Colorado Rapids' supporters rip owners

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Sep 16, 2023

The Colorado Rapids are mired in last place in the MLS standings, struggling through what is shaping up to be their worst season in their history.

The Rapids, MLS founding members, are last in the overall standings with a record of 3-13-10, They have suffered shutout losses in their last three games and scored in only one of their last 10 MLS teams, leaving them with only 16 goals scored in 26 games.

After their last match, a 2-0 loss to derby rival Real Salt Lake, the Rapids parted ways with veteran coach Robin Fraser.

On Thursday, the supporters group Centennial 38 published a open letter to the Rapids.

Centennial 38 said the 2023 season is the "worst year we have experienced as supporters in our Colorado Rapids history," surpassing other bad years in many ways. "The shortcomings go far beyond results on the field and extend to the facilities and infrastructure of the organization. It is a culmination of years of underfunding and limited resources."

Centennial 38 was critical of Rapids president Padraig Smith but said the "common denominator of the Rapids’ many problems is Kroenke Sports & Entertainment."

Referring to Smith’s press conference after Fraser's firing, Centennial 38 said "Padraig was quite careful to avoid any questions focused on investment in the team and facilities, or engagement from ownership. It was apparent from what Padraig didn’t say, that the quiet part was quite loud, that ownership is not going to meaningfully invest time, effort, or finances into our Colorado Rapids."

Centennial 38 wasn't just referring to the on-field product, noting that Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, opened in 2007, "has been neglected, and without proper maintenance and periodic upgrades has become tired and run-down."

Centennial 38 states that the Rapids and their fanbase are nothing more than an after-thought of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment -- which also owns Arsenal, the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and NBA champion Denver Nuggets, among other teams -- and its demands aren't outrageous:

"We are not demanding a team that wins MLS Cup every year. We are not demanding record sums spent on players. We are not demanding signing a Lionel Messi. What we are demanding is a team that is competently run, has a genuine connection with the fans and community, provides an enjoyable stadium experience, and strives to be relevant in the local Colorado sports market."

Kroenke Sports and Entertainment's vice chairman Josh Kroenke responded that the Rapids are undertaking feasibility studies about Dick’s Sporting Goods Park -- the stadium and accompanying practice fields -- and hoping to return "the team to the level of competitiveness we expect and have seen in recent years.” (In 2021, the Rapids were first in the Western Conference regular-season standings under Fraser.)

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— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) September 14, 2023

Rapids huddle: Jeremy Olson/ISI Photos