How high can Colorado Rapids rise in MLS postseason?

A last-place finish in the Western Conference and an embarrassing valuation — that was the story for Colorado in 2023. 

But in 2024, the narrative is flipped. Under coach Chris Armas's watchful eye, Colorado is the league's biggest surprise. On Saturday, it clinched a spot in the MLS playoffs, and with four games left in the regular season, it could enter the postseason from a competitive position.

"It's a big accomplishment that a lot of people should be proud of," said Armas, who credited Smith for putting together the roster and "cleaning things up around here."

It was telling that Smith was the first man Armas called out after the team clinched a playoff spot. The target of understandable ire after Colorado's disastrous 2023 campaign, Smith made crucial personnel decisions in the offseason to stop the team's slide. 

Smith hired Armas early and then worked with him to secure the services of U.S. Men's National Team star Djordje Mihailovic in midfield. Smith and Armas collaborated to get fullback Reggie Cannon during the summer transfer window. The two signings proved inspiring, as Mihailovic and Cannon scored the goals that sealed Colorado's playoff spot.

Colorado has already gone from worst in the West to the MLS playoffs, but can it soar even higher and make a deep postseason run?

The Western Conference is competitive, confusing and chaotic, but signs indicate yes.

If Colorado holds onto its third-place seed, it will likely play against Seattle, Houston or Vancouver in the first round. Colorado has a great record against each and should win a best-of-three series, especially considering its high-elevation home-field advantage.

From there, there's a strong chance Colorado will face its Rocky Mountain nemesis, Real Salt Lake, in the Western Conference semifinals. That's a big match laden with history, and Real Salt Lake has the edge overall through the years. But Colorado has the edge this season, winning two of three matches.

If Colorado wins, it will make it to the Western Conference final, where it will likely meet one of the two Los Angeles teams. Both have outperformed Colorado this season, but Armas' men went from MLS' least valuable to most improved in nine months. Who knows what they could manage in 90 minutes?

"There's more for us this year," Armas said, per MLS.com. "I'm sure of it."