The 2010 Colorado Rapids season was the fifteenth year and season of the club's existence. It was Colorado's fifteenth year in Major League Soccer, and the fifteenth consecutive year for the club in the top-flight of American soccer. Following a disappointing ninth-place finish in the regular season, head coach Gary Smith began to revamp and overhaul the roster, making numerous inexpensive moves to sign low-key MLS players to fit the salary cap demands at one of few franchises with no Designated Players. The Rapids were able to improve slightly in the MLS regular season, finishing in seventh place, scoring fifteen goals and conceding only four in their last six home games. The team finished their final ten league matches with a 4–3–3 record. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Colorado were seeded in the Eastern Conference and defeated Columbus in a penalty shoot out. They then won 1–0 against San Jose at home, in a one leg tie, for the conference championship. The Rapids advanced to the MLS Cup final and defeated FC Dallas 2–1 after extra time for their first league championship. In addition to MLS and MLS Cup Playoffs, Colorado advanced through the qualification rounds of the U.S. Open Cup before being knocked out 3-0 by New York in the fourth round.

Background

Review

Preseason

March

Colorado began their sixth Major League Soccer regular season on the road with a 1–0 win against Chivas USA on March 28, 2010.

April

Colorado played their first home match against the Chicago Fire on April 3, earning a point in a 2–2 draw.

May

June

July

August

September

October

The Rapids entered the 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference, despite playing in the Western Conference. In the Conference Semifinals, Colorado defeated the Columbus Crew at home 1–0 in the first of two legs.

November

The Rapids played the second leg of their Conference Semifinal matchup in Columbus. After 90 minutes of play, the Crew were on top 2–1, meaning the two teams were tied on aggregate goals 2-2. After playing a scoreless extra period, the two teams went into a penalty shootout, where the Rapids would prevail 5–4. Colorado would follow up with a home win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Conference Final to advance to the Cup Final. MLS Cup 2010 was played on a neutral field at BMO Field, home of Toronto FC. The Rapids faced off against FC Dallas, the third seed in the Western Conference. The teams would go into extra time, where the match was decided by an own goal from FC Dallas defender George John in the 107th minute. The Rapids would win the match 2–1, and won their first MLS Cup in club history.

Match results

Preseason

MLS regular season

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

MLS Playoffs

U.S. Open Cup

League table

Conference Overall

Results summary

Squad

Roster

As of May 5, 2010.