Burgundy Wave Player Grades: Defender James Riley

We have begun our look back at individual player performances for the 2015 Colorado Rapids. Each day we will look at a different player and see what went right and what went wrong. Please feel free to leave your comments below and let us know your thoughts.

Burgundy Wave Player Ratings

Player: James Riley

Position: Defender

2015 Statistics

Highlight of the Year: Riley did pick up a goal at home against San Jose Earthquakes that secured a point for the Rapids late in the May 8 match.  It was one of five shots that Riley had all season.

Lowlight of the Year: Riley was largely dreadful the bulk of the season and was beat a number of times that left his goalkeepers and other defenders out to try.  I understand that the Rapids needed Riley on the team this season, but his poor play and slow pace cost them goals.

2015 Grade (D): The Rapids signed the veteran defender out of necessity this season but there is no way that he was a better choice than Marc Burch, Marlon Hairston, or a corpse.  He simply was not good this season and it was a poor choice to sign him.

2016 Outlook: There should be no reason why the Rapids keep Riley on the roster and I have to think he moves on to another team.