Final Roster Forming as Deadline Approaches?

The Rapids return to Colorado today after not such a successful run out in the Arizona sun. Of the three games played against MLS teams, two were drawn and there was a 2-0 defeat at the hands of LA Galaxy. Hopefully, the trip helped Gary Smith solidify his thoughts on what to do come March 1 and the need to trim his roster down to its fighting weight of 24 players.
I'm not in Arizona and so have no idea of who is impressing, who isn't. What I can see from the line-ups is that some of the vulnerable players appear to be reacting in different ways. Mehdi Ballouchy, surely threatened by the advent of the two former New England players, Larentowicz and Thompson, appears to have impressed while Pat Noonan played very little. I wouldn't mind betting that Noonan is not much longer for Rapids' world.
There were also some unfamiliar names in there; Rolan De La Cruz and Andy Lorie. Devon Hodges, playing alonside fellow Jamaican international, Omar Cummings, seemed to get a lot of playing time. And what about notable absentees? Colin Clark is probably still rehabbing his ligament injury and so didn't make the trip. New signing Danny Earls wasn't in Arizona. There is no Pablo and big signing Larentowicz was also absent. Facundo Diz also appeared to not make the trip.
I'll try and get some updates on all this later this week. The Rapids fly out to London March 7 for another preseason trip to the homeland.

Rapids Confirm Earls and Murillo Signing

Press release from the Colorado Rapids today: The Colorado Rapids announced today the signings of defender/midfielder Danny Earls and defender Oscar Murillo. Per club and league policies, financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
Earls and Murillo will be added to the club’s senior roster pending receipt of their International Transfer Certificates (ITC).
Earls comes to Colorado after two seasons with the USL-1 Rochester Rhinos. The 20-year old from Dublin, Ireland gained significant experience while playing with English Premier League side Aston Villa’s Reserve squad from 2005-2008. Earls has also been capped as a member of the Republic of Ireland's U15, U16, U18 and U19 National Teams.
Murillo joins the Rapids following two seasons with Deportes Quindio of Colombia’s top professional league, where he scored two goals and registered eight assists in 42games. The 21-year old has played professionally with Argentina’s famed Boca Juniors, Centauros Villavicencio in the Colombian Second Division, and Club Atlético Lanús of the Argentine Primera Division. On the international side, he has also been a member of Colombia’s U15 through U20 National Teams.
Both players will join the club in Colorado as the Rapids are in the midst of their preseason training camp at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Danny Earls – Defender/ Midfielder Height: 5-9
Weight: 160
DOB: April 22, 1989
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
College: None
Last Club: Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
Roster Status: Senior/International

Oscar Murillo – Defender Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
DOB: April 18, 1988
Hometown: Armenia, Colombia
College: None
Last Club: Deportes Quindio (Colombia)
Roster Status: Senior/International

Rapids Trade Ty Harden to Toronto

No huge surprise with this one. The coaching staff said all the right things about Harden when he was signed last year but his fate was somewhat sealed when he got injured in the early season game against Columbus and was replaced by Scott Palguta. Palguta cemented his place in the team thereafter and there was no room for Harden. His trade also frees up some space for the expected signing of central defender, Oscar Murillo, from Colombia. Harden was traded in exchange for a draft pick.

Rapids Confirm New Supporters' Terrace

Very good move by the Rapids and kudos to Jeff Plush and all the supporters' groups.
Here are the details from the Rapids:

In a move that will transform the way the world’s game is supported in the Rocky Mountain region, the Colorado Rapids announced today their plans for the creation of the new “Supporters Terrace” behind the north goal at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for 2010 and beyond.
Using the stadium’s unique design, this new Supporters Terrace will become an adult-oriented area designed to allow for the exuberance of the Rapids’ most passionate fans.
This move to create a new section of the stadium specifically to appeal to the Rapids’ adult demographic was conceptualized and created in conjunction with the Rapids’ existing supporters club leaders and will allow for their voices and energy to be felt in a whole new manner.
Historically in soccer, the term “terrace” has referred to the traditional standing area behind the goals of a stadium, particularly in the United Kingdom, that offered a cheaper alternative to sitting in the stands and a more popular spectator area for members of the working classes. The Rapids’ Supporters Terrace will be the first true terrace area of its kind in Major League Soccer, and will aim to expand upon the experience found in terraces overseas.
“The Rapids’ Supporters Terrace will be a perfect opportunity for us to take our fan experience to a new level,” said Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush. “We believe that through our supporters groups and those most dedicated Rapids fans, the Supporters Terrace will create that truly authentic soccer experience at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.”
The new Supporters Terrace will allow each of the Rapids’ various supporters groups and other rabid fans a place to call their own in the stadium. Flags, banners, instruments, singing and other passionate support of the team at home games will all be encouraged, making the Supporters Terrance the place to be for Colorado’s most enthusiastic soccer fans. Special vending options will also only be available for Terrace fans.
“The Rapids have proved with the creation of the Rapids Supporters Terrace that their main focus is building an atmosphere that all supporters can be proud of,” said Mark Bodmer, Founder of Rapids Supporters Club Class VI. “The Supporters Terrace will allow Rapids fans to now become an influencing twelfth man. This move speaks loudly and shows the Rapids’ commitment to soccer fans.”
“What makes this such a big announcement is that the Rapids are involving the fans in the decision-making process,” added Patrick Quinn, president of the Centennial Firm Rapids Supporters Club. “The organization is showing that they are supportive of us and want to help us create an environment where we as supporters can grow and be successful.”
“The Bobbies are thrilled to join the other Rapids Supporters Groups in the newly-commissioned Supporters Terrace at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park,” said Jon Forget, President of the newly formed Bulldog Rapids Supporters Group, also known as The Bobbies. “The Rapids organization has put their best foot forward to help improve the gameday atmosphere at the stadium, and our group is looking forward to joining the other Rapids Supporters Groups in making the Terrace the epicenter of an elevated atmosphere at the park.”
Season tickets in the brand new Rapids’ Supporters Terrace are now on sale for $216 per person, and include access to other fantastic season ticket holder-only benefits. Supporters Terrace tickets can be purchased by calling the Colorado Rapids Ticket Sales Hotline at (303) 825-GOAL or online at www.ColoradoRapids.com.

Rapids Will Travel to London For Preseason

Although there had previously been doubt expressed about whether such a trip would take place, the Rapids announced today the squad will be going to the UK as part of their preseason preparations. This is what the Rapids revealed today:
For the third time in the last four years, the Rapids’ preseason plans will include a trip over 4,600 miles away to London, England. The team will be hosted by their partner club and perennial English Premier League contender Arsenal FC. The partnership between the Rapids and Arsenal, which was formed in 2007, allows the Rapids to practice at Arsenal’s facilities.
The team’s England trip will be from March 7-14 and will also include several matches against English opponents, whom will be announced at a later time.
The UK trip will follow some time at the end of this month spent in Pablo Mastroeni's back yard in Arizona. The club captain is one of several big name players currently nursing injuries at the club.

Once Again, No Beckham in Colorado

The Rapids released their 2010 season details today. No Golden Balls at DSG Park again as he will still be in Milan shopping and playing soocer. At least it looks like a proper football season with 15 games at home and away. And September 11th in New York, interesting.

DATE OPPONENT
Fri, March 26 at Chivas USA
Sat, April 3 CHICAGO
Sat, April 10 at Kansas City
Sun, April 18 TORONTO FC
Sat, April 24 at New England
Sat, May 1 at San Jose
Wed, May 5 LOS ANGELES
Sat, May 15 at D.C. United
Sat, May 22 at Chicago
Sat, May 29 SEATTLE
Sat, June 5 COLUMBUS
Sat, June 26 at Houston
Sun, July 4 NEW YORK
Sat, July 10 at Toronto FC
Sat, July 17 KANSAS CITY
Wed, July 21 PHILADELPHIA
Sun, July 25 at Seattle
Sat, July 31 FC DALLAS
Sat, August 7 SAN JOSE
Sat, August 14 at Philadelphia
Sat, August 21 at Columbus
Sat, August 28 HOUSTON
Sat, September 4 CHIVAS USA
Sat, September 11 at New York
Sat, September 18 NEW ENGLAND
Sat, September 25 at Real Salt Lake
Sat, October 2 D.C. UNITED
Sat, October 9 at FC Dallas
Sat, October 16 at Los Angeles
Sat, October 23 REAL SALT LAKE