COMMERCE CITY — It's 8,584 miles from Denver to Kampala, Uganda, where Colorado Rapids defensive midfielder Micheal Azira grew up.
Last month, when Azira was called up to the Uganda national team, he made the long trip to play in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches in Burkina Faso and Uganda — only to sit on the bench.
"Whatever decision coach makes, we go with it," Azira said. "It's not about me. It's about the team."
That attitude sums up the hard-working 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who has quickly become one of the Rapids' most important players.