Prior to arriving in MLS, the Scottish international striker John Spencer had scored 99 goals. His career had begun at Rangers, and included stints in China and England. It was in England where he rose to prominence, during his time with Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.
Spencer would land in MLS with something of a thump, netting 14 goals in his first season (2001). The 4th of July encounter that year would provide Spencer with his most memorable moment in a Rapids jersey. Colorado claimed a 3-1 home win over D.C. United, and Spencer bagged all three.