Starting XI
Striker Dominique Badji, who scored during the Rapids' Home Opener against Sporting Kansas City last Saturday, enters his fourth season after being drafted by the Rapids in 2015. The veteran forward set his personal single-season scoring record with 9 goals last year. Badji has 17 goals in 4,923 minutes of play for the Rapids - firing 121 shots over that time.
Midfielder Johan Blomberg is another Rapids player making his third Major League Soccer start after his signing was announced on November 21 from AIK Fotboll of Sweden's top-flight. Blomberg's first assist of the season came against the New England Revolution after Rapids rookie forward Niki Jackson headed Blomberg's pass into the back of the net.
Wingback Edgar Castillo, who will make his third consecutive start for the Rapids, enters his first season with the club after being acquired on January 9, 2018 via a one-year loan from Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey. Castillo is one of only two players to have featured on the international stage for both the United States and Mexico.
Wingback Marlon Hairston makes his third start of 2018 following a 2017 campaign in which he was the only Rapids player to feature in all 34 MLS games. Dynamic in the attack, Hairston's 2017 performances earned the Mississippi native his first call up to the United States Men's National Team in January. During the 2017 season, Hairston logged 2,605 minutes of play for the Rapids.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard, who earned a spot on Major League Soccer's Team of the Week presented by Audi after his seven-save performance against Sporting Kansas City, enters his third season with the Rapids on the heels of a 2017 campaign that saw the United States Men's National Team legend feature in 25 matches - all from the start. In his eight Major League Soccer seasons - Howard also played for the New Jersey MetroStars from 1998-2003 - he has notched 27 shutouts.
Midfielder Enzo Martinez joins the starting lineup for the third time in 2018 after being acquired from the Charlotte Independence on January 19, 2018. A two-time USL MVP finalist and member of the 2012 Generation Adidas class, Martinez impressed over the course of two legs versus Toronto showing the type of work rate and intensity that is sure to endear himself to Rapids faithful.
Striker Joe Mason, who scored during his MLS debut last weekend, enters his first season with the club after being acquired from Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on February 19, 2018. Mason recently acquired his P-1 visa and joined his new teammates in New England for the first time.
Midfielder Jack Price, who will be making his third consecutive start at the center of the field for the Rapids, joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers using Targeted Allocation Money on January 9, 2018. Price appeared 97 times for Wolves and has been impressive for the Rapids at the centerfield position.
Defender, and birthday boy, Tommy Smith makes his third Major League Soccer start on Saturday in New England after joining the club from Ipswich Town of the English Championship on January 22, 2018. The New Zealand international featured for his country at the 2010 World Cup and last summer's Confederations Cup in Russia.
Defender Danny Wilson will also be making his third Major League Soccer start on Saturday after joining the club from Rangers FC of the Scottish Premier League. The 26-year-old comes to MLS in the prime of his career after stints with Hearts and Liverpool, as well as 31 caps for the Scottish National Team (at all levels).
Defender Deklan Wynne is set to make his third Major League Soccer start on Saturday after joining the Rapids from Vancouver Whitecaps on December 21, 2017. A versatile defender, Wynne played internationally with New Zealand under Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson and started all four matches during his country's trip to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
On the Bench
Midfielder Stefan Aigner enters his second MLS season with the Rapids after being acquired via 1860 Munich on July 26, 2017. He featured in 9 games and scored five goals during the 2017 campaign. Aigner has accumulated a total of 488 minutes of field action with the Rapids, and one assist since arriving from Germany.
Midfielder Micheal Azira enters his third season with the club, and his fifth in Major League Soccer. In 2017, he finished with a career high in minutes for a single season (2,569). The Ugandan international featured in two of three matches for his country at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
Midfielder Nana Boateng enters his second season with the club after signing from Manchester City of the English Premier League. Nana featured in 18 games last season and recently returned to squad from Ghana where he was getting his green card paperwork processed.
Striker Niki Jackson, who scored on his MLS debut on March 10th, enters his rookie season after being selected in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and signed on February 20, 2018.
Goalkeeper Zac MacMath enters his eighth in Major League Soccer, fourth in Colorado. In 2017, MacMath featured in nine MLS games. Over the course of his career, MacMath has managed an impressive 36 shutouts in 132 games played - eight of those coming while playing for the burgundy and blue.
Midfielder Dillon Serna, a homegrown product from Brighton, Colorado, enters his sixth season with the club. Serna has made 71 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals in 3,541 minutes.
Defender Axel Sjöberg enters his fourth season with the club after being selected 13th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Sjöberg has made 64 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
