Rebuilding the Rapids: MLS Player Combine

It is no secret that the Colorado Rapids are in need of players.  Looking at their roster on Monday morning (December 14), there are just 19 players under contract for 2016.  That is not quite enough, and while I do feel that more trades and signings are coming, the 2016 MLS Player Combine represents a good path to look for more players.

After all,  the Rapids have done pretty well at the Combine picking up players such as Deshorn Brown, Dillon Powers, Jared Watts, Joseph Greenspan and Axel Sjoberg.

Last Friday, Major League Soccer announced the initial crop of players that will be invited to the Combine to be held on January 7-12, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  That list of players is as follows:

The Rapids have many needs going into 2016, but defense and forward should be tops on the list.  Looking at the roster (as of Tuesday morning, December 15) the Rapids have:

Defender: Marc Burch, Joseph Greenspan, Axel Sjoberg, Sean St. Ledger and Jared Watts.  Marlon Hairston is listed as a midfielder for the Rapids and Watts is considered more of a defensive midfielder.  Bottom line: the Rapids need defensive help.

Forward: Dominique Badji, Caleb Calvert, Kevin Doyle, and Luis Solignac are currently under contract for next year and have a combined SEVEN MLS goals to their name.  This is a thin group and reinforcements will be needed.

As the Combine gets closer we will be providing a more in depth look at what the Rapids should be looking for, but always welcome your comments as to what you feel the needs are for the Burgundy Boys.