DNVR Colorado Rapids Podcast

The road to silverware starts tonight. With the MLS season proving to be a gauntlet, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has officially become the most direct path for the Colorado Rapids to bring a trophy back to the Mile High City.

In today’s episode, the DNVR Rapids crew previews tonight's Round of 16 "Derby" against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. After a historic night at Empower Field that saw the second-largest crowd in MLS history (75,824 fans!) witness a battle against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, we re-evaluate where this team stands in the Western Conference hierarchy.

How do the recent results against Miami, LAFC, and Vancouver shift our expectations for the rest of 2026? We dive into the tactical adjustments needed for the cup, the latest news surrounding the Denver Summit, and why tonight's matchup against the Switchbacks is a "must-win" for momentum.

On today’s show:

• US Open Cup Fever: Is this the Rapids' best chance at hardware this season?

• The Messi Effect: Reflecting on a historic, record-breaking afternoon at Mile High.  

After 10 games: the Rapids sit in the middle of the pack in the West (4-5-1). The US Open Cup offers a chance to pivot from "playoff hopeful" to "trophy winner.”

• Western Conference Reality Check: Analyzing the gap between the Rapids and the top-tier contenders like LAFC and Vancouver.

• The Local Derby: Previewing tonight’s Round of 16 clash vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

• Summit & Rapids News: Updates on the local soccer landscape and the NWSL's Denver Summit.

• Tactical Preview: Who starts tonight? Rotating the squad for the midweek cup tie.

0:00 - Intro

5:06 - The DNVR Rapids crew gives their expectations for the remainder of the season

7:45 - What's keeping the Rapids from being a top-tier team?

18:00 - Biggest takeaways from the Miami matchup at Mile High

27:36 - Big takeaways from the Vancouver matchup

33:27 - US Open cup predictions

40:09 - Previewing the Switchbacks matchup Wednesday night

Join the DNVR Supporter's Club and get a custom DNVR badge next to your name!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aOXvlqQqMlTFvbbAarD-A/join

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

MARS MEN: For a limited time, our listeners can get 50% off for life plus Free Shipping AND 3 Free Gifts at Men Go To Mars dot com. That’s https://MenGoToMars.com for 50% Off AND 3 Free Gifts when you checkout. And it’s also available on Amazon! After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you.

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVRSR for 50% off 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Colorado Rapids just put the league on notice. After a wild ref induced 3-2 loss in Toronto, Matt Wells’ squad returned to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and absolutely dismantled the Houston Dynamo in a 6-2 thrashing. Plus, we got our first taste of US Open Cup in a long while.

In today’s episode, the DNVR Rapids crew breaks down the "6-pack" win, Georgi Minoungou’s electric debut, and whether this team is a legitimate Western Conference contender. Plus, we look ahead to the massive 30th Anniversary match at Empower Field against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

Topics on today's show:

• The Big Takeaways: Is this the most entertaining Rapids team ever?

• Toronto Heartbreak: What went wrong in the 3-2 loss at BMO Field?

• Houston Beatdown: Analyzing the 6-2 explosion and new signings Kosi Thompson and Georgi Minoungou making an immediate impact.

• U.S. Open Cup: Can the Rapids make a deep run this year?

• Record Watch: Is Rafael Navarro on track to break the Rapids' single-season scoring record?

• Messi is Coming: Previewing the Inter Miami clash at Mile High.

• Transfer Rumors: Is Sam Kerr actually coming to the Denver Summit FC and NWSL?

• New Kid on the Block: Early impressions of $2M signing Georgi Minoungou.

• The Verdict: Are the 'Pids for real?

Intro: 0:00

Rapids hot: 3:30

Big takeaways from the games: 18:24

Miami game this weekend: 40:38

Sam Kerr to the Summit?: 50:44

Join the DNVR Supporter's Club and get a custom DNVR badge next to your name!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aOXvlqQqMlTFvbbAarD-A/join

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVRSR for 40% off 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colorado Rapids have added some serious fire power at the end of the transfer window with the likes of Georgi Minoungou and Loic Williams. Will theses additions be enough for Matt Wells to make the Rapids a real contender? Denver Summit FC have broken the record for the largest attendance to any non international women sporting event, but their biggest accomplishments have come on the pitch. Getting favorable results against top NWSL teams has put them in a spot ready to compete for the rest of the season. USMNT and the rest of CONCACAF battled European juggernauts in their latest friendlies. How did they fair against high level competition? Join Andre Simone, Duane Brown and Yahir Vazquez as they discuss all things soccer on the DNVR Rapids Podcast.

0:00 - Intro

2:35 - Dre gives his full reaction to Italy getting eliminated from World Cup contention

5:45 - Key takeaways from the Rapids last few matches

19:00 - A new look at the new Pids players

37:50 - Denver Summit initial reactions

47:15 - USMT takeaways

Join the DNVR Supporter's Club and get a custom DNVR badge next to your name!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aOXvlqQqMlTFvbbAarD-A/join

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVRSR for 40% off 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Colorado Rapids made a statement in their home opener, taking down the Portland Timbers and spoiling the return of Cole Bassett at DSGP.

Head coach Matt Wells saw his system come alive as Colorado dominated from start to finish, controlling possession, creating chances, and finishing clinically. New signings Lucas Herrington and Hamzat Ojediran delivered in a big way with key goals that set the tone for the game and beyond.

On this episode of the DNVR Rapids Podcast, we:

• Break down how the Rapids overwhelmed Portland

• Highlight the best individual performances with our Flowers from the Fellas

• Analyze how Wells’ tactical approach unlocked the attack

• Share our Western Conference season predictions

Is this the year the Rapids become true contenders in the West? Tap in for full match analysis, player breakdowns, and MLS season outlook.

Join Andre Simone, Yahir Vazquez and Duane Brown.

Join the DNVR Supporter's Club and get a custom DNVR badge next to your name!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aOXvlqQqMlTFvbbAarD-A/join

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Shady Rays: Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVRSR for 40% off 2+ pairs of polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Takeaways from Matt Wells first game vs Seattle

Who stood out and who didn't.

Join the DNVR Supporter's Club and get a custom DNVR badge next to your name!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aOXvlqQqMlTFvbbAarD-A/join

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andre Simone (DNVR Rapids) Looking Into The Matt Wells Era” we also talked about the Cole transfer and just season predictions/expectations

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Colorado Rapids season starts THIS weekend, and we’re getting you ready on the DNVR Rapids Podcast! We’re joined by Rapids 2 Head Coach, Erik Bushey, to break down his new contract extension with the club and what it means for the Rapids’ long-term vision.

Bushey shares his expectations for the young talent pushing toward the first team, which prospects Rapids fans should be most excited about, and how the development pipeline is shaping Colorado’s future. Plus, our full Rapids season kickoff preview and what to watch for in the opener.

Topics Covered:

• Rapids season opener preview

• Erik Bushey contract extension reaction

• Top young Rapids players to watch

• Rapids 2 development outlook

• Future of the Colorado Rapids roster

Join Andre Simone and Duane Brown as we get ready for the MLS 2026 Season to kickoff.

Intro - 0:00

Welcome In - 1:00

Erik Bushey Joins The Show - 2:00

Young Rapids To Watch - 24:30

Season Predictions/ Goals - 45:00

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Colorado Rapids 2026 “Colorful Colorado” home kit is here! Will Rapids fan love or hate it? Will it be strange to see “burgundy boys” Paxten Aaronson, Dante Sealy, and Darren Yapi in black kits? Duane Brown and Eric Wedum break down the Rapids and all the new MLS kits on the DNVR Rapids Podcast.

Photo credits: Colorado Rapids and MLS

Intro - 0:00

Welcome In - 1:00

Rapids Kit Reveal Reactions - 3:00

MLS Kit Reveal Reactions - 27:37

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The DNVR Rapids Podcast breaks down a massive week for Denver Summit FC, the Colorado Rapids, and the global soccer landscape. We start with huge news for Summit FC as Lindsey Heaps officially arrives, instantly raising the ceiling for Denver’s newest club. We review the Summit FC roster, discuss which players we’re most excited to watch, and dive into the star potential of Jasmine Aikey. Plus, history is made as defender Ayo Oke earns the first-ever Summit FC call-up to USWNT.

We pivot to the Colorado Rapids, covering training camp updates, roster projections, and any rumors swirling around the Pids as MLS action approaches.

The show also hits the biggest MLS transfer news, including San Jose landing Timo Werner, Inter Miami continuing to splash cash, and major signings across the Western Conference from LAFC, Austin FC, Houston Dynamo, and St. Louis CITY SC. What do these moves mean for the Rapids and the balance of power out West?

We wrap with the latest USMNT and international soccer news, including the Josh Sargent transfer saga, Fulham’s reported pursuit of Ricardo Pepi, chaos from the AFCON Final, and the growing impact of dual nationals choosing between the USMNT and Mexico.

Join Andre Simone, Yahir Vazquez and Duane Brown as we talk all things soccer in the Mile High City and beyond.

0:00 Intro

1:00 Welcome In

4:40 Summit FC Roster Additions

30:36 Rapids Roster Predictions

52:33 Final MLS News

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colorado Rapids are making moves, but are they the right ones? USMNT guys are also cooking overseas but will they be in form when it comes to the 2026 World Cup. Join Duane Brown, Andre Simone, and Yahir Vazquez as they discuss all things Rapids.  

0:00 Intro  

1:00 Welcome In

2:00 Matt Wells Thoughts  

19:00  

📬 Denver sports in your inbox: https://thednvr.com/newsletter

An ALLCITY Network Production

PARTY WITH US: https://thednvr.com/events

ALL THINGS DNVR: https://linktr.ee/dnvrsports

BALL-KNOWER BONUS/Merch: https://promotion.allcitynetwork.com/all

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/DNVR_Sports

Monarch: Use Monarch Money to get control of your overall finances with 50% off your first year at https://www.monarch.com with code DNVR

Toyota: Visit Your Front Range Toyota Stores at a location near you - Toyota is the official vehicle of DNVR. Toyota - Let’s Go Places!

Gametime: Download the app, create an account, and use code DNVR for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to https://shadyrays.com and use code: DNVR for 35% off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades rated 5 stars by over 300,000 people.

When you shop through links in the description, we may earn affiliate commissions.

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.