Rapids confident of revival this season in Major League Soccer

The 2014 Major League Soccer season was one the Colorado Rapids would just as soon forget.

The team, which had aspirations of a deep run in the playoffs, failed even to reach the postseason. Injuries, close losses and bad luck contributed to an 8-18-8 season. It was so bad that the Rapids trailed lowly Chivas USA in the Western Conference standings.

Naturally, such results led to a shake-up of the roster, and there were changes aplenty. But the Rapids brought back coach Pablo Mastroeni for a second season, and he doesn’t expect to see a repeat of last year.

“I think we’re on the right track,” Mastroeni said. “Last year was difficult for everyone. We came in late as a staff and didn’t have time to get everyone comfortable with our system and had some tough losses.

“But it’s a fresh start, and I like what we’ve done with our roster. We have more experience, guys who know what it takes to win, and I believe we’ll be right in the mix of things.”

The Rapids are back in Las Vegas for what has become an annual visit as they prepare for the start of the MLS season next month. Colorado plays the San Jose Earthquakes in an exhibition at 7 p.m. today at a different venue — Cashman Field — than the previous two years.

Sam Boyd Stadium wasn’t available this year because of the USA Sevens rugby tournament, which concludes today.

“We’re used to playing in different environments and conditions,” Mastroeni said of playing a soccer game on a baseball field. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

The Rapids have trained in Las Vegas this week and Friday they defeated UNLV 2-0 in a scrimmage in which Colorado play its reserves with a sprinkling of regulars.

Deshorn Brown, the Rapids’ star winger, did not play, but will be on the field tonight, and he said he has put last year in his rear-view mirror.

“It was a rough year,” said the 24-year-old from Jamaica, who led the Rapids last season with 10 goals. “We were all disappointed with how things turned out. But we’re starting fresh, and I’m confident this year will be much better for us.

“Pablo is a very good coach, and he can get us going in the right direction. I’m comfortable playing for him, and with the new guys we’ve brought in, I know we’ll be better this year.”

The key newcomers are midfielder Sam Cronin, who is in the U.S. National Team player pool, veteran defenders Michael Harrington and Bobby Burling, and midfielder Marcelo Sarvas of Brazil. Also, the team took defender Axel Sjoberg of Sweden and defender Joe Greenspan in last month’s MLS SuperDraft.

At some point, the Rapids expect veteran defender and captain Drew Moor to return from right knee surgery. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in August and continues his rehabilitation.

“It may take a little time, but I’m confident we have all the pieces in place to contend this year,” Mastroeni said.

■ NOTES — The line for the game is pick’em minus-110, with the total 2½. ... Tickets range from $15 to $40.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.