COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids begin MLS play Saturday looking to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2016. If they are to make a run, here are five keys.
Improved defense: The Rapids allowed the third-most goals (63) in MLS during the 2019 season, but their backline quietly improved after Lalas Abubakar was brought in on loan last May.
Now a full-time Rapids player following an offseason trade, Abubakar is the backbone of a retooled defense that includes MLS iron man Keegan Rosenberry at right-back, emerging USMNT left-back Sam Vines, the athletic Auston Trusty and veteran Drew Moor.