New Names and Gregory Richardson

You may have noticed some new names playing for the Rapids' reserve team in recent games against the universities of Denver and New Mexico (see www.rapidsundercurrent.blogspot.com). In the defeat of DU 3-1 yesterday, one of those names was Ritchie Kotschau, a former Rapid of course. To try and add some detail on those triallists, I spoke very briefly with Gary Smith last week as the team was about to board the bus for Houston. I can't offer much on them other than that it is unlikely any of them will be staying around. "They were more there to make up the numbers to be honest and they won't be staying," Smith said last week. Admittedly, that was before the game yesterday against DU and one triallist, Chris Salvaggione, did manage to score two goals in that game. It was also noticeable that a triallist from the New Mexico game, Clayton Zelin, was also playing yesterday. I'll try and keep you posted on the future, if any, of such triallists.
More significant, perhaps, have been the performances of Gregory Richardson. The Guyanese forward has scored consistently in all the reserve games so far, including the Burgundy and Blue game last month, as well as providing assists. He is looking like a good acquisition for the Rapids and Gary Smith should be well pleased with his efforts. Barring injury and form, he is not going to break up the Casey/Cummings formation but he would be a great asset coming off the bench.

DU to play Regis in Fundraiser - RESCHEDULE

NOTE: The game has been rescheduled for this Sunday, April 19, kickoff at 6pm. Original post follows: Quick heads-up for an interesting game this Friday night (April 17) when the University of Denver mens' team takes on Regis University. Kick-off is at 7pm at Englewood High School. The DU team is fast moving up the ranks of national college teams and the coaching staff, led by Bobby Muuss, is really trying to build a very good program there. The team has recently played big college teams in Wake Forest and Creighton, narrowly losing both games by slim margins. Proceeds from Friday's game, for which about a thousand tickets have been sold, will benefit the soccer program at DU. There will be plenty of giveaways and auctions. You can turn up on the day for a cost of $8 or, if you book before April 17, it will cost you just $6. If you get a group of 15 or more, the cost is further reduced to $4 a ticket and all those three years old and younger are free of charge. You can email assistant coach, Adam Buseck, (adam.buseck@du.edu), or call 303 871 3923.

DU Star Makes U-20 National Team

Sam Garza is a name you should keep an eye on. The University of Denver forward has just been named to the US U-20 national squad for the upcoming CONCACAF U-20 championship taking place in Trinidad and Tobago March 6-15. The US should qualify from this for the U-20 World Cup which takes place in Egypt September 24-October 16. Well-placed sources rate Garza as probably the best young striker in the US today. The DU team will certainly miss him if he goes to Egypt in the Fall, the university's main season. You should also keep an eye on the fortunes of Kyle Christiansen who played upfront with Garza for DU last season before graduating. Christiansen was drafted by Chivas last month and is apparently still training with the LA-based team awaiting a decision on whether he will actually be signed. The Colorado Rapids open the MLS season away at Chivas March 21.