Team stays in contact despite virus challenges

COVID-19 halted MLS play this month two matches into the 2020 season. Now the league has postponed all games until May 10, with the possibility of pushing back the championship to December.

The league, which is celebrating its 25th season, is currently not permitting players or staff to use team facilities. This has created a wide range of challenges given player salaries range from the millions to the tens of thousands of dollars per year. Some Rapids who live in downtown apartment complexes don’t even have gyms they can access.

“No stone has been left unturned; they’re doing a great job,” head coach Robin Fraser said. “Chad Kolarcik is in individual in contact with everyone on just about a daily basis. The special needs of the various players concerning fitness, health and strength are all being addressed.”

Kolarcik is the head of performance for the Rapids and has been delivering equipment to players to provide them with some ability to exercise. The club has asked players to try to maintain match fitness as best as possible, but they are required to isolate and remain within their team’s market for now.

It is unknown when facilities will be reopened to players or what a restart would even look like, though most assume there would be at least a two-week period of practice.

Under that circumstance, it’s possible the Rapids would also schedule a tuneup match.

Fraser doesn’t believe that the integrity of the competition will be impeded, saying that this situation is bigger than any in his lifetime.