New coach, three USMNT hopefuls fueling Colorado's rapid rise in MLS

But things are looking up for the Rapids — one of MLS' original 10 franchises from the inaugural 1996 season — thanks to new coach Chris Armas and three hopefuls for the U.S. Men's National Team.

In November, Colorado hired Armas, an underrated coach with a chip on his shoulder. The American arrived after several years in England as an assistant coach to Leeds United's Jesse Marsch and Manchester United's Ralf Rangnick.

Armas, whose early experiences in MLS were negative, signed three players just like him, fellow Americans with deep European experience.

Armas and the new additions have fueled the Rapids' rise in MLS, as Colorado is fifth in the Western Conference with 12 points from eight games.

Here are the three players who have lifted the team and how they could fit into the USMNT in the coming years:

Zack Steffen | goalkeeper

Steffen arrived from Manchester City, where he served as a second goalkeeper to Brazilian star Ederson. 

For years, Steffen competed with Matt Turner to become the USMNT's starting goalie, but years of sitting on the bench at City dropped him out of contention.

Steffen learned while training with City's superstars and brought a sense of calm and purpose to Colorado's back line. While he may not replace Turner in the USMNT's lineup, Steffen is certain to challenge him if he performs at his current level.

Sam Vines | defender

Vines, 24, grew up in Colorado and trained with the Rapids' youth team. After two seasons in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, he's bringing style and class to the left side of Colorado's defense.

Left back is a tricky spot for the USMNT. Sergiño Dest is a clear starter on the right side of the defense, but USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has experimented on the opposite flank, with Antonee Robinson and DeJuan Jones getting the spot in recent games. 

Vines' Colorado form elevates him above both options and may book him a starting spot with the USMNT at this summer's Copa America.

Djordje Mihailovic | attacking midfielder

The Florida-born Mihailovic is one of MLS' most exciting homegrown talents. He came up with the Chicago Fire before moving to the Netherlands in 2023. 

Although he spent only one season in Europe, Mihailovic refined his skills there, especially on free kicks. His perfectly placed effort against Los Angeles FC in late March showed just how much he has developed.

Mihailovic has the most difficult path to the USMNT of the three because he's competing with Christian Pulisic. He'd be incredibly useful in case of a Pulisic injury.