5. Sebastian Anderson makes his MLS debut
After becoming the youngest Rapids player to sign with the club in early April, 16-year-old Homegrown Sebastian Anderson became the youngest player in franchise history to make his professional debut when he featured in the starting lineup against defending MLS champs Atlanta United on April 27. Just a few months later Anderson continued his assault on the record books when he scored his first professional goal against New York City FC, making him the youngest player to score in Rapids history.
4. Special Olympics Unified team wins not one, but two penalty kick shootouts
The Colorado Rapids Special Olympics Unified Team went undefeated this season but both wins came with their fair share of drama. On June 23, the Rapids topped Minnesota United's Unified Team at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park thanks to a save from Luis Miranda and then doubled the feat in August when Michael Cryer saw the visitors to victory in Minnesota.
This season, marked the eighth consecutive year where the Colorado Rapids and Special Olympics Colorado have forged a partnership. The Unified Team, which is comprised of players both with and without intellectual disabilities between the ages of 16 and 35, received training from the Colorado Rapids players and coaches and participated in two games including the away trip to Minnesota.
Learn more about the Colorado Rapids Special Olympics Unified Team by clicking HERE.
3. Rapids welcome Arsenal to Colorado
This international friendly had the feel of a midsummer classic as Premier League legends Arsenal played a match in Colorado for the first time. The atmosphere was electric under the lights at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park during a beautiful, Colorado night as the Gunners kicked off their preseason US tour against the Rapids in front of a capacity crowd.
2. Tim Howard's farewell game
Things got a little dusty as fans, friends and family sent legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard into retirement on September 29. That night, Howard stepped onto the DICK's Sporting Goods Park pitch for the last time as a member of the club and was honored during a special ceremony following a 3-0 Rapids win in front of the home supporters.
Learn more about the season-long documentary, Just the Beginning, that gives fans an unprecedented look into Tim Howard's final season and the next chapter in his life by clicking HERE.
1. #SnowClasico3
And that leaves us with the most memorable moment from 2019, #SnowClasico3. The opening match of the 2019 season was an epic back-and-forth affair that included just about everything a game of soccer can: Late drama, red cards, big tackles, beautiful goals and memorable celebrations. And we must not forget it officially became the coldest MLS game in history and an instant classic and will live among the most memorable moments in Rapids history.
Want to see more? Click HERE for all the best video content from 2019.
