There is a win in sports that goes so much beyond the scoreboard. They tell a tale of triumph and resilience. The Colorado Rapids wrote one such tale by finishing in third place in the 2024 Leagues Cup and, as such, punched their ticket to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. This was more than just a victory; it showed that if one remains resilient and dedicated, no obstacles are too tough to overcome, no feats too big to accomplish.
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The tournament has not shown that the Rapids meant business, but they showed other clubs. Chris Armas, the coach, did not mince his words but appreciated his players and the whole organization. And so he should be. The journey was not easy but was on sweat, strategy, and a lot of commitment. All the while, there were teams like LAFC besides Mexican clubs that the team was up against and still managed to get through to the top three.
Supprisal at Subaru Park
The Rapids' final baptism of fire was when they matched the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. It was an up-and-down encounter that calmed down few after the two sides shared spoils at 2-2 when regulation time elapsed. High pressure is what the Union came out of the tunnel with: pressing high, making life miserable for Colorado. But they showed they can regroup via means of a test by fire and will not stop fighting until that final whistle has been blown.
Chris Armas had to admit that it was not the best first half for his team: "Sometimes we go from creating transitions to dealing with transitions, and that's stressful," commented the coach. That sentence kind of comically summarizes the pressure the Rapids were under, yet their ability to change strategy coming into the half, and that's just what happened. Armas made crucial adjustments, drilling his players to deal with the overloads out wide and to push higher up the field in numbers. The change in tempo was stark, and the Rapids came out the brighter side after the break.
It was in this part that Oliver Larraz, at just the start of the second half, was able to equalize, igniting hope in the hearts of the Rapids' supporters. From here, the game panned out to become a hectic battle as both the teams reached for the win. But fate had something even more dramatic in store.
The Hero's Moment: Zack Steffen
And, in every great story of victory, there is a place for a hero. And this time, it was Zack Steffen. Into Sunday's game, the Rapids' goalkeeper—who was criticized at one point in time during the year—proved why he's the best keeper in this league. Two huge saves within the penalty shoot-out, and Steffen gave Colorado a 3-1 victory, punching Colorado's ticket to the Concacaf Champions League.
Chris Armas would heap no small amount of praise on his goalkeeper and his effort, citing that more so than play is his commitment to the team. "Seeing him get some recognition, possibly a call-up to the national team, makes us very happy," said Armas. And rightly so; he proved that even under pressure, he can decide games and lead his team to victory.
A Team on the Rise
Qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup is a huge accomplishment for the Colorado Rapids. Beyond putting them with the elite in all of North America, the feat was the result of hard work and a team coming together at the most dire point in time. "When you find ways to win, when you beat good teams, when you stick together, there's nothing better in sports," summed up Armas, spokesperson for his squad.
The Rapids now join Columbus Crew and LAFC as MLS representatives in the 2025 Champions Cup. And while the journey so far has been tough, Armas' words make it clear that the team is ready to face the challenges ahead. "The feeling is palpable in the locker room. And you can see it every time these guys are preparing for penalties. There's a real belief that only these experiences can provide," the coach noted.
Reflections and Expectations
With the qualification won in the final against the Philadelphia Union, the team is in the Concacaf Champions Cup. For sure, it is a moment with gusto, but a great team, just like the Rapids are, knows well that it is just the beginning. Expectations of a bright future for the team reflect the ingredients that have made the team grow powerful and stand out on the continental stage.
Assembling a group that's fighting through adversity is the only thought that runs into your mind when you look back over the season. A lot of credit is deserved by Chris Armas and his staff. This win over Union Philadelphia sets in stone that, with the right mindset, everything in life is possible.
Now with a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Rapids have the chance to keep writing their story in North American soccer. If flights of fancy bring home silverware, the future is bright for a bunch already proven to be anything but easy.