TUCSON, Arizona -- The Rapids Way. 

It is the bedrock of a club philosophy, laid out concisely in an op-ed story in the Denver Post last August. 

With that as their guiding light, the Colorado Rapids underwent a remarkable offseason transformation that saw the MLS club hire a new head coach in Anthony Hudson, make key additions to the front office staff and bring in 11 new first-team players - with more expected on the way. 

"For the first time I think the club has a clear vision, a clear message and a tangible goal that we want to achieve," Rapids general manager Padraig Smith told CONCACAF.com.  "We want to be successful.  We want to be a perennial playoff team.  We want to be challenging for the CONCACAF Champions League.  We want to bring an MLS Cup back to Colorado."

Part of "The Rapids Way" is playing a more proactive, attacking-style of soccer, while also being defensively responsible.  Smith stressed the importance of balance in the roster and, while he said more changes are on the horizon, the former UEFA and Football Association of Ireland executive is thrilled with the quality that has arrived at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

In Jack Price, Danny Wilson and Tommy Smith, Colorado is poised to shore up its defense with three players under the age of 30, each of whom also have valuable playing experience in England or Scotland. 

Smith wanted an "immersive camp" at the beginning of preseason so everyone - newcomers and veterans alike - could get acclimated to a new coach and a new philosophy.

"It's been a really good preseason so far," said Smith.  "Thankfully, touch wood, only one or two small knocks, no serious injuries to worry about.  We really feel we're putting ourselves in a position to be competitive throughout the season."

The first true test for the new-look Rapids comes in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League on February 20 in a round of 16, first-leg encounter with star-studded Toronto FC, which earned a historic treble (Canadian Championship, MLS Supporters Shield and MLS Cup) a year ago.

"They're a wonderfully talented group of players and I think they showed last year how strong a team they are," finished Smith.  "We're excited to face them in these opening two fixtures of the season.  It's going to be a big challenge, but I think it's exciting for us, exciting for the league and hopefully we're going to see two good games over the next couple of weeks."

And, under Smith's direction, for years to come.