The soccer world is buzzing with excitement over the recent triumphs and surprises in Major League Soccer. From Lionel Messi’s spectacular return for Inter Miami to the thrilling El Tráfico match between the LA Galaxy and LAFC, the drama on the pitch is palpable. FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew also put on a gritty display in their hard-fought draw in the infamous “Hell is Real” derby.
But beyond these headline-grabbing moments, a fascinating story is unfolding in the Western Conference. While the LA Galaxy have captured attention with their remarkable rise from second-worst to first place, it is the Colorado Rapids who have quietly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. With a points-per-game increase of +0.89 from 2023 to 2024, the Rapids boast the largest improvement in the West. In fact, they rank second league-wide in this metric, trailing only Inter Miami.
In a conference filled with strong contenders like Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC, Houston Dynamo FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Rapids have managed to carve out their place near the top of the standings. Despite the competition and the addition of a third Designated Player in Stuart Armstrong for Vancouver, Colorado has proven themselves as a formidable threat in the West.
As the season unfolds and the race for the playoffs intensifies, all eyes will be on Colorado to see if they can sustain their impressive success. With a solid foundation and a team that is firing on all cylinders, the Rapids have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason. Stay tuned as the drama of MLS continues to unfold.
