COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – It’s been a frustrating year at times for Colorado Rapids Head Coach Robin Fraser. His team got off to a good start and the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown MLS. They’ve yet to re-establish their form. They did get a good result over the weekend though. Several of the Colorado Rapids youth players are on the cusp of contributing to the first team and helping them make the playoffs.
Robin Fraser: Colorado Rapids Youth “on the Cusp”
Jonathan Lewis has been dynamite off the bench in his time with Colorado but hasn’t been able to become a regular starter for many reasons, most of which are circumstantial. Fraser and he have highlighted that he needs to improve on his defensive contributions.
“For me to be a consistent starter, I need to nail down the defensive side of the game. It has nothing to do with the offense. Just speaking with the coaching staff, I need to be dialed in on the defense,” Lewis told Last Word on Soccer.
Braian Galvan joined the club in early July. He was with the team in Orlando and made his debut in the MLS is Back tournament. He’s yet to be more than a stoppage time substitute and has taken time to get comfortable.
“He’s an exciting dynamic type of player. He works hard offensively, he works hard defensively. It’s taken him a little while to figure out where he fits within our team. He’s definitely one of those guy’s who’s on the cusp,” Fraser said about Galvan.
Cole Bassett made his second start of 2020 on Saturday, scoring the goal in a 1-1 draw. He overall had a good performance on both sides of the ball. All three players can contribute to the first team and could get that opportunity in the coming weeks with how many games the Rapids have coming up.
“Fraser on Bassett: “Every time Cole plays, he gets better. The thing about him is he’s really intelligent in the spots he occupies on the field and the choices that he makes in very limited touches. He continues to grow at that pace, the sky’s the limit. I thought he had a decent game [last Saturday against Sporting KC],” said Fraser
“Cole is progressing really well. He’s had different stints where he’s played more. He’s becoming a more efficient player. One of the most important things young players have to realize is the value of consistency. That’s a big hurdle for a young player.”
This season’s schedule has made it difficult for young players to make progress and get consistent minutes. Rapids fans have seen what Lewis can do as a substitute and are waiting to see if he can do it as a starter over several game.
Bassett has had some good moments. As he and the coaching staff have noted, he needs to be more consistent. His role and the system he fits into is still fluid at this time. He seems to be comfortable as a duel No. 8 with Kellyn Acosta. The coaching staff seems to think that’s where he’ll get the most playing time.
Galvan’s the newest addition to the Colorado Rapids youth movement. He’s now conditioned to altitude but has lots of competition to play on the wings.
Still with how many games the Rapids have coming up in a short period of time, more minutes for all three players is inevitable. Their positive contributions could help the Rapids make the playoffs.
