MLS Multiplex
Fansided

MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 24
Next
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 30: Forward Shkelzen Gashi #11 of Colorado Rapids tries to score during the match vs New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2016 in New York City. New York City FC defeats Colorado Rapids 5-1. (Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 30: Forward Shkelzen Gashi #11 of Colorado Rapids tries to score during the match vs New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2016 in New York City. New York City FC defeats Colorado Rapids 5-1. (Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images) /

Colorado Rapids

4-1-2-1-2

GK Tim Howard

RB Keegan Rosenberry

CB Axel Sjoberg

CB Tommy Smith

LB Dillon Serna

CDM Jack Price

CM Kellyn Acosta

CM Benny Feilhaber

CAM Shkelzen Gashi

ST Kei Kamara

ST Diego Rubio

This line-up probably isn’t to dissonant to the consensus best Rapids line-up. There will be some argument over who the two best center-backs are, but the remainder of the team is fairly solid. I would like Kortne Ford to be one of the starters sooner rather than later, but I’m not sure he’s there yet. Dillon Serna looks set to take over the left-back position and he is fairly uncontested.

Three of the four midfield slots are set in stone, although Benny Feilhaber could certainly move up the field into the attacking midfield role, with a different shuttler providing more energy and defensive work rate.

Mezquida is expected to be the attacking midfielder to begin the season, but I have given that position to Gashi. That probably elicits bile in the back of the throats of Rapids fans, but Gashi still has some talent and, in this system, that’s a good role for him. I believe Gashi is more likely to be productive than Mezquida. The front two are Rubio and Kamara, though I do expect Shinyashiki to get some play and I expect a solid season from the rookie.

Home/MLS News