Well just like that, the 2024 season comes to a close. One of the most disappointing ends to a season we have seen from the Rapids in years. Breaking it down, here’s what went wrong over the past month.
The Rapids had the chance to book their play-off spot in Kansas City, against an inferior opponent in SKC and ended up losing 4-1. No big deal however, as they would clinch a week later with a 2-0 win over Toronto. While no one thought much of it, this started the most depressing decline in the MLS this year.
Going on to lose 6 straight games, the most in club history. Including losing to other play-off teams, which saw us drop from 3rd to 7th in the Western Conference. However the bad form didn’t stop there. In the play-offs the Rapids would go on to lose 5-0 on the road to the Galaxy, and lost the return leg 4-1 at home.
Overall, it quite frankly wasn’t good enough. And although there’s not one specific reason as to why this fall off occurred. There a numerous amount of factors. For starters, fatigue played a massive part. There are only so many players that can get minutes, and not improving the bench via the transfer window saw us really only have the same 4-5 guys to use in the rotation. Another would also be injuries. With key players like Cole Bassett, Zack Steffen, and Djordje Mihailovic all suffering blows come the busines end of the season.
Above all, the most probable reason for this downfall was the absence of Moïse Bombito. He was sold in the summer to French club OGC Nice for $7.5 Million USD. And in classic Rapids fashion, he was failed to be replaced. Where to next, we will see. As the boys go into the offseason and prepare for 2025.