Colorado Rapids SC

The Colorado Rapids have represented the Rocky Mountain region since the earliest days of MLS, one of the league's original charter clubs. Playing at altitude in the Denver area gives the Rapids a genuine home-field edge against visiting sides. The club's identity is built on grinding, defensively sound soccer rather than flash, a style that carried them to a shock championship run. Despite a relatively modest trophy case, the Rapids remain one of MLS's most enduring franchises.

Established in 1995 as one of MLS's ten founding clubs, Colorado began play in the league's inaugural 1996 season. The Rapids reached their first MLS Cup final in 1997 but lost to D.C. United. They broke through in 2010, defeating FC Dallas 2-1 in extra time to win their first and, to date, only MLS Cup, with head coach Gary Smith becoming the first British manager to win the title. That championship remains the high point of the club's history.