MLS is Back: 3 underrated teams to watch
2. Colorado Rapids
The most even group of the entire draw is Group D. Bar hosts Orlando City, Real Salt Lake were the worst number one seed, while Sporting Kansas City joined them and will likely be the favourites to qualify after their hot start to the season. Also included is Minnesota United, another 2-0 and 2019 playoff team. And then there is the Colorado Rapids.
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Robin Fraser’s Rapids also started the season 2-0. They, Minnesota and Sporting KC, in fact, are three of the four teams who won both of their matches to open the 2020 season and the only Western candidates. They are all extremely evenly matched based on their performances and results this season. RSL, too, while starting the year 0-2, were deceptively excellent last year and should not be overlooked.
For the Rapids, this offers a chance to win the group. They avoided the true elite Western teams like LAFC and Seattle and will enter the tournament high on confidence after an excellent nine months under Fraser.
Having ended 2019 superbly, almost sneaking into the playoffs in the process, they re-signed Lalas Abubakar, added Auston Trusty, and, most importantly, signed a high-level Designated Player in Younes Namli. The attacking midfielder is a match-winner, something the team lacked last season. If they can remain solid at the back, lean on Kei Kamara’s goals, and enjoy those something-from-nothing moments that Namli can provide, they will very dangerous if they can make the knockout stages.