Rapids History By The Numbers: Singles & Doubles Part 1

Ok, we're getting to the bottom of the barrel.  Of the 15 numbers left that have been used, 12 of them were used by only one player, the other 3 by just two.  Not much to break down or analyze there.  So we're going to split the remainder into two parts and finish the series this week.

#34
Tyrone Marshall (1998, 2011-2012)

Marshall was originally drafted by the Rapids back in 1998, and after one season and one appearance with them left on a grand circle tour of the league, playing for 14 seasons and 4 other teams before ending his career with 2 more seasons in Colorado.  He was a regular starter in 2011 and then started half the games in 2012.  He was a solid defender that made a career out of tough tackles and a never ending work rate.

#35
Rob Valentino (2009)

Valentino was drafted as a defender by New England in 2008, made one USOC appearance for them before being traded to the Rapids in may of '09 for Nico Colaluca.  He never appeared for the Rapids in a league game and asked for his release at the end of the season.

#36
Shane O'Neill (2012)

Homegrown defender Shane O'Neill was signed in 2012 and played one game before switching to number 27 the next season.

#37
Edu (2012)

The infamous Edu signing.  Brought in as a attacking signing in April of the season he managed just 3 starts in 9 appearances, never scoring.  He's up there as one of the worst recent international signings by the team.

#38
Nobody

38 is the lowest number that has never officially been used by a Rapids player.  Early on I'm sure it was just a coincidence but since the founding of Centennial 38 in 2013 I wonder if the team isn't intentionally keeping the number from being used.  Certainly at this point it would likely only be used by either a major signing or a fan favorite.  Say somebody like drew Moor announcing he will play his final season in 38 as a tribute to the fans or something.  I can't see a random draftee picking the number or being allowed to wear it.

#39
Harrison Henao (2012)

A loanee defensive midfielder brought in from Colombia.  He made one appearance before being released from his loan midseason to free up a roster spot.

#44
Gale Agbossoumonde (2014)
Axel Sjoberg (2015-2019)

This is an easy decision.  Gale made 0 appearances for the club, the big Swede was a MLS best XI member and placed third in Defender of the Year voting in 2016, eventually making 88 appearances for the club and becoming a fan favorite.

#45
Josh Gatt (2017)

Gatt was acquired as part of the disastrous Burch/Cronin/Saied/Gatt swap with Minnesota.  He managed 20 appearances and 11 starts, scoring 2 goals, before being released at the end of the season.