On Tuesday, Canadian International midfielder Mark Anthony Kaye was traded from LAFC to the Colorado Rapids for $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) and an international roster slot. The deal also includes performance-based incentives, which could potentially lead to even more money for LAFC. As someone who lives in MLS Twitter sphere, this trade made this Tuesday a lot more interesting.

If you’re unfamiliar with Kaye, that’s understandable – he was relatively unknown prior to his recent breakthrough at LAFC. After leaving the Toronto FC system in 2015, having never really broken through to the first team, Kaye signed with USL Championship side Louisville City in 2016. There, Kaye began to find his professional form, appearing in 51 games for the club, recording 6 goals and 1 assist, and winning the USL Cup Championship in 2017. After his success in Louisville, Kaye was signed by LAFC, a new MLS franchise under the leadership of famed Head Coach Bob Bradley. Since signing in 2018, Kaye has appeared in 89 games, with 9 goals and 17 assists, and has developed himself into one of the top central midfielders in the league. He’s also been a stand-out player for his national team as well - The 26-year-old Canadian International has been a starter for Canada over the entire Gold Cup competition to day. Heading into Canada’s semi-final matchup against Mexico, Kaye has 22 international caps with 2 goals and 5 assists to his name.

“…Kaye signed with USL Championship side Louisville City in 2016. There, Kaye began to find his professional form, appearing in 51 games for the club, recording 6 goals and 1 assist, and winning the USL Cup Championship in 2017.”

Let’s start with the LAFC perspective: how will Bob adapt to losing Kaye? Currently, this move leaves LAFC with 5 midfielders - Eduard Atuesta, Latif Blessing, Jose Cifuentes, Bryce Duke, and Francisco Ginella. Atuesta and Blessing are the likely starters for a fully healthy starting XI, but who will take over the third spot typically occupied by Kaye? I think the obvious choice is the man who has replaced Kaye while he was away at the Gold Cup - Jose Cifuentes. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian international has been playing some beautiful soccer while Kaye has been on international duty, closing in on 1,000 minutes with 5 goals and 2 assists. Cifuentes has become more of an attacking option than Kaye as well. Outside of Cifuentes, I am stoked to see Bryce Duke get some more minutes under Bob Bradley - the 20-year-old has shown some flashes of solid play and I think the Kaye trade could be an opportunity to see more from him. There are also some options for a more defensive look as well, especially with Francisco Ginella on the roster. 22-year-old Ginella has made appearances for LAFC in various competitions, but I consider him more of a backup for Atuesta at this point. Bradley and the LAFC front office will need to have faith in all of these youngsters, but with Kaye leaving mounting interest from other clubs in Atuesta, Cifuentes, Duke, and Ginella will likely see some playing time soon enough.

On the other side, what are the Colorado Rapids getting in this trade? Head Coach Robin Fraser loving wingers – since the Rapids play in a 4-3-3 formation, Kaye will feel at home in a three-person midfield once again. Based on Colorado’s current roster, once everyone returns from the Gold Cup, the starting three would likely be Kaye, Kellyn Acosta, and captain Jack Price. My only problem with this is how similarly all three players are. They are all more defensive-minded and not as creative as other MLS midfielders. It’s possible that Acosta will assume the defensive-midfielder role, with Price and Kaye playing above him in central midfield. Kaye, Acosta and Price have played a combined 360 games in MLS, including the MLS Is Back Tournament & MLS Cup Playoffs, so there’s no shortage of experience. Also, Fraser will have the luxury of sprinkling in young standout Cole Bassett and MLS veteran Nicolas Mezquida when an attacking presence is needed.

“Bringing in a player like Kaye, who is in his prime, is a big move: Kaye has shown he has to potential to be among the best midfielders in the league, not to mention he is talented enough for the international game as well.“

So, does this trade make the Colorado Rapids a contender in the Western Conference or the MLS Cup Playoffs? In my opinion, no. Bringing in a player like Kaye, who is in his prime, is a big move: Kaye has shown he has to potential to be among the best midfielders in the league, not to mention he is talented enough for the international game as well. While all of these things are a fantastic addition for Colorado, there is still a gaping hole in this roster at striker. In the midst of another transfer window, The Rapids have yet to find a solution at striker and it continues to hurt them on the scoresheet. While Andre Shinyashiki is a great attacking option, he’s not a striker - he’s a winger. Diego Rubio is having a decent season, but you can’t make an MLS Cup run if he is your first option, in my opinion. If the Rapids can pair the Kaye trade with a move for a striker, than Colorado will be threatening, much to the joy of their fans should be thrilled. However, if they don’t, Rapids fans should brace themselves for another heartbreaking end to their MLS season.