2021 Predictions

So we've covered the roster and strategy, that only leaves one thing left before getting into weekly coverage tomorrow with the first game preview.  That's my annual predictions!  Last year I got 8 of 11 (and one was voided with the lack of a USOC) which is better than I normally do.  Lets get to it.

• Rapids are comfortably in a playoff spot (top 7 make playoffs this year) for most of the season and finish 5th, but they push hard for that 4th spot and a home playoff game
• Because of that they surprise the 4th placed team in the playoffs and win on the road, but fall in the next round
• The do stumble a bit out of the gate which means they don't qualify for one of the 8 MLS spots in the USOC
• We win the Rocky Mountain Cup again, despite 2 of 3 being played in Utah
• Rubio wins the team Golden Boot with double-digit goals
• Namli is the team MVP (yes, same prediction as last year)
• Vines repeats as defensive player of the year
• One but only one American starter is sold in the summer window (extra credit prediction, its Bassett)
• The Rapids add an international player in the summer window, but not a major blockbuster player on paper
• Mayaka will not be in the Rookie of the Year conversation despite being picked as the consensus #1 before the draft
• The other 6 playoff teams in the West will be LAFC, Seattle, Portland, SKC, Minnesota, and San Jose
• Acosta and Vines get National Team callups during the season, Lewis and Trusty do not.  I'm pushing on Bassett getting a callup or not

Ok, that's it.  We'll check back at the end of the season to see how I did.