COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Last week, the Colorado Rapids announced that two players had tested positive for COVID-19. Since then the club has taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus within the team and appears ready for the MLS is Back tournament. Their first game is on July 12 against Real Salt Lake.
Colorado Rapids COVID Updates: Three Rounds of Negative Tests
The Rapids resumed full team training on the stadium pitch at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Monday, June 30, with the absence of the two players who tested positive. The team suspended all team activities early last week after the first positive test. The two players’ names have not been made public.
On a positive note, Last Word on Soccer can confirm the Rapids have since had three rounds of negative tests of all players and staff (minus the two players who tested positive last week). With the contact tracing and quarantining of the two positive test player, they appear to have controlled and prevented the spread of the virus.
A club official firmly anticipates both players being available for the MLS is Back tournament. Given the required quarantine time, it is unclear whether they will travel with the team to Orlando or at a later date. MLS is requiring all teams to be in Orlando seven days prior to their first game of the Group Stage. Colorado will travel to Orlando on Sunday, July 5, one week prior to their match against RSL.
Joining them will be midfielder Collen Warner, a Denver, CO native that signed with the team this week. At time or publishing, Warner is in market and trained with the team on Monday. He should travel with the team on July 5 and be available for selection.
Young DP Braian Galvan is reportedly in Colorado as well and could be available for selection at some point during the tournament, though he will not travel with the team on July 5. If he is in market, he will be isolation past the July 5 travel date.
With the Rapids missing just a week of training, some good work from the training staff and Head Coach Robin Fraser could have them make up for that lost time and be as fit as one can be for the MLS is Back tournament.
Warner will add depth to a thin central midfield core; Captain Jack Price and Kellyn Acosta were previously supported by youngers Cole Bassett and Danny Wilson being played slightly out of position. Galvan is more of a question mark as he will not be able to train with his teammates until he arrives late in Orlando. Colorado have plenty of depth on the wings without him.
In any case, last week could have derailed Colorado similar to the Orlando Pride, but all of these events have them potentially back on track to be one of the dark horses of the MLS is Back tournament.
