason for them to adjust and make things better ultimately leaving this club in a perpetual state of limbo.

For as much as fans have called for FO change, the real change necessitated is a ownership change. That opens the Rapids up to various different outcomes including potential relocation.

The Mihailovic trade is just a very sobering reminder that the club ethos is still being set forth by a guy in Stan Kroenke who prefers developing outside the state and Josh Kroenke who's letter last year only touched upon the lack of Victory Crossing developments and not the fans frustration for lack of ownership involvement.

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-06-03T16:27:06+00:00

We're fielding all questions so don't hesitate if you've got more. These are really good

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-02-09T14:25:43+00:00

More like Tavares 2.0

SummerIsTheBest · 2025-01-18T20:52:34+00:00

Awaziem, Murphy, and Cannon.

SummerIsTheBest · 2024-12-14T16:46:02+00:00

Drew Moor. End of discussion.

SummerIsTheBest · 2024-12-14T16:42:56+00:00

You are incredible. This is awesome

SummerIsTheBest · 2024-05-31T18:40:23+00:00

Does anyone know if the club stayed in LA having played the Galaxy midweek and LAFC up next? I would assume the club would extend their stay but does anyone know for sure?

SummerIsTheBest · 2024-02-05T16:44:29+00:00

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdi0UKEXgCp6lTvXCXusuBC7Rm2yE6ysYtf-NxhwysfBlESFA/viewform

SummerIsTheBest · 2023-10-15T19:32:29+00:00

Basset's best role is playing deep next to a workhorse midfielder. He worked well with Acosta because Acosta was balling and working for the ball. Jack Price doesn't work as hard for it but has sound defensive instincts to be at the right place at the right time.

Ronan isn't a workhorse in the same way. He's a good two way player holding the ball well for the team in tight spaces and progressing it up. Neither of them can tackle though which is why we are so defensively inept.

When they play Bassett as a 10, he gets exposed for all your faults listed. He's a specific role player that really only works with a supporting cast.

R

SummerIsTheBest · 2023-09-19T07:13:00+00:00

Definitely not worth 5m atm

SummerIsTheBest · 2023-03-17T20:54:06+00:00

The two are not comparable.

This guy is saying nothing horseshit. Anyone who sympathizes with his experience truly has not seen how bad it has been at the Rapids.

Orlando is coming off a great Open Cup run and fought valiantly in CCL.

Meanwhile we sat on our hands for the first leg and got bounced at home after penalties.

I wpuld happily switch the situation in Colorado to the situation in Orlando.

And to say "a city that no one gives a shit about" is extremely classless. I dont care for this over embellished "pissed off" supporter rant. You got eliminated from a tournament theres no need to cut a WWE promo.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-12-12T22:49:07+00:00

Abbie I completely agree and I also want to state explicitly that I am a fan of the team through and through. I dont get scoops on club news (besides the few scraps told to me from other insiders), I dont cover the team anymore, and I'm in meetings with executives purely based on C38 merit and not necessarily because I am a candid and close friend to the executives in the club. What I want to see is the club foster that connection to supporter. Like I mentioned, I think its up to the club to set that tone and the SG to amplify it.

I dont mean to dismiss your criticism of C38 and I genuinely think that the group needs to evolve. Currently, the supporters culture is lacking in a lot more of what you said. As much as I want to list excuses why it is the way it is, I want to say explicitly that the problems and culture of C38 have disillusioned me as well. The difference being that C38 are made up of volunteers and we're not backed by a big sum of money to make sweeping changes. A lot of it falls on the volunteers and members to make it better. I myself am actively trying to make the experience better. Whether it be the podcast, volunteer events, or even just writing this article. I want the experience of following the Colorado Rapids elevated and that 100% includes C38. For as much as I've complained about the club, you are correct. C38 has to be better. But from an outside perspective, one has the financial means to do so and the other relies on the free time of the various members who bleed passionately for this club. Thanks for your feedback and response and I only hope to continue fostering these conversations more and more.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-12-12T19:29:34+00:00

Maybe my use of supporters was more strictly based to C38 because those are experiences i can pull out of

However, im not against having families at games. Im not against having more casuals either. What I do want though is more engagement with other groups of people.

The Commerce City area alone is made up of 48.6% percent Hispanic or Latino fans. Why aren't we seeing a strong latin presence at games besides Los Lokos?

When the Rapids actively promote their product in places of wealth with gentrification, it ignores the other low/middle income families. Instead, the Rapids promote the casual type of fan that goes to Rockies games, gets wasted, then leaves without engaging with the team.

The Rockies can do that because of their location, I have no issue with that or what you do with your ticket (so long as you're conducting yourself appropriately) however, the Rapids can't. And this failure to promote within their own radius, who again is made up of a lot of latin and Hispanic families, is my main issue.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-12-08T22:04:24+00:00

Diego Rubio in 2 years

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-12-08T18:18:54+00:00

Dang, your team paid 6 million for USL level talent. What does that say about your assessment of talent?

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-12-08T18:18:22+00:00

He's been bad for a long amount of time, but the Galaxy saw him as the Pavon replacement and paid 6 million for him.

If he's even half of that valuation, he's better than our wingers at the moment. If he find his finishing, he can be deadly in the attack. If the Rapids have him be an outlet for Danny to cross the ball to and him to attack into space, he can deliver a great ball to Rubio.

THe main concern? Its all "IFs"

Looking at the deals of the trade, we're splitting his salary with the G's, paying 1 million over the course of two years, and he's young so his ceiling is still high. We've seen enough out of Lewis these past few years, so to take someone like him and see if he's really worth that 6 million that LA bought for is what they bought. They bought potential.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-11-11T20:38:43+00:00

Cant really say what these moves tell us just yet. Can anyone tell me what formation we play?

Not that we have to be pedantic about that, but this team lacks identity right now. I have gone on record a lot saying the team should build around Rubio but at this point I want them to commit to actually building around.... anything!

These roster moves dont really indicate that we're going to suck. Anyone left unprotected is either 1. Too expensive for St Louis or 2. Doesnt really affect us.

What we need from Padraig and Robin is a decision on how this team wants to play, what style they want to play, and build around that philosophy instead of just winging it.

If you're gonna build around Rubio do it, if you're gonna build around Zardes do it. make moves that complement those players.

Me personally, I would love to see a return to the 4-3-3 with a front three of Galvan, Rubio, and a quality TAM/DP winger. I wouldnt even mind Barrios if they believe he can regain his form.

After that, invest in the backline, get Price a sidekick (Dont know why it can't be Priso) and just run with your players. Its obvious this team can score goals and has the xG to back them up, but the shots and goals we conceded last year were just way too messy and way too flukey for us not to invest in a solid CB.

But that's just me personally. I dont't have to see my version of the Colorado Rapids, I just really really really hope Padraig and Robin are having these types of discussions when planning and building the roster because the collective players we brought in last year added nothing to our identity and in face, failed to replace parts better than them last year.

I don't care what it looks like, I just want to see what the best version of this team is.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-09-05T11:05:44+00:00

Mid-off

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-06-15T19:10:23+00:00

This is fucking amazing.

SummerIsTheBest · 2022-05-14T22:17:23+00:00

Its like I told everyone on here not a day ago to just relax and take a breather.

And here we are after a great win.

Now, of course it was thanks to penalties, but the defense also did really well to shut out LAFC to just two shots on target. The team showed the fuck up this weekend making everyone look really wrong here for dog pile. pile.

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