The national MLS pundits have spoken — and most of them have the Colorado Rapids finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Predicted 12th. 13th. 14th.

But is that lazy analysis… or earned skepticism?

In Episode 4, Leo and Crash break down:

📉 The MLS Predictions

• Why the Rapids are being rated so low
• Why Marcelo Balboa giving Colorado 8th matters
• Dax McCarty’s shift in tone after preseason
• How Matt Wells is using outside doubt as fuel

🔥 4–1 Over Orlando — It Was the Manner

This wasn’t just a preseason win. It looked coached.

• Repeated quality service into the box
• Navarro finishing twice
• Yapi’s beautiful delivery and composure
• Multiple attackers on the scoresheet
• Signs of Wells’ identity starting to show

Is this preseason noise… or early proof of concept?

🎙 Press Conference Breakdown

Kevin Demoff, Pádraig Smith, and Matt Wells addressed:

• Club valuation and “earned skepticism”
• Commitment to improving the on-field product
• “Culture of No Limits”
• Leadership within the squad
• Transfer targets (CB, winger, and more)
• What Miguel Navarro’s return means

Transparency or lip service? We dig in.

🧠 On-Wax Season Predictions

Before a ball is kicked, we put it on record:

• Western Conference finish
• Rapids MVP
• Breakout young player
• Potential underperformer
• Bold take for 2026

We’ll revisit this at season’s end.

❤️ Rapids Youth Community

We close with recognition of a tragic loss within the Rapids Youth Soccer community. The soccer family is bigger than results, and we stand in support.

📺 Live Watchalong – Season Opener

Join us Sunday for our live watchalong as the Rapids kick off the 2026 season. Details on our socials.

The season starts now.

Predicted 13th. Preparing for 1st?

Up the Pids.

The Rapids dropped the new “Colorful Colorado” home kit… and it’s black.

In Episode 3, Leo and Krash break down the reaction to the bold jersey shift, what it means for the Burgundy identity, and whether this is creative direction or branding confusion. Is this just a design change or a signal of something bigger?

We also recap the 4–1 preseason loss to Columbus. How much should fans actually read into that scoreline? Did we see a potential Starting XI? And with just eleven days until kickoff, what structural concerns are real and what’s just preseason noise?

Then we dive into transfer rumors:

• Loïc Williams – Spanish CB from Granada
• Matías Galarza Fonda – Paraguayan midfielder from River Plate
• Miguel Navarro – Venezuelan left back and possible second-chance storyline

Do any of these names actually move the needle? Or are they just depth signings we’ve come to expect?

Plus:

• The left back battle (Vines vs. Travis… and maybe Navarro?)
• Who partners Rob Holding at center back?
• Are we producing enough in attack?
• What are the real red flags with 11 days to kickoff?

We close with details on our Season Opener Watch Along: live on YouTube and X. No play-by-play. Just genuine reactions to the Starting XI, halftime takes, and the match as it unfolds with the Rapids community.

Up the Pids.

KTK and LeoCoys react to Matt Wells’ first extended preseason comments and what they reveal about the Rapids’ direction. The episode breaks down scrimmage takeaways against Inter Miami, early signs of tactical identity, and Wells’ emphasis on physicality, accountability, and development.

The guys also unpack the Cole Bassett trade, the Rapids’ $850k GAM deal with Chicago, early impressions of Hamzat, and an update on Adam Beaudry’s loan to Loudoun United — all through a supporter-first lens as the season approaches.