One door closes, another opens. John DiRaimondo, midfielder with the Colorado Rapids until just three days ago, has been signed by DC United where he could link up with former Rapids' misfit, Christian Gomez. Here's the story from the Washington Post.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/03/united_acquires_diraimondo.html?wprss=soccerinsider
It seems that some of those players waived from the Rapids are finding good homes. DiRaimondo now and previously Stephen Keel who has an interestng future ahead of him with new MLS team, Portland. I also had the story yesterday of Tom McManus joining Derry City in Ireland. Just have to find out about Bouna now. And Erpen, Burciaga etc.
Showing posts with label Christian Gomez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Gomez. Show all posts
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Gomez Goes as Rapids Acquire Guerrero
Big news in the soccer world today. First, Chelsea sack Scolari as manager and then the Colorado Rapids not so surpisingly trade an unhappy Christian Gomez back to DC United. For Gomez, the Rapids will get experienced international player Ivan Guerrero (will this be the competition for Colin Clark?), a designated player roster spot and a second round superdraft pick for next year. They also partly solve the goalkeeping conundrum because they are trading back-up goalie Mike Graczyk as part of the deal. There were just too many goalkeepers on the roster. Looks like a pretty good deal to me. Let me know what you think.
Gomez never really settled in the team and was clearly not a player that Gary Smith wanted. He looked off the pace and just couldn't fit into a disciplined style. It was interesting to note Smith's changes of tone regarding Gomez's future as the preseason approached. When Gomez pulled a groin muscle very early on in preseason training, it was probably the last straw. I have little time to fill out more details right now on the trade so please do visit the Rapids' website for more information.
A quick heads-up also. I talked at length with Pablo Mastroeni today so expect something on that later this week.
Gomez never really settled in the team and was clearly not a player that Gary Smith wanted. He looked off the pace and just couldn't fit into a disciplined style. It was interesting to note Smith's changes of tone regarding Gomez's future as the preseason approached. When Gomez pulled a groin muscle very early on in preseason training, it was probably the last straw. I have little time to fill out more details right now on the trade so please do visit the Rapids' website for more information.
A quick heads-up also. I talked at length with Pablo Mastroeni today so expect something on that later this week.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gomez on his Way? Changes in Tone Suggestive
I'm usually very reluctant to make a story out of a mild rumor but Gary Smith's words on today's From The Pitch show about Christian Gomez were very revealing. When asked about a possible deal involving Gomez and draft picks and other things, the Colorado Rapids' coach hedged his reponse somewhat, saying that he hoped the Argentinian would be involved with the team next season but, should anything come up in the interim that may suggest Gomez didn't really want to come back, then things were back on the table. This is a far cry from his previous words saying how the preseason would be a crucial time for Gomez and how he continues to have a role in the squad. It does make you wonder a bit what is going on behind the scenes because we are only ten days or so away from the start of preseason. I would say, reading between the lines, that the chances of Gomez coming back to Colorado are markedly smaller today than they were before Christmas.
Smith also told the radio show that longtime friend and possible assistant coach, Steve Guppy, had been doing a lot of scouting work in the UK over the holiday period. As a result, the club has its eyes on two to three possibilites from across the pond. Don't be surprised if one of those turns up in the center of defense sometime in the summer at the end of the English season. Smith wants to beef up the physicality of the center back position and a big stopper could be the way forward for him.
Doubts still remain about fan favorite, Bouna Coundoul, who still has to re-sign. Clearly, Smith wants the Senegalese goalkeeper but Bouna, who endured a difficult time last season both with the club and on the international scene, is obviously looking out for himself and weighing all the options.
Smith also told the radio show that longtime friend and possible assistant coach, Steve Guppy, had been doing a lot of scouting work in the UK over the holiday period. As a result, the club has its eyes on two to three possibilites from across the pond. Don't be surprised if one of those turns up in the center of defense sometime in the summer at the end of the English season. Smith wants to beef up the physicality of the center back position and a big stopper could be the way forward for him.
Doubts still remain about fan favorite, Bouna Coundoul, who still has to re-sign. Clearly, Smith wants the Senegalese goalkeeper but Bouna, who endured a difficult time last season both with the club and on the international scene, is obviously looking out for himself and weighing all the options.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Rapids: Where Do We Go From Here?
It's been two weeks now for the tears to dry and the hearts to heal. It's Real Salt Lake who play Chivas tomorrow for a place in the conference final and not the Colorado Rapids. The season is over for the boys from Commerce City, I am back from my UK trip and it feels like a good time to try and figure out what happens to the team from here.
What is clear is that nothing can really be decided until the Rapids get a permanent coach in place. The team is in a position to re-sign any player but this will be hard to do while the uncertainty over who will coach the team remains. Interim head coach, Gary Smith, looks like the frontrunner for the position and his chances of being hired on a permanent basis look higher given the presence of good friend, Steve Guppy, at team practices in the final weeks of the season as well as recent developments this week. Guppy, a former England international who played with Leicester City among others, has been coaching with USL team, Rochester Rhinos, but it has been reported this week that he has left that position to take up an assistant coaching spot with the Rapids. I'll try and get some clarification on that. It is interesting also to note that Watford in the English Championship sacked their coach last week. Gary Smith worked with former coach, Aidy Boothroyd, at Vicarage Road and comes from that part of the world. I can't help but think he may be interested in that position but that is pure speculation on my part.
The team continues to train about three times a week and will do so for the next several weeks. The Rapids will have to name 11 players they want to protect from the Seattle expansion draft later this month. Sources at the Rapids say we should know who would be available to Seattle by about November 24.
Much speculation surrounds the futures of some notable players at the Rapids, particularly the likes of Christian Gomez who was starved of opportunities under Smith. Mike Petke has perhaps intimated he may retire. What will happen with Bouna Coundoul who, despite playing the last two games of the season, found himself out of favor for some time? I will try and get some answers on these questions over the next few weeks. I can tell you a little about club captain, Pablo Mastroeni. Pablo, who has been selected to play for the US against Guatemala at DSG Park November 19, told me this morning that he is talking with club bosses Jeff Plush and Charlie Wright about his future. Everyone knows he would like to go and play in Europe next season and he continues to weigh his options. "I'm kind of waiting at this point," he said. "I have time on my side as the European clubs won't be making any decisions until later in December." Mastroeni revealed that his European agent will be in town for the US game to monitor the situation.
It's good to be back. I'll continue to go to training once a week so keep checking in and I'll hopefully have the news you can use.
What is clear is that nothing can really be decided until the Rapids get a permanent coach in place. The team is in a position to re-sign any player but this will be hard to do while the uncertainty over who will coach the team remains. Interim head coach, Gary Smith, looks like the frontrunner for the position and his chances of being hired on a permanent basis look higher given the presence of good friend, Steve Guppy, at team practices in the final weeks of the season as well as recent developments this week. Guppy, a former England international who played with Leicester City among others, has been coaching with USL team, Rochester Rhinos, but it has been reported this week that he has left that position to take up an assistant coaching spot with the Rapids. I'll try and get some clarification on that. It is interesting also to note that Watford in the English Championship sacked their coach last week. Gary Smith worked with former coach, Aidy Boothroyd, at Vicarage Road and comes from that part of the world. I can't help but think he may be interested in that position but that is pure speculation on my part.
The team continues to train about three times a week and will do so for the next several weeks. The Rapids will have to name 11 players they want to protect from the Seattle expansion draft later this month. Sources at the Rapids say we should know who would be available to Seattle by about November 24.
Much speculation surrounds the futures of some notable players at the Rapids, particularly the likes of Christian Gomez who was starved of opportunities under Smith. Mike Petke has perhaps intimated he may retire. What will happen with Bouna Coundoul who, despite playing the last two games of the season, found himself out of favor for some time? I will try and get some answers on these questions over the next few weeks. I can tell you a little about club captain, Pablo Mastroeni. Pablo, who has been selected to play for the US against Guatemala at DSG Park November 19, told me this morning that he is talking with club bosses Jeff Plush and Charlie Wright about his future. Everyone knows he would like to go and play in Europe next season and he continues to weigh his options. "I'm kind of waiting at this point," he said. "I have time on my side as the European clubs won't be making any decisions until later in December." Mastroeni revealed that his European agent will be in town for the US game to monitor the situation.
It's good to be back. I'll continue to go to training once a week so keep checking in and I'll hopefully have the news you can use.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Brits (and Others) Can Do It
Conor Casey suspended, Omar Cummings on international duty. Landon Donovan and David Beckham away internationally too. Add to the mix that the Colorado Rapids have only one half-fit true striker available and, at first glance, you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from in tomorrow's game against the LA Galaxy. We should add also that the ill-fated Christian Gomez, who probably would have got some contribution in in tomorrow's game, turned his ankle in training this week and will not be making the trip. His days as a Rapid may be over.
So, where is the creative spark going to come from, arguably on both teams? I believe that the Galaxy will miss their two stars more than we will miss our absentees. Gary Smith, Rapids' head coach, said yesterday he was still undecided about the final line-up but was leaning towards playing just Tom McManus up front. When I asked how fit he was feeling after recent injuries, McManus joked that he would be good for about 20 minutes if Smith does go with one forward. "I'm not 100 percent but needs must," he said. The other option is to have Jacob Peterson partnering McManus and essentially keeping the same formation. "Jake has been looking very sharp and bright in training this week," Smith added.
There will be a change in defense. Kosuke Kimura and Jordan Harvey, the butt of some unjustified criticisms in the last two games, will continue but Ugo Ihemelu will definitely come in, probably at the expense of Mike Petke. That will largely depend on the fitness of Cory Gibbs who has been sick this week. The midfield will be made up of Pablo, Terry Cooke, Colin Clark, Nick LaBrocca and Mehdi Ballouchy and don't be surprised to see one of the Reserves such as Nico Colaluca coming off the bench for some pace and invention. The Reserves will be paying Galaxy Reserves immediately after tomorrow night's game so there will be many options for Smith.
The final eleven will depend on the formation with Ballouchy making way for LaBrocca in a 4-4-2. Whatever the final starting eleven, we are going to depend on much of the creativity coming from the flanks, particularly Cooke. How many times have we seen this season Cooke assisting for Casey? This time, it will be McManus on the end of Cooke's perfect crosses. Let's just hope the Scot has the confidence to turn some of those crosses into goals. It won't be easy coming off injuries and Smith noted that McManus may be suffering from a lack of confidence given his inconsistent run in the team. You'd never know it from the chirpy Scot who has a big role to play tomorrow and we wish him all the best. May the Flower of Scotland bloom and send them homeward to think again!
So, where is the creative spark going to come from, arguably on both teams? I believe that the Galaxy will miss their two stars more than we will miss our absentees. Gary Smith, Rapids' head coach, said yesterday he was still undecided about the final line-up but was leaning towards playing just Tom McManus up front. When I asked how fit he was feeling after recent injuries, McManus joked that he would be good for about 20 minutes if Smith does go with one forward. "I'm not 100 percent but needs must," he said. The other option is to have Jacob Peterson partnering McManus and essentially keeping the same formation. "Jake has been looking very sharp and bright in training this week," Smith added.
There will be a change in defense. Kosuke Kimura and Jordan Harvey, the butt of some unjustified criticisms in the last two games, will continue but Ugo Ihemelu will definitely come in, probably at the expense of Mike Petke. That will largely depend on the fitness of Cory Gibbs who has been sick this week. The midfield will be made up of Pablo, Terry Cooke, Colin Clark, Nick LaBrocca and Mehdi Ballouchy and don't be surprised to see one of the Reserves such as Nico Colaluca coming off the bench for some pace and invention. The Reserves will be paying Galaxy Reserves immediately after tomorrow night's game so there will be many options for Smith.
The final eleven will depend on the formation with Ballouchy making way for LaBrocca in a 4-4-2. Whatever the final starting eleven, we are going to depend on much of the creativity coming from the flanks, particularly Cooke. How many times have we seen this season Cooke assisting for Casey? This time, it will be McManus on the end of Cooke's perfect crosses. Let's just hope the Scot has the confidence to turn some of those crosses into goals. It won't be easy coming off injuries and Smith noted that McManus may be suffering from a lack of confidence given his inconsistent run in the team. You'd never know it from the chirpy Scot who has a big role to play tomorrow and we wish him all the best. May the Flower of Scotland bloom and send them homeward to think again!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Rapids 1stXI Beat Dallas Reserves
Well, it could have been a first eleven. With a defense featuring Bouna, Ihemelu, Burciaga and Erpen and a midfield consisting of DiRaimondo, Peterson, Christian Gomez and Dalby, the Colorado Rapids fielded a very strong reserve team today in a straightforward 3-0 victory over visiting Dallas. I only counted two Dallas players that I recognized from the recent Rapids win down there. Ciaran O'Brien, who did play in that opening win against LA, along with Tim Ward and Nico Colaluca, who scored two of the goals today, rounded out the starting eleven. New signing, Kwame Sarkodie, got a run out in the second half and played well, the highlight being a mazy run down the left to set up the third goal.
There has been some criticism that some players left out of the first team have not looked up to the challenge of getting their starting places back. I didn't see much evidence here. Bouna was outstanding in goal. He didn't have a whole lot to do but, when he did, he pulled off some typically athletic saves including a brilliant and courageous dive to stop an indirect free kick opportunity just yards from goal. Christian Gomez orchestrated a number of the attacks and finished very well for the second goal. Facundo Erpen was another who charged around the pitch and seemed to enjoy the second half freedom he had playing just ahead of the back four.
These players - Bouna, Gomez and Erpen - will continue to be in the core group that makes up the 18 destined to launch the final push to the playoffs. Whether they will get back in the starting eleven is another question. Gary Smith confirmed that he likes the settled nature of the current first team and he has good reason to do so. There seems little reason to change something that is not broken and which has momentum. That's hard luck on a lot of players including the likes of Bouna, Erpen and Gomez as well as others such as Ihemelu and Burciaga but, as always, it is the team that counts first. So, expect no changes for this weekend's game against New England. I spoke briefly to Mike Petke after the game and he is fully expecting to be available after limping out in the second half against Chicago. Smith said the team is going to need a minimum of nine points from the remaining six games to challenge for a playoff spot. That does include three games at home but they are against very tough opposition in New England, Houston and rivals Salt Lake. Two wins and a draw would be nice, I would say. That would leave at least two points in the three games against New York, LA and Chivas. I get the feeling Smith is targeting an unexpected win against the Galaxy, which would really help the cause. He knows they score a lot but I think he believes we have the better players overall for that one. One game at a time, as they say.
P.S. Former Rapid and recently waived Crew player, Niko Hernandez, was among the "crowd" watching the game today with his very young family. Did he hear about Herc's move to Kansas and think there may be a need for a backup striker?
There has been some criticism that some players left out of the first team have not looked up to the challenge of getting their starting places back. I didn't see much evidence here. Bouna was outstanding in goal. He didn't have a whole lot to do but, when he did, he pulled off some typically athletic saves including a brilliant and courageous dive to stop an indirect free kick opportunity just yards from goal. Christian Gomez orchestrated a number of the attacks and finished very well for the second goal. Facundo Erpen was another who charged around the pitch and seemed to enjoy the second half freedom he had playing just ahead of the back four.
These players - Bouna, Gomez and Erpen - will continue to be in the core group that makes up the 18 destined to launch the final push to the playoffs. Whether they will get back in the starting eleven is another question. Gary Smith confirmed that he likes the settled nature of the current first team and he has good reason to do so. There seems little reason to change something that is not broken and which has momentum. That's hard luck on a lot of players including the likes of Bouna, Erpen and Gomez as well as others such as Ihemelu and Burciaga but, as always, it is the team that counts first. So, expect no changes for this weekend's game against New England. I spoke briefly to Mike Petke after the game and he is fully expecting to be available after limping out in the second half against Chicago. Smith said the team is going to need a minimum of nine points from the remaining six games to challenge for a playoff spot. That does include three games at home but they are against very tough opposition in New England, Houston and rivals Salt Lake. Two wins and a draw would be nice, I would say. That would leave at least two points in the three games against New York, LA and Chivas. I get the feeling Smith is targeting an unexpected win against the Galaxy, which would really help the cause. He knows they score a lot but I think he believes we have the better players overall for that one. One game at a time, as they say.
P.S. Former Rapid and recently waived Crew player, Niko Hernandez, was among the "crowd" watching the game today with his very young family. Did he hear about Herc's move to Kansas and think there may be a need for a backup striker?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bouna to Follow Herc Out The Rapids' Door?
There's a nice write-up about Bouna Coundoul in the Denver Post (link below) and how he is caught between a rock and a hard place both at home and with the Senegal national team. He's saying all the right things about being happy as a deputy to Preston Burpo but it is clear how frustrated he is at being on the bench both for the Colorado Rapids and Senegal. According to the article, Burpo looks set to continue in goal for the game on Sunday against Chicago. Burpo is a highly competent goalkeeper and arguably deserves a run in the team but I can't help but feel that this is a similar situation to the one with Herculez Gomez. Granted that both sides in the Gomez case wanted out in the end but there is a strong argument that it should never have got to that position. Gomez was left for far too long on the sidelines. He got frustrated and it became a fait accompli in the end that he would go elsewhere. The same will happen with Bouna if we are not careful. It's no secret that his ambitions are elsewhere, probably in Europe. He wants to become the number one choice in goal for Senegal and he is not going to do that in the Rapids' Reserves. When I discussed about how we could not afford to ignore Bouna in a previous post, that is no reflection on Burpo. It is simply the case that we cannot afford to underuse and eventually lose highly talented players. It's happened before with Herculez, I hope it does not happen with Bouna.
http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_10441200
I may be dogged but I could not get up to training today given the awful weather conditions. I write just as the sun is coming out. From Bryan Forbes' article, it looks a pretty much unchanged team from the one that beat Dallas other than that Conor Casey is out injured. Christian Gomez looks likely to remain on the bench. Talking of underusing talented players?
http://www.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_10441200
I may be dogged but I could not get up to training today given the awful weather conditions. I write just as the sun is coming out. From Bryan Forbes' article, it looks a pretty much unchanged team from the one that beat Dallas other than that Conor Casey is out injured. Christian Gomez looks likely to remain on the bench. Talking of underusing talented players?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
If It's Thursday, It Must Be Dallas
Crikey! Didn't we just play a game? The Colorado Rapids have a very quick turnaround this week and will be off tomorrow for the game on Thursday night against Dallas. Unfortunately, that gives me no time to get up to training due to work commitments to suss out camp mood and get an idea of the line-up. Most of you are pretty depressed about the latest defeat away at Real Salt Lake. The Reserves fared no better the following day when they were thumped 4-0, all the goals in the first half. Clearly, things aren't working too well. Unfortunately, the Rapids are hamstrung, literally, by some major injuries. Terry Cooke and Pablo Mastroeni are still recovering from their hamstring problems and will not make the trip, at least according to the Rapids website. It wouldn't surprise me, however, if Pablo did at least get on the bench. That may be a bit ambitious but he appears a lot further along with the healing process than does Cooke. Mehdi Ballouchy and Ugo Ihemelu are still listed as out with concussions but I am trying to find out how updated that injury list is. Ugo, at least, was on the verge of making the trip to Salt Lake last week. In terms of international call-ups, Bouna Coundoul is in Senegal right now before the national team flies off for its World Cup qualifying game against Algeria on Friday. Omar Cummings does not appear to have made it into the Jamaican team for its games against Mexico and Honduras. The Reggae Boyz have had to switch their weekend game against Mexico to Mexico City after Hurricane Gustav damaged the national stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
So, what does that leave? You can't really make radical changes when so many people are out injured or are unavailable. But changes need to be made. Desperate times call for drastic measures. Surely, Christian Gomez must start and Kosuke Kimura deserves his chance. Tom McManus should maybe start upfront with Conor Casey. Thoughts?
INJURY UPDATE: According to the Rapids' press office, Pablo and Terry Cooke are listed as probable so they may play a small part in the game. Ihemelu, Greg Dalby and Ballouchy are all described as questionable.
So, what does that leave? You can't really make radical changes when so many people are out injured or are unavailable. But changes need to be made. Desperate times call for drastic measures. Surely, Christian Gomez must start and Kosuke Kimura deserves his chance. Tom McManus should maybe start upfront with Conor Casey. Thoughts?
INJURY UPDATE: According to the Rapids' press office, Pablo and Terry Cooke are listed as probable so they may play a small part in the game. Ihemelu, Greg Dalby and Ballouchy are all described as questionable.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Rubbing Salt Into Wounds
Confession. I only saw the last 20 minutes or so of this game due to other commitments and a need to change shoes. It's a long story. Suffice it to say I have very little intelligent to say about the game. I arrived when it was already 2-0 to Real Salt Lake, saw a bit of honest running from the likes of Omar Cummings and very little actual shots on goal. So, please do respond by sending in your observations on this latest Colorado Rapids' defeat.
I had the line-up almost right but Christian Gomez must be wondering what it takes to get into the team. The midfield is pretty much decimated and he still has to wait until the second half to get on. On the other hand, I do like the fact that all of McManus, Cummings and Herculez Gomez got gametime. I have always thought that Herc can play as an attacking midfielder rather than an out and out striker. Unfortunately, I missed the first half so please do comment on what you thought of his performance. I also liked the fact that Kosuke Kimura finally got on the field. After starting out so well this season with former coach, Fernando Clavijo, saying he had tied up the right back spot, Kimura was mysteriously subsequently left out and did not seem to be able to make it back into the team. He did put in one lovely cross for Cummings who headed well from a difficult position. Jose Luis Burciaga was another who started off the season very well but his recent performances have not been consistent and Kimura can state a case for making a start. The Rapids, sinking ever faster in playoff contention, face FC Dallas in hot and humid Texas next Thursday.
I had the line-up almost right but Christian Gomez must be wondering what it takes to get into the team. The midfield is pretty much decimated and he still has to wait until the second half to get on. On the other hand, I do like the fact that all of McManus, Cummings and Herculez Gomez got gametime. I have always thought that Herc can play as an attacking midfielder rather than an out and out striker. Unfortunately, I missed the first half so please do comment on what you thought of his performance. I also liked the fact that Kosuke Kimura finally got on the field. After starting out so well this season with former coach, Fernando Clavijo, saying he had tied up the right back spot, Kimura was mysteriously subsequently left out and did not seem to be able to make it back into the team. He did put in one lovely cross for Cummings who headed well from a difficult position. Jose Luis Burciaga was another who started off the season very well but his recent performances have not been consistent and Kimura can state a case for making a start. The Rapids, sinking ever faster in playoff contention, face FC Dallas in hot and humid Texas next Thursday.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Will The Real Christian Gomez Please Stand Up?
The Colorado Rapids go into Friday night's Rocky Mountain Cup showdown against Real Salt Lake with what amounts to a mini injury crisis. Pablo Mastroeni and Terry Cooke, two of the most influential players in the team, will not make the trip due to hamstring injuries. Mehdi Ballouchy joins Ugo Ihemelu on the concussion injury list after picking up a knock in the DC game last Saturday. That leaves a new look midfield for this weekend's game with much of the spotlight bound to be put on Christian Gomez. Gomez is the most expensive player in the team and his career so far at the Rapids has not met with expectations. According to Gary Smith on last night's From The Pitch radio show, Gomez is "chomping at the bit" to get his place back in the team. Friday night might just be his opportunity to shine. I personally could see opportunities for John DiRaimondo to partner with Nick LaBrocca in a midfield that also contains Colin Clark but Jacob Peterson could be more likely to start. Up front, given Smith's admission he prefers a 4-4-2 in the English style, I would see Tom McManus partnering Conor Casey with speedsters Herculez Gomez and Omar Cummings on the bench. I am aiming to get up to practice tomorrow and have a word with the coach so I will post again tomorrow with more details.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mastroeni and Gomez Join All-Star Team
Those who were disappointed that no Colorado Rapids' players were selected to the starting XI last week for the All-Star Game can now comfort themselves with the knowledge that coach, Steve Nichol, has selected two squad members in Pablo Mastroeni and Christian Gomez. Nichol had five picks so selecting two Rapids' players out of that can't be bad. Commissioner Garber chose the other two. This will be Mastroeni's ninth successive All-Star involvement. The MLS team plays West Ham United July 24 in Toronto and all reserves can still work their way into the starting line-up. Maybe Pablo will impress the Hammers' watching staff and secure a lucrative London-based contract?
http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=wI9lGNcgwxg=
http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=wI9lGNcgwxg=
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Easy Rider and a 3-4-1-2 Formation
Maybe this is what Colorado Rapids' coach, Fernando Clavijo, thinks to himself when he's on the seat of his Harley approaching Estes Park. How am I going to get the most out of my big players and what is the best formation to fit the biggest of them all, Christian Gomez? Well, it may just be the 3-4-1-2 scenario, Gomez being the 1. "I don't want to play with one striker if I can avoid it," Clavijo told me at training today. If current indications are to go by, those two strikers, subject to fitness, are probably going to be Tom McManus and Conor Casey. Casey, to large amounts of applause from his teammates, saw some action today in a competitive scrimmage against the University of New Mexico. Coming on for the last 20 minutes or so, the big striker made his presence felt and almost scored a couple of times. The Rapids dominated what I saw of the game (most of it) and ran out easy winners, 4-2. Jacob Peterson was another who looked sharp, scoring twice with one spectacular strike to the top right hand corner from about 20 yards. I think he is beggining to get in the coach's mind a little more and will probably build upon his ten minutes or so against Chicago this weekend.
Many of the big name players had the day off. Pablo Mastroeni, who is set for a long run in the side if he can keep fit, was nowhere to be seen. Terry Cooke and Rafael Gomes were not suited up at all. Cooke, who has been quiet the last two games, admitted to some naivety in the team last weekend. Clavijo expressed what many have been saying this week how badly caught out the defense was when in attacking mode. They simply were not able to get back into position to prevent the inevitable goals. Expect Kosuke Kimura to come back into the line-up this weekend (he better, he's in my fantasy team). Otherwise, it may be a pretty similar line-up to last week. Ugo Ihemelu played a full 90 in the scrimmage (or was it 120? The game seemed to go on for ever), and his speed would be a welcome asset in the heart of defense. I would think he will get some action this weekend. Ciaran O'Brien could see some gametime too.
Many of the big name players had the day off. Pablo Mastroeni, who is set for a long run in the side if he can keep fit, was nowhere to be seen. Terry Cooke and Rafael Gomes were not suited up at all. Cooke, who has been quiet the last two games, admitted to some naivety in the team last weekend. Clavijo expressed what many have been saying this week how badly caught out the defense was when in attacking mode. They simply were not able to get back into position to prevent the inevitable goals. Expect Kosuke Kimura to come back into the line-up this weekend (he better, he's in my fantasy team). Otherwise, it may be a pretty similar line-up to last week. Ugo Ihemelu played a full 90 in the scrimmage (or was it 120? The game seemed to go on for ever), and his speed would be a welcome asset in the heart of defense. I would think he will get some action this weekend. Ciaran O'Brien could see some gametime too.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Gargoyle Blanco Helps Fire to Win Over Rapids
Do you want the good news or the bad news? The bad news is that we lost. The good news was that this was so much better than last week. The Colorado Rapids certainly bounced back from last week's poor performance against San Jose. They played with far more intensity and better creativity. The nagging doubt in the head is that, when they go down a goal, it always seems so hard for them to get back in the game. We did it against Kansas City but there remains a question as to how consistently we can do that.
The line-up was different. One forced change with John DiRaimondo out with an ankle sprain. Pablo Mastroeni made his first start of the season and played with great intensity as usual. It was almost a relief when he was subbed because he looked like he may get a red card. The Rapids were incensed at the end of the first half with Chicago's number 25 and Pablo baited him throughout the second half when he was on. Tom McManus came in for Omar Cummings and continued to play with great heart just as he had done against San Jose. Congrats to him for his first goal in the burgundy and blue. Kelly Gray, who had impressed in last week's reserve game, came in for Kosuke Kimura. A little tough on Kimura who seemed to be making the right back spot his own.
We made some poor defensive errors and the defense was practically non-existent on the second goal. But I think we lost the game in the midfield. Blanco may be one of the ugliest of people (we thought he looked like a gargoyle - Blanco is a gargoyle, Blanco is a gargoyle, la la la la, la la la la; maybe we can get a song going when he visits DSG Park?) but he was more creative than his counterpart on the Rapids, Christian Gomez. His pass was instrumental in the first goal and he made a number of creative moves to make chances for his teammates.
To be honest, a draw might have been a fair result and we almost clinched it in the end with Herc putting the ball just wide and Bouna almost creating the greatest moment in Rapids' history when he came up for a last second corner and just headed over. Can you imagine if that had gone in? He would never have stopped talking about it. And neither would the fans. But it wasn't to be. We move on to a big game next weekend against DC United who seem to be getting back to the form we all know they have.
The line-up was different. One forced change with John DiRaimondo out with an ankle sprain. Pablo Mastroeni made his first start of the season and played with great intensity as usual. It was almost a relief when he was subbed because he looked like he may get a red card. The Rapids were incensed at the end of the first half with Chicago's number 25 and Pablo baited him throughout the second half when he was on. Tom McManus came in for Omar Cummings and continued to play with great heart just as he had done against San Jose. Congrats to him for his first goal in the burgundy and blue. Kelly Gray, who had impressed in last week's reserve game, came in for Kosuke Kimura. A little tough on Kimura who seemed to be making the right back spot his own.
We made some poor defensive errors and the defense was practically non-existent on the second goal. But I think we lost the game in the midfield. Blanco may be one of the ugliest of people (we thought he looked like a gargoyle - Blanco is a gargoyle, Blanco is a gargoyle, la la la la, la la la la; maybe we can get a song going when he visits DSG Park?) but he was more creative than his counterpart on the Rapids, Christian Gomez. His pass was instrumental in the first goal and he made a number of creative moves to make chances for his teammates.
To be honest, a draw might have been a fair result and we almost clinched it in the end with Herc putting the ball just wide and Bouna almost creating the greatest moment in Rapids' history when he came up for a last second corner and just headed over. Can you imagine if that had gone in? He would never have stopped talking about it. And neither would the fans. But it wasn't to be. We move on to a big game next weekend against DC United who seem to be getting back to the form we all know they have.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Rapids Sink to Disappointing Defeat
Oh dear. All that optimism from the recent games just went up in smoke tonight as the Colorado Rapids deservedly slipped to a 2-0 home defeat to San Jose Earthquakes. Lacking in creativity and verve, the Rapids never got going. Can anybody even remember a solid chance they had all night? Christian Gomez squeezed the ball across the goal in the opening minute but there was very little else. A 35-yard shot from Jose Burciaga at the death summed up the Rapids' night. It was what they were reduced to and Joe Cannon saved it easily.
San Jose fully deserved the victory. They were more creative, they made a hatful of chances and this was a big night for them. Kamara was a handful all night although Stephen Keel generally marshalled him very well. Kamara did outhustle the Colorado defense, though, for the second and clinching goal. Ronnie O'Brien notched the opener at the end of the first half after picking up the rebound from a great save by Bouna Coundoul. The Rapids did create a lot of pressure after the second goal but it didn't really result in much. Tom McManus was impressive afer coming on as sub but there was no way through the stout San Jose defense. Dare I say it was all a bit reminiscent of last season? No creativity, no spark and no fan atmosphere. All rather depressing and it is a wonder where the Rapids go from here to regroup and figure out what went wrong.
San Jose fully deserved the victory. They were more creative, they made a hatful of chances and this was a big night for them. Kamara was a handful all night although Stephen Keel generally marshalled him very well. Kamara did outhustle the Colorado defense, though, for the second and clinching goal. Ronnie O'Brien notched the opener at the end of the first half after picking up the rebound from a great save by Bouna Coundoul. The Rapids did create a lot of pressure after the second goal but it didn't really result in much. Tom McManus was impressive afer coming on as sub but there was no way through the stout San Jose defense. Dare I say it was all a bit reminiscent of last season? No creativity, no spark and no fan atmosphere. All rather depressing and it is a wonder where the Rapids go from here to regroup and figure out what went wrong.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Late Equalizer Keeps United Favorites
A Carlos Tevez header just two minutes from time saved Manchester United from blowing the Premier League title chase wide open. By equalizing against Blackburn, it keeps United a precious three points ahead of Chelsea. Even if Chelsea were to beat United in the big one at Stamford Bridge next Saturday (set your alarm clocks early), United still have the advantage of a much better goal difference. If they beat West Ham and Wigan in their last two games, they will be champions no matter what happens next Saturday. But you never know. West Ham were the only team last season to do the double over United, ironically at Old Trafford with a Tevez goal for the Hammers. It at least makes next weekend's game between Chelsea and United an exciting one with much at stake. As for Gillingham, I'm sure you are all dying to know, the abyss looks a little wider as they also fell to a late equalizer against Bristol Rovers. Hanging by the narrowest of threads.
Attention now turns to those Colorado Rapids. I think most people would expect a Rapids victory tonight but this will be a tough game. It looks as if Mastroeni will not start and could instead play a much bigger role in the Reserves tomorrow as he battles with his fitness. Playmaker Christian Gomez is listed as probable. Unchanged team in all likelihood but a little tinkering with the formation. See you all at DSG Park. Can't bloody wait!
Attention now turns to those Colorado Rapids. I think most people would expect a Rapids victory tonight but this will be a tough game. It looks as if Mastroeni will not start and could instead play a much bigger role in the Reserves tomorrow as he battles with his fitness. Playmaker Christian Gomez is listed as probable. Unchanged team in all likelihood but a little tinkering with the formation. See you all at DSG Park. Can't bloody wait!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Watch Out San Jose - Rapidfire Approaching
The San Jose Earthquakes have very dangerous forwards in Kamara and Glinton but, by the time they shoot at Bouna, their team may already be three down. I say this not in some marketing bravura but because Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo will be fielding a very attacking formation come the game Saturday night. It won't be the tried and tested 4-5-1, that's for sure. Nothing like the projected formation on the club website, which looks as if has been left over from last week http://www.coloradorapids.com/TheMatch/Matchup.aspx.
I'm not sure how it's going to exactly work out but you can be sure the emphasis will be on attack. Given what he told me this morning at training, the starting personnel will be what we have become familiar with in recent games; i.e there won't be a place in the starting line-up for some of the more established stars. The youngsters will continue and it's hard to argue with that. Pablo Mastroeni may get a start as he battles back from another injury. I did overreact to his not even being on the bench last week as he had sustained a quadriceps injury in training last week. Clavijo told me he will either play on Saturday or for the Reserves on Sunday, depending on the progress of his injury. Christian Gomez looks to be fully recovered from the knee injury sustained against the Revolution. In other injury news, Ugo Ihemelu told me it will be another two weeks before he may be considered (he also sustained a slight knee injury in training). Justin Hughes continues to battle a groin injury and will not play in this weekend's Reserves game, one he had been targeting for a comeback (see my goalkeeper/Bouna post for more on this and its implications).
Whatever the formation and line-up, nobody is underestimating the San Jose team. They may be new, they may be winless but those strikers are dangerous. Stephen Keel is going to have his work cut out watching them. I hope it does not happen but it would be interesting to see how the Rapids (and the fans) react if they did fall behind. But, stop! No more negative thinking. We could see an exciting attacking performance by the team which could cement their reputation as early frontrunners.
I'm not sure how it's going to exactly work out but you can be sure the emphasis will be on attack. Given what he told me this morning at training, the starting personnel will be what we have become familiar with in recent games; i.e there won't be a place in the starting line-up for some of the more established stars. The youngsters will continue and it's hard to argue with that. Pablo Mastroeni may get a start as he battles back from another injury. I did overreact to his not even being on the bench last week as he had sustained a quadriceps injury in training last week. Clavijo told me he will either play on Saturday or for the Reserves on Sunday, depending on the progress of his injury. Christian Gomez looks to be fully recovered from the knee injury sustained against the Revolution. In other injury news, Ugo Ihemelu told me it will be another two weeks before he may be considered (he also sustained a slight knee injury in training). Justin Hughes continues to battle a groin injury and will not play in this weekend's Reserves game, one he had been targeting for a comeback (see my goalkeeper/Bouna post for more on this and its implications).
Whatever the formation and line-up, nobody is underestimating the San Jose team. They may be new, they may be winless but those strikers are dangerous. Stephen Keel is going to have his work cut out watching them. I hope it does not happen but it would be interesting to see how the Rapids (and the fans) react if they did fall behind. But, stop! No more negative thinking. We could see an exciting attacking performance by the team which could cement their reputation as early frontrunners.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Rapids Players Missing In Action?
One of the more surprising things about the Colorado Rapids fielding an unchanged line-up for Saturday's game against New England was the apparent absence of some of the more high profile players even from the bench. Unless I failed to see these players on the bench or the Rapids website is missing them on the team sheet, Pablo Mastroeni and Jovan Kirovski were not even substitutes. These are two of the top three paid players at the club along with Christian Gomez. Both players were deemed fit before the game. Mastroeni was expected to start in place of goalscorer LaBrocca. I don't really want to conclude anything (and maybe I just missed them on the TV screen) but it all seems a bit strange, particularly Pablo as he was listed to start. If you add in Bellouchy, who also apparently didn't make the trip, it does add up to a significant portion of the overall salary figure. I'll try and keep you posted on what's going on. Please forgive me if I have simply overlooked things or am misinformed about their absence.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Rapids vs Revs; English League Ramblings
Thoughts turn feverishly now to tonight's game between the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution. Had to wait for full-time in England before concentrating on the Rapids. With none of the big boys playing at the top of the EPL, it was all relegation-focused. Fulham and Bolton secured vital wins, Fulham away to relegation rivals Reading. Still a chance for the SW6 brigade. I hope they stay up because I used to be able to see Craven Cottage from my bedroom window. I am sure you all really care about my team, Gillingham. Having gone up 1-0 to league leaders Swansea, they managed to let in two goals in a minute at the end of the first-half to lose 2-1. Swansea got promoted to the Championship as a result and Gillingham are facing almost certain relegation. Bugger Bognor too. I'm glad I could get the quote in (George V on his death bed, apparently) but unhappy it comes at the expense of my hometown team, St. Albans City, who are also now facing imminent relegation from the heights of Conference South having lost to a last minute goal from fellow strugglers Bognor Regis Town.
Ok, got that all out of the way. Now, we can focus on the Rapids. It has the potential of being a real cracker. I remember losing so miserably last season away in the last couple of minutes, a defeat that almost decided our playoff hopes. This year, our hopes are different. I don't think there will be any fear on the part of the Rapids this time round. If we play as bullishly as we have done in the opening two games, we are in with a good chance of picking up something. But this New England team, injuries aside, will be a tough assignment. These Gambian guys look very exciting, particularly 19-year old Nyassi. Let's hope our somewhat inexperienced defense can keep him under wraps. Gomez and Joseph are clearly going to be involved in a major match-up. It will be very interesting to see how Christian Gomez handles this one. I am excited about the potential of him playing a blinder but who knows? Pablo looks to be starting so we will see for a full 90 (maybe) how he will link with Gomez. Will there be a place on the bench for new signing McManus? Burciaga running against Hilgenbrinck could also be a highlight. The Rapids somewhat unceremoniously dumped Hilgenbrinck before he could really kick a ball in anger, having signed him from Chile. Maybe Burciaga will prove today that the Rapids did the right thing? No predictions, just exciting possibilites. See you all at GB Fish and Chips. Come on you Rapids!
Ok, got that all out of the way. Now, we can focus on the Rapids. It has the potential of being a real cracker. I remember losing so miserably last season away in the last couple of minutes, a defeat that almost decided our playoff hopes. This year, our hopes are different. I don't think there will be any fear on the part of the Rapids this time round. If we play as bullishly as we have done in the opening two games, we are in with a good chance of picking up something. But this New England team, injuries aside, will be a tough assignment. These Gambian guys look very exciting, particularly 19-year old Nyassi. Let's hope our somewhat inexperienced defense can keep him under wraps. Gomez and Joseph are clearly going to be involved in a major match-up. It will be very interesting to see how Christian Gomez handles this one. I am excited about the potential of him playing a blinder but who knows? Pablo looks to be starting so we will see for a full 90 (maybe) how he will link with Gomez. Will there be a place on the bench for new signing McManus? Burciaga running against Hilgenbrinck could also be a highlight. The Rapids somewhat unceremoniously dumped Hilgenbrinck before he could really kick a ball in anger, having signed him from Chile. Maybe Burciaga will prove today that the Rapids did the right thing? No predictions, just exciting possibilites. See you all at GB Fish and Chips. Come on you Rapids!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Rapids Say Adios to Nico, Buy Crew Defender
Maybe I was dreaming it all but the Brazilian rumor has been replaced by cold fact. The Rapids finally offloaded Nico Hernandez and bought a defender from Columbus Crew, Tim Ward. I'm not really sure what happened to Hernandez. He seemed a good prospect earlier in the season last year but abruptly fell out of favor. It didn't look to me as if his form had radically dipped even though, like everyone else, he wasn't exactly ripping the nets apart. It does kind of lead to speculation that there was some kind of falling out either with teammates or with the coach. Who knows? Anyway, he is off to Ohio so we'll just have to wave the Argentinian flag for Erpen instead. Now, we have another defender. Not sure how he is going to fit in with the current depth we already have at defense. Am I the only one who sees it as odd we have sold an attacking player for another defender when we could barely score last year? Despite the ambitious purchase of Christian Gomez, which will undoubtedly add flair to our attacking play, I'm still having difficulty in seeing just who is going to be the main goalscorer. Maybe the Rapids will persuade Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor to come over to Colorado while they are training with him this week and next? Just kidding. As much chance of that as Eduardo trotting out for the Gunners this weekend.
What a segue. Quick note on Eduardo's injury and fallout because enough has been written on it already. Martin Taylor made a poor tackle in the early minutes of a Premiership game before he was really focused on the game in hand. Eduardo is a supremely gifted player and Taylor was too late with the tackle. What has impressed me about Taylor, who has scarily received death threats from some of the nutters out there, is his trips to the hospital to see Eduardo. This guy is obviously distraught at what happened to a fellow professional. It may have been a bad tackle but it was not a malicious one and he deserves support to get him through it just as we all wish Eduardo back on the field as soon as possible. The Croatian star has been absolutely outstanding for Arsenal this season and he is sorely missed by all true soccer lovers.
What a segue. Quick note on Eduardo's injury and fallout because enough has been written on it already. Martin Taylor made a poor tackle in the early minutes of a Premiership game before he was really focused on the game in hand. Eduardo is a supremely gifted player and Taylor was too late with the tackle. What has impressed me about Taylor, who has scarily received death threats from some of the nutters out there, is his trips to the hospital to see Eduardo. This guy is obviously distraught at what happened to a fellow professional. It may have been a bad tackle but it was not a malicious one and he deserves support to get him through it just as we all wish Eduardo back on the field as soon as possible. The Croatian star has been absolutely outstanding for Arsenal this season and he is sorely missed by all true soccer lovers.
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