Established
1995
City
Denver
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
1996 – Present / Colorado Rapids
Nickname
Rapids – The Colorado Rapids have been a part of Major League Soccer since its inception in 1996. As one of the original ten teams, the Rapids have had plenty of time to build an identity and create team traditions that fans can embrace. One such tradition is their nickname – “Rapids,” – which has some fascinating origins.
The team's founders chose " Rapids " to reflect Colorado's rugged terrain and its strong connection to water sports like rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The idea was to evoke images of wild rivers running through rocky mountainsides while hinting at how essential water sports were (and still are) for many Coloradans who enjoy spending time outdoors on their weekends or vacations.
In addition to being a nod towards nature-loving Coloradans, there is another reason why this nickname works so well for an MLS soccer club: it captures the fast-paced action on display during every match! With players sprinting up and down the pitch trying desperately to score goals against tough opponents, play often moves quickly from one end of the field again - like rapids racing downstream! This makes sense given how much emphasis MLS places on speed as an essential ingredient for success in today's game; by using "rapids" as their moniker, these same principles can be applied directly to each member representing The Mile High City out in Denver when they take center stage come kickoff time!
Championship
MLS Cups 1
2010
Stadium
2007 – Present / Dick's Sporting Goods Park
2003 / North Area Athletic Complex (1 game US Open Cup)
2002 – 2006 / Invesco Field at Mile High
1996 – 2001 / Mile High Stadium
Owner
2003 – Present / Anschutz Entertainment Group
1995 – 2003 / Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
- 1995
- 1998
- 2010
- 2016
- 2018
- 2019
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Rapids Team Formation
The Colorado Rapids were one of the ten founding clubs of Major League Soccer, owned and operated by the Anschutz Corporation. The inaugural 1996 season was a forgettable one for Colorado. Despite fielding experienced players like Shaun Bartlett, Chris Henderson, Chris Woods, Roy Wegerle, and Marcelo Balboa, and head coach Bob Houghton, the team finished last in the Western Conference ... -
Rapids in MLS Cup Conference Final
In 1998: The Colorado Rapids club finishes third in the Western Conference and sixth overall in the league, reaching the MLS Cup Conference Final, but losing to Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0. -
2010 MLS Champions
MLS Cup 2010, the 15th edition of Major League Soccer’s championship match, was played between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas to decide the champion of the 2010 season. The championship was played at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on November 21, 2010. Colorado Rapids won 2–1 over Dallas on an own goal in extra time, as a shot ... -
Colorado Rapids club reached the MLS Cup Conference Final
In 2016: The Colorado Rapids club finishes second in the Western Conference and second overall in the league, reaching the MLS Cup Conference Final, but losing to Seattle Sounders FC 3-1 on aggregate -
Anthony Hudson as Rapids new head coach
In 2018, The Rapids club hires Anthony Hudson as its new head coach and Pádraig Smith as its new executive vice president and general manager -
Tim Howard -MLS Best XI twice
Tim Howard, a former U.S. national team goalkeeper, joined the club from Everton as a designated player and became one of the best keepers in MLS history. He played for the Rapids until 2019 and helped the club reach the Western Conference Final in 2016, as well as being named to the MLS Best XI twice.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Rapids
The Colorado Rapids are a professional soccer team based in Denver, Colorado. The team was founded in 1995 and has played since 1996 as part of Major League Soccer (MLS). They play home games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, just outside the city.
Since joining MLS, the Rapids have had some success, including winning the MLS Cup Championship in 2010. This championship was defeated after an exciting run through playoffs that included wins over Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes before facing FC Dallas for the title game. They eventually won 2-1 on the aggregate scoreline. In addition to this significant achievement, they also made it to two other finals; one being against D.C United back in 1997, where they narrowly lost out 3-2 on the aggregate scoreline, while another saw them face off against FC Dallas again but lose 4-3 on penalties after drawing 2-2 during regulation time and extra time combined.
In recent years however, things haven't gone so well, with several coaching changes taking place along with multiple disappointing finishes near the bottom of the table or missing out altogether from playoff contention spots due to poor form throughout season campaigns despite having talented players such as Tim Howard who recently retired after spending three seasons there between 2016 - 2019 respectively. Nevertheless, fans remain loyal supporters, even if results don't always go their way, because it's all about enjoying the beautiful game together, no matter the outcome.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history