Whenever the 2020 MLS regular season returns, Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser thinks his side will be well placed to pick up right where they left off.
The club won both of their games before play was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling optimism around the club.
Colorado enjoyed a strong second half of 2019, almost recusing a poor start to qualify for the playoffs. The squad has been fine-tuned and added to, before landing a leading figure in Designated Played Younes Namli this offseason to complement a deep and talented team. Particularly in their attacking ranks, the Rapids are deep.
That depth will be crucial when MLS resumes when multiple games per week is likely to be the norm.
"The more I think about what this truncated season may look like, I get excited about it," Fraser told reporters on a video conference call. "We have at least two players in each position that, on any day, would be comfortable starting. I don't know that every team feels that way. This format could suit us very well."
One way to combat fixture congestion is a proposal from FIFA to temporarily allow teams five substitutes per game. Fraser believes this would be a good decision, one with player safety in mind.
"I'd be in favor of it, I think the congested schedule will present real issues for player safety," Fraser said. "That's definitely a concern, I know the league has done a fair amount of research on that."
Fraser, who confirmed the club's plans to begin voluntary individual training at their facility on Monday, also would strategize the five-sub rule to best benefit his team. He would dial up the tempo even further, suiting their strength in depth.
"At altitude, with a big group of players we have a lot of faith in, there's the potential to push the pace a little bit more," Fraser said. "We know if we run some guys into the ground, we'll have other guys who can do the job and continue rotating. It bodes well for us."
