(Editor’s Note: This is the final part in a series looking at the Rapids expanded roster for 2011.)
Looking at the Rapids future has been an exercise in looking at what the team already possesses. In considering signing a Designated Player, it’s time to look outside the club.
Where is the rest of the league going, and do the Rapids need a Designated Player to keep pace?
Picking up Juan Pablo Angel makes it clear that the LA Galaxy is not content with a Supporters Shield. Having the best regular season record is …

With five forwards on the roster, the Rapids have room to add strikers. With the deadly effectiveness of the two starters, the question is how many goal scorers do you need.

Conor Casey runs toward Macoumba Kandji as Brian Mullan embraces Kandji's face, after Kandji's shot deflected off a defender for the winning goal. Dallas defenders Ugo Ihemelu and George John react in shock to the shot and John's own goal in one of the images from ColoradoSoccerNow.com’s Jessica Taves.

Enough about the 4-5-1 versus the 4-4-2. It’s time to forecast how these two teams will finish when the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas meet for the MLS Cup on Sundayu.

Don Garber announced roster expansion, plans for conference realignment and a new start date for the season in his annual state of the league conference on Tuesday.

An improbable goal scorer has the Colorado Rapids in the unlikely spot of playing for an MLS championship.

Snarky predictions of failure evaporated this season as the Rapids made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Now the team is a game — a home game — away from the MLS Cup.

Every picture tells a story in the Rapids first trip to the playoffs in four years. Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof.

The MLS announced finalists for a host of league awards, from Rookie of the Year to MVP. Take a look at who’s not there.

Colorado celebrated qualifying for the playoffs by taking a little luck and a solid second half and turning it into a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy.