Legends of Rapids History

John Spencer (2001-2004)
2nd all time Rapids goal scorer
3rd all time Rapids in points
2003 MLS MVP Finalist
2001, 2003 MLS Best XI
14 Caps with the Scottish National Team

Came to the Rapids from Motherwell in the Scottish League after spending very successful seasons with Chelsea, QPR, and Everton after getting his start with Rangers. He came to the Rapids in 2001 and scored 14 goals a feat accomplished again in 2003 - both Rapids Single Season Records. Spencer displayed a Lions Heart despite being the one of shortest players in MLS history - scoring many goals off headers! Will always be remembered for his July 4th 2001 Hat trick against DC United in front of 60,000+ the first Hat trick in Rapids history. Loved by the fans - he always gave us the time for a signature - hand shake - or thickly accented joke. His greatness was only stunted by his aging knees which gave him fits in 2002 and 2004 and ultimately ended him playing days in MLS. He's now an assistant for Houston Dynamo.

Paul Bravo (1997-2001)
Aquired by the Rapids in 1996 in one of the most lopsided trades in MLS history. (Bravo for Kinnear)
All time Rapids leading goal scorer with 39 goals in 135 games
2nd All time Rapids in points with 100 points behind Henderson
3rd in Minutes played behind Balboa and Henderson.
Inducted into the Rapids Hall of Fame.

Bravo was never know for a lot of flash and speed - what he was known for was his tireless work rate, devotion to the Rapids, and his ability to finish off his opportunities. Also a fantastic playermaker that sometimes was dropped back into the midfield. Other strikers were consistently brought in while Bravo was here in Colorado - but in the end, Bravo was always the go to guy. Now an assistant coach at UCLA

Pablo Mastroeni
Born in Argentina
moved to the US as a small kid and went to NC State
2004 Black & Blue Award winner
MLS Best XI in 2001
2001 earned his first US Cap vs Ecuador
Team Captain since 2004

Was the surprise starter in Defensive Midfield in the 2002 World Cup after Armas was injured. Became a very important player in the 3-2 Portugal victory, marking Rui Costa out of the game, as well as the 2-0 Second round victory over Mexico. Pablo is the definition of courage on the field. There is no fear in his tackles and no bound to his level of intensity and competition. Pablo is the player on the field that allows the offense to flow and the defense to be feared. He's been the back bone of the Rapids for a few years - and is our second regular National Team representable in our history.

Chris Henderson (1996-98' & 2001-2005)
Leads the Rapids with 178 games played in the Rapids Shirt
All time assists leader
All time points leader
3rd All time Goal Scorer
1996 Rapids MVP

Chris Henderson was an orginal Colorado Rapid that came back from Europe to get MLS started here in Denver as a US National Team player with 79 caps. Perhaps one of the worst trades made by the Rapids, In 1998 Henderson was traded to the KC Wizards for Matt McKeon, where he went on to help win them thier only MLS Cup in 2000. After a stint with the defunct Miami Fusion where Henderson was a part of the team that won the 2001 supporters Cup, the Rapids reaquired Chris via the disperal draft. Henderson's greatest moment is perhaps the greatest moment in Rapids history - in 1997 Chris took volley out of the air to beat Dallas at home infront of a very vocal crowd to win the game and send the Rapids to their only MLS Cup appearance. Is probably the most beloved player to ever wear the Rapids Uniform due to his big heart, his love of Colorado and the fans, and his endless work rate on the field.

Carlos Valderrama (2001-2002)
“El Pibe” 
Captained 3 Columbian World Cup Squads
1996 MLS MVP
MLS Best Eleven 96' 97' 00'
MLS career leader in assists with 114.
2002 - 16 assists Rapids single season record. 
MLS single season leader in assists with 26 (2000)
Carlos may be known to the casual sports fan for that fantasic orange hair that made him stand out - but to true fans of the game - he is know for making a pass that made you lose your breath. He came to the Rapids at the end of his career. His work rate, never having been too noteworthy in MLS, was always a defining characteristic. But just when you'd think he'd given up on the game, he'd draw in two or three defenders, and he'd make a pass that can only be described as World Class and gifted by the Gods of the Beautiful game. His efforts in 2002 lead the Rapids to one of the most exciting campaigns in the teams histroy, helping Chung, Henderson, and Carrierri each score 11 goals not only with the game altering passes he'd make - but the attention the other team needed to pay him, freeing up room for his mates.

Marcelo Balboa D (1996-2001) Known as "The Iron Man". The first defender in MLS to record 20 goals and 20 assists in his career.

Steve Trittschuh  (1996-1999)
Current Assistant Coach
38 Caps - 4 goals for the US Nats.  1987-1995

Steve Trittschuh was an original member of the Colorado Rapids.  He was one of the only shining lights in the miserable campaign of 1996 scoring 5 goals - which he repeated as he played a key role in our charge to our only MLS Cup appearance in 1997.  In the three years he spent in Colorado - he always logged some of the most minutes by any Rapids Players and scored some special goals in the box on corners.

A true leader at heart - he's worn the arm band numerous times for the Rapids.  Steve's career highlights include being the only player to make it in the top Czech league playing for Sparta Prague in 1991 and being the first American to play in the European Champions League - as well as his inclusion in the famous World Cup Squad of 1990 which consisted of top college players like Steve - a 1986 All American.  He also played many successful years in the APSL (later renamed A-League) which was at the time the top level of professional soccer in America, four times being named to the Best XI.