On this day in 2007, Arsenal became official partners with MLS club, Colorado Rapids.

The club, owned by Stan Kroenke, who later became Arsenal’s majority shareholder, is now our American partner, which is good from a business and commercial standpoint.

As part of the agreement signed back in 2007, Arsenal and Rapids can now enter into international friendlies, preseason training sessions and joint player development programs.

Arsenal also have a ‘Center of Excellence’ established at the Rapids’ home stadium, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and Arsenal Summer Soccer Schools USA in Colorado.

The Colorado Rapids won the MLS back in 2010 but haven’t won it since. Although they’ve won the Rocky Mountain Cup four times: 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015.

Last season, they came second in the League (snap), two points behind FC Dallas.

As we all know, Kroenke is now majority shareholder of Arsenal, so it makes sense that he wanted to deal to go ahead.

Kroenke also owns Colorado Mammoth (Lacrosse) and Los Angeles Rams (American football).