Matt Pollard
@bymattpollard.bsky.social
The Trent Crimm of #Rapids96 Managing Editor @burgundywave.bsky.social
Cohost @rapids96podcast.bsky.social
2024 MLS Western Conference Beat Writer of the Year
Cohost @rapids96podcast.bsky.social
2024 MLS Western Conference Beat Writer of the Year
The stars in the crest background are new and cool
February 12, 2026 at 2:55 AM
The stars in the crest background are new and cool
Reposted by Matt Pollard
MLS Announces Plan To Replace Matt Doyle With AI Chatbot Of Simon Borg That Will Cover Polymarket Parlays
www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2026...
www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2026...
MLS Announces Plan To Replace Matt Doyle With AI Chatbot Of Simon Borg That Will Cover Polymarket Parlays — The Nutmeg News
Major League Soccer (MLS) announced their plan, today, to replace Matt “Armchair Analyst” Doyle with an AI chatbot of Simon Borg that will exclusively cover Polymarket Parlays.
www.thenutmegnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:50 PM
MLS Announces Plan To Replace Matt Doyle With AI Chatbot Of Simon Borg That Will Cover Polymarket Parlays
www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2026...
www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2026...
“Colorful Colorado” kit = Black shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
February 11, 2026 at 4:12 PM
“Colorful Colorado” kit = Black shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Inbox: Colorado Rapids launch the black "Colorful Colorado" kit. The club plans to donate 10,000 soccer balls to kids across the state.
February 11, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Inbox: Colorado Rapids launch the black "Colorful Colorado" kit. The club plans to donate 10,000 soccer balls to kids across the state.
Some weekend reading for you: @brendanploen.bsky.social nerds out about the 2026 litmus test that will be Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High and DSGP. Couldn't have designed a better controlled study if we tried.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
February 7, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Some weekend reading for you: @brendanploen.bsky.social nerds out about the 2026 litmus test that will be Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High and DSGP. Couldn't have designed a better controlled study if we tried.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Mitch, Braidon and @bymattpollard.bsky.social give our wildest predictions for the 2026 Rapids season. Whose is worst, and why is it Braidon's?
New CCR out now, all platforms
New CCR out now, all platforms
February 6, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Mitch, Braidon and @bymattpollard.bsky.social give our wildest predictions for the 2026 Rapids season. Whose is worst, and why is it Braidon's?
New CCR out now, all platforms
New CCR out now, all platforms
Had a great time on @commercecityradio.bsky.social. Mitch and I formally appointed Lucas Herrington the Earl of Grogzwig.
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Had a great time on @commercecityradio.bsky.social. Mitch and I formally appointed Lucas Herrington the Earl of Grogzwig.
Cole Bassett's top 10 moments in Burgundy:
- Memorable quotes
- Big goals in big games
- Dominating the 2024 Rocky Mountain Cup
burgundywave.com/2026/02/04/c...
- Memorable quotes
- Big goals in big games
- Dominating the 2024 Rocky Mountain Cup
burgundywave.com/2026/02/04/c...
February 5, 2026 at 1:10 AM
Cole Bassett's top 10 moments in Burgundy:
- Memorable quotes
- Big goals in big games
- Dominating the 2024 Rocky Mountain Cup
burgundywave.com/2026/02/04/c...
- Memorable quotes
- Big goals in big games
- Dominating the 2024 Rocky Mountain Cup
burgundywave.com/2026/02/04/c...
My guest appearance on Stumptown Radio is now live:
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
February 4, 2026 at 4:48 AM
My guest appearance on Stumptown Radio is now live:
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
$425K GAM for an International Slot is great Rapids Math. Curious to see where this window goes with this move and the Bassett money.
Inbox: Colorado Rapids have sent two International Roster Slots to Chicago Fire for $850K in GAM. $600K in 2026, $250K in 2027. This is a league record GAM cost for an INT Slot. Rapids get more GAM but also limits further international signings unless a player is getting a Green Card.
February 3, 2026 at 8:15 PM
$425K GAM for an International Slot is great Rapids Math. Curious to see where this window goes with this move and the Bassett money.
Cole Bassett. Colorado native. The best Homegrown in Rapids history (so far). An imperfect but talented and dynamic midfielder. BW reacts to his departure from the club:
burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/c...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/c...
February 2, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Cole Bassett. Colorado native. The best Homegrown in Rapids history (so far). An imperfect but talented and dynamic midfielder. BW reacts to his departure from the club:
burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/c...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/c...
Colorado Rapids Director of Player Personnel has been inducted into the Colorado Soccer Association Hall of Fame: burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/b...
February 2, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Colorado Rapids Director of Player Personnel has been inducted into the Colorado Soccer Association Hall of Fame: burgundywave.com/2026/02/02/b...
Had a good chat with @alex-barnes.bsky.social and @phuocerman.bsky.social today about Cole Bassett’s potential move to Portland Timbers and Denver Summit entering NWSL.
SB Nation refugees unite @stumptownfooty.bsky.social
SB Nation refugees unite @stumptownfooty.bsky.social
February 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Had a good chat with @alex-barnes.bsky.social and @phuocerman.bsky.social today about Cole Bassett’s potential move to Portland Timbers and Denver Summit entering NWSL.
SB Nation refugees unite @stumptownfooty.bsky.social
SB Nation refugees unite @stumptownfooty.bsky.social
It could be worse, Rapids fans. This has to be a hold up for potential buyers.
January 31, 2026 at 7:54 PM
It could be worse, Rapids fans. This has to be a hold up for potential buyers.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
They put a fake tournament in the middle of the season just to market MLS to Mexican fans and then immediately gutted their Spanish coverage
The cuts to the league’s Spanish-language on-air talent total some 25%, according to a league spokesperson, with about half of all matches in the regular season now handled by a single commentator.
New from me on @us.theguardian.com: sources tell me a host of changes are coming to MLS Season Pass - cuts in Spanish language talent & programming, and about half of the English-language matches will be produced overseas.
Much more right here: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Much more right here: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
January 29, 2026 at 11:18 PM
They put a fake tournament in the middle of the season just to market MLS to Mexican fans and then immediately gutted their Spanish coverage
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Latest HTHL substack piece is up.
I dissect the latest press conference. Wells said ... some pretty interesting things. But what does it all mean?
#Rapids96
@rapids96podcast.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/holdingt...
I dissect the latest press conference. Wells said ... some pretty interesting things. But what does it all mean?
#Rapids96
@rapids96podcast.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/holdingt...
January 30, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Latest HTHL substack piece is up.
I dissect the latest press conference. Wells said ... some pretty interesting things. But what does it all mean?
#Rapids96
@rapids96podcast.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/holdingt...
I dissect the latest press conference. Wells said ... some pretty interesting things. But what does it all mean?
#Rapids96
@rapids96podcast.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/holdingt...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Matteo Moretto of Marca is reporting that Colorado Rapids are pursuing Granada (La Liga 2) center back Loïc Williams. Haven’t been able to confirm but he fits what the Pids are looking for. 6’2”, left footed. Also plays right back. He’s been a starter. Transfermarkt market value €1 million.
January 30, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Matteo Moretto of Marca is reporting that Colorado Rapids are pursuing Granada (La Liga 2) center back Loïc Williams. Haven’t been able to confirm but he fits what the Pids are looking for. 6’2”, left footed. Also plays right back. He’s been a starter. Transfermarkt market value €1 million.
Could interpret the shape in my image two ways:
1. Bassett didn’t fit the mold for the midfield with Aaronson also there.
2. They need help in other positions and that deficit is worse than downgrading from Bassett to Ronan or Atencio.
1. Bassett didn’t fit the mold for the midfield with Aaronson also there.
2. They need help in other positions and that deficit is worse than downgrading from Bassett to Ronan or Atencio.
January 28, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Could interpret the shape in my image two ways:
1. Bassett didn’t fit the mold for the midfield with Aaronson also there.
2. They need help in other positions and that deficit is worse than downgrading from Bassett to Ronan or Atencio.
1. Bassett didn’t fit the mold for the midfield with Aaronson also there.
2. They need help in other positions and that deficit is worse than downgrading from Bassett to Ronan or Atencio.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Matt Pollard asked Rapids HC Matt Wells the 'what caused you decide to move on from Cole Bassett?' question.
Two quotes in his reply stand out: “there’s gonna be change here ... you’re gonna feel 2 emotions with me - you’re gonna feel excitement & you’re gonna feel uncomfortable.” /1
#Rapids96
Two quotes in his reply stand out: “there’s gonna be change here ... you’re gonna feel 2 emotions with me - you’re gonna feel excitement & you’re gonna feel uncomfortable.” /1
#Rapids96
January 28, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Matt Pollard asked Rapids HC Matt Wells the 'what caused you decide to move on from Cole Bassett?' question.
Two quotes in his reply stand out: “there’s gonna be change here ... you’re gonna feel 2 emotions with me - you’re gonna feel excitement & you’re gonna feel uncomfortable.” /1
#Rapids96
Two quotes in his reply stand out: “there’s gonna be change here ... you’re gonna feel 2 emotions with me - you’re gonna feel excitement & you’re gonna feel uncomfortable.” /1
#Rapids96
Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers:
- Reacting to the shock report
- Rapids Math ain’t math-ing
- Cole’s legacy and what comes next for Matt Wells
- Revenge Tour at the home opener???
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
- Reacting to the shock report
- Rapids Math ain’t math-ing
- Cole’s legacy and what comes next for Matt Wells
- Revenge Tour at the home opener???
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
January 28, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers:
- Reacting to the shock report
- Rapids Math ain’t math-ing
- Cole’s legacy and what comes next for Matt Wells
- Revenge Tour at the home opener???
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
- Reacting to the shock report
- Rapids Math ain’t math-ing
- Cole’s legacy and what comes next for Matt Wells
- Revenge Tour at the home opener???
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Superb work from the Timbers here.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: The Portland Timbers are finalizing deal to sign American midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids, per sources.
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Portland Timbers finalizing deal to acquire Cole Bassett: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Superb work from the Timbers here.
Can confirm Tom Bogert's reporting. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for Portland Timbers. $2.65 million cash transfer, incentives up to $3.7 million. Sell on clause. Shocked at the valuation. Wonder whether he wanted out. Between this and Sealy, this offseason better work Padraig.
January 28, 2026 at 1:01 AM
Can confirm Tom Bogert's reporting. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for Portland Timbers. $2.65 million cash transfer, incentives up to $3.7 million. Sell on clause. Shocked at the valuation. Wonder whether he wanted out. Between this and Sealy, this offseason better work Padraig.
Chat are we cooked?
January 26, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Chat are we cooked?
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Why did three Colorado Rapids coaches and two players miss day one of preseason?
Inside the P-1 visa process, why wait times are stretching longer across MLS and why Matt Wells is confident Hamzat Ojediran won’t turn into another Lamine Diack:
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/22/w...
Inside the P-1 visa process, why wait times are stretching longer across MLS and why Matt Wells is confident Hamzat Ojediran won’t turn into another Lamine Diack:
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/22/w...
Why three Rapids coaches, two players missed start of preseason while waiting on visas
Several key figures were missing from the first day of the Colorado Rapids’ preseason last week while waiting for U.S. work authorization to be approved.
www.denverpost.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Why did three Colorado Rapids coaches and two players miss day one of preseason?
Inside the P-1 visa process, why wait times are stretching longer across MLS and why Matt Wells is confident Hamzat Ojediran won’t turn into another Lamine Diack:
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/22/w...
Inside the P-1 visa process, why wait times are stretching longer across MLS and why Matt Wells is confident Hamzat Ojediran won’t turn into another Lamine Diack:
www.denverpost.com/2026/01/22/w...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Hot Stove Season 2026: @rabbimarkasherg.bsky.social looks at every Rapids departure and their replacement so far and what that means for the position and the team.
holdingthehighline.com/p/hot-stove-...
holdingthehighline.com/p/hot-stove-...
January 23, 2026 at 12:19 AM
Hot Stove Season 2026: @rabbimarkasherg.bsky.social looks at every Rapids departure and their replacement so far and what that means for the position and the team.
holdingthehighline.com/p/hot-stove-...
holdingthehighline.com/p/hot-stove-...