Burgundy Wave Player Grades: Defender Axel Sjoberg

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 Grades

Player: Axel Sjoberg

Position: Defender

2015 Statistics

Highlight of the Year: Sjoberg started the year very strongly and got some early buzz for MLS Rookie of the Year.  He seemed poised in the back and his size and physical nature were a benefit for the Rapids as they waited for Drew Moor to get back into the lineup.

Lowlight of the Year: Sjoberg had a few spells where he was injured and ended up playing just 14 games this season and at times seemed to struggle against some of the better offensive teams.  And as a rookie he did have a tendency to make mistakes that could cost his team.

2015 Grade (C+): Overall, Sjoberg was good in his first year with the team but he did have moments where his experience hurt him.  He did take 5 yellow cards and a red card in his 14 games this season and those are things that he will need to work on.

2016 Outlook: Sjoberg should go into the 2016 season with an opportunity to earn a job as a starter at center back and if the Rapids are committed to playing youth along the backline, he should be one that they lean on.