Where things stand heading into new year, new era

Watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve for fans of the Colorado Rapids will give even the most cold-hearted ones something to be relieved about. It’s finally, mercifully, the end of 2023: The single-worst year in franchise history.

At midnight, those who choose to sing “For Auld Lang Syne” will more likely be raising a final thank you toast to auld acquaintances, cornerstone players (and people) that have since departed the club (captain Jack Price, Diego Rubio and Steven Beitashour) rather than mull over for an umpteenth time how a season went so horribly wrong. But before ringing in both the new year and head coach Chris Armas at the helm, here’s where things stand heading into a hopeful, and at the very least, less-miserable 2024.

Armas barnstorms way through Denver

Shortly after Pádraig Smith addressed media to recap a six-pick 2024 MLS SuperDraft last Tuesday, he and Armas set off on a whirlwind tour to make amends and shake hands. First, it was something Armas asked twice over for: A meeting with Centennial 38 at The Celtic on Market. C38, the club’s largest, independent supporters group, wrote a scathing letter to the front office and ownership, staged a walkout and kept up protest banners from September through the end of the season. The event also included a formal contract signing of new Rapids midfielder Omir Fernandez, in which he put pen to paper on a three-year deal through 2026 with a one-year option for 2027.

Two more signings were made that day, as the club signed Colorado natives Oliver Larraz, 22, and Sebastian Anderson, 21, to one-year deals through 2024 with the club holding additional option years for both. Both deals were expected after their Homegrown Player contracts expired and the pair came off strong seasons with Rapids 2. Colorado was keen to hold onto each of them due to their potential and where they can fit into Armas’ vision.

Armas spoke to more fans the next day at DNVR Bar and got back on the mic for hour-long appearances on a pair of podcasts, the DNVR Rapids show and Holding the High Line. Buried in the 120-plus minutes of conversation and fruity language-filled episodes, he dropped two significant bits: He’s met with KSE vice president Josh Kroenke, and, he is on a two-year contract.

“(Fans) aren’t just coming here like they’re going to the dentist,” Armas quipped on HTHL. “…Understanding how they feel is important, and that’s fair. They can reserve judgement on the team, myself and we have to earn that back. We’ve got a great connection, but ultimately, time will tell with what they see on the pitch.”

Making January count

There will be further shakeups thanks to the international transfer window opening in January. Smith told reporters the offseason momentum must remain positive, adding “it needs to be.”

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