Four things we learned from Colorado Rapids Media Day

COMMERCE CITY — It’s getting to be that time of the preseason where Colorado Rapids are eager to play — and often.

That was evident in their responses at the annual Rapids Media Day, held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Tuesday. Jack Price, Keegan Rosenberry, Calvin Harris, Kévin Cabral and Cole Bassett all took to the podium for the first time in 2023. Here are four takeaways:

Rapids want to put 2022 behind them

That was the message veterans Jack Price and Keegan Rosenberry conveyed to Denver media members, and it’s a message that resonated with head coach Robin Fraser as well.

Colorado had a slew of season-ending injuries and inconsistent results that derailed a would-be third straight MLS playoffs visit as the team missed out by four points. Consistently turning up with clean bills of health will be imperative, and was a big reason why the team succeeded in ’21. Price missed half the season, with 17 games played in 1,110 minutes.

“(Robin) mentioned after the Austin game last year that, ‘We’re not going to have another year like this — it’s an anomaly, come back in 12 weeks’ time ready to go.’ … The performance I’ve seen from the lads in the fitness tests yesterday, (they’re) looking fit, healthy and are in really good shape and it’s a good sign,” Price said. “The message from the gaffer was, it’s not gonna happen again but you need to put the work in now to be ready to go.”

Bassett brings technique to midfield

Bassett addressed his time in the Netherlands, loan stints with Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard, and believes that his playmaking abilities on the ball improved significantly while overseas.

“In tight spaces you’ve got to be able to think your way out of certain situations, and, I got used to that,” the Littleton native said. “Since I’ve been back training with my brother by playing pick-up, you notice the little differences where you can help the team progress with and I think I’ll try to do that and step in more as a leader on the pitch.”

With Bassett’s “study abroad” season over, he’s going to be relied on as a true weapon as Oliver Larraz and Ralph Priso work their way into regular minutes.

Harris, Cabral eager to be Burgundy Boys

Now that new signings Calvin Harris and Kévin Cabral are started to be integrated into the squad, the pair spoke to reporters about how Colorado offers a fresh start.

Cabral was acquired for $1 million in GAM from LA Galaxy, while Harris joined in December from FC Cincinnati. Both add depth to the attacking equation.

“There’s a lot of young players and I’ve seen what the club’s done in the past with young players, but collectively as a group,” Harris said. “…I’m quick, decently tall and versatile. Whatever the job is I’m called upon to do, I’ll do.”