Jared Watts had a breakout year at center back for the Rapids. After trying to fit in in 2014 and 2015 as a defensive midfielder, Watts established himself as the starting CB alongside Axel Sjoberg, and was consistently very good throughout the year. His passing out of the back was excellent, and his speed, technical ability, and emergency tackling helped to form a critical element in Colorado’s league-best defense.
2017 Counting Stats: 20 GP, 18 GS, 0 G, 1 A, 1490 min, 4 YC, 2 RC
Key Stats:
2016- 73 Clearances, 14 Blocks, 52 Interceptions, and 31 Tackles
2017- 46 Clearances, 11 Blocks, 30 Interceptions, and 24 Tackles
Season Highlight: In the last game of Pablo Mastroeni’s tenure, the Rapids went on the road to Dallas and got a 0-0 draw.