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.
Showing posts with label Pat Noonan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pat Noonan. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, November 23, 2009
Rapids Announce Protected List Ahead of Draft
Press release today from the Colorado Rapids re the Philadelphia expansion draft. A few notable players not included in the protected list such as Jordan Harvey, Mehdi Ballouchy and Pat Noonan. Scott Palguta was another first team regular this season but his exclusion is more understandable given it was his rookie season. Only one player can be drafted by Philadelphia from each club.
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, November 23, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids announced their list of 11 protected players for the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft, which takes place this Wednesday, November 25 at 11 a.m. MT.
With the Philadelphia Union, the league’s 16th club, entering the league for next season, each team in MLS must make a certain amount of their players available for the draft.
Philadelphia may not claim more than one player from any given team in MLS, and will select 10 players, meaning that five teams will not have a player taken in the Expansion Draft.
COLORADO RAPIDS PROTECTED PLAYERS
Goalkeeper: Matt Pickens
Defenders: Julien Baudet, Cory Gibbs, Kosuke Kimura, Drew Moor
Midfielders: Colin Clark, Nick LaBrocca, Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith
Forwards: Conor Casey, Omar Cummings
In addition to this list, Rapids midfielder Ciaran O’Brien and defender Rob Valentino are automatically protected by the Rapids due to their Generation adidas status.
COLORADO RAPIDS PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Goalkeepers: Preston Burpo, Steward Ceus
Defenders: Ty Harden, Jordan Harvey, Scott Palguta, Michael Holody
Midfielders: Mehdi Ballouchy, Greg Dalby, Jacob Peterson
Forwards: Facundo Diz, Pat Noonan, Ross Schunk
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, November 23, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids announced their list of 11 protected players for the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft, which takes place this Wednesday, November 25 at 11 a.m. MT.
With the Philadelphia Union, the league’s 16th club, entering the league for next season, each team in MLS must make a certain amount of their players available for the draft.
Philadelphia may not claim more than one player from any given team in MLS, and will select 10 players, meaning that five teams will not have a player taken in the Expansion Draft.
COLORADO RAPIDS PROTECTED PLAYERS
Goalkeeper: Matt Pickens
Defenders: Julien Baudet, Cory Gibbs, Kosuke Kimura, Drew Moor
Midfielders: Colin Clark, Nick LaBrocca, Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith
Forwards: Conor Casey, Omar Cummings
In addition to this list, Rapids midfielder Ciaran O’Brien and defender Rob Valentino are automatically protected by the Rapids due to their Generation adidas status.
COLORADO RAPIDS PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Goalkeepers: Preston Burpo, Steward Ceus
Defenders: Ty Harden, Jordan Harvey, Scott Palguta, Michael Holody
Midfielders: Mehdi Ballouchy, Greg Dalby, Jacob Peterson
Forwards: Facundo Diz, Pat Noonan, Ross Schunk
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Win And We're In
Even if Real Salt Lake win in Toronto (unlikely, but you never know), the Colorado Rapids can still clinch a playoff position tonight with a win in Dallas if New England fail to win their game. The beauty is that Gary Smith will know the results of both the Salt Lake and New England games before the kickoff tonight against FC Dallas. The team would know exactly what it has to do and their destiny would be in their hands. Even if they can't clinch it tonight, they will still know that a win almost guarantees them a place in the postseason. Smith said a win will mean he is smoking cigars and drinking brandy tonight in some Dallas hotel. The team is almost there but it will be a very tough game against a streaking Dallas who still have an outside chance at reaching the playoffs after a great run in recent weeks.
A draw would still be a good result. Perhaps as important would be some goals from open play. Offensively, the Rapids have been ineffective in recent weeks, relying on Conor Casey's penalty kicks to scrounge points here and there. Tonight, they will rely on service from the wings in the form of regular fullbacks, Jordan Harvey and Kosuke Kimura. I think you are going to see a back three (Gibbs, Moor and Palguta) with Pablo Mastroeni playing just in front of them. With Kimura and Harvey in midfield will be Nick LaBrocca and Pat Noonan (a huge game for Noonan tonight) as the team will miss Mehdi Ballouchy through suspension. Omar Cummings and Casey will be upfront. So, it won't be a 3-5-2 that Smith really doesn't like all that much, more of a 3-1-4-2. Width in attack but less vulnerability for the defense. Despite the dilemmas posed by a returning to fitness Matt Pickens, I think Preston Burpo will be in goal. Put it this way. It was Burpo training yesterday with the first team while Pickens worked separately with goalkeeping coach, David Kramer, and the other reserve goalies.
A huge, huge game. Let's hope the team gives the best possible account of itself and we gain something from the trip.
A draw would still be a good result. Perhaps as important would be some goals from open play. Offensively, the Rapids have been ineffective in recent weeks, relying on Conor Casey's penalty kicks to scrounge points here and there. Tonight, they will rely on service from the wings in the form of regular fullbacks, Jordan Harvey and Kosuke Kimura. I think you are going to see a back three (Gibbs, Moor and Palguta) with Pablo Mastroeni playing just in front of them. With Kimura and Harvey in midfield will be Nick LaBrocca and Pat Noonan (a huge game for Noonan tonight) as the team will miss Mehdi Ballouchy through suspension. Omar Cummings and Casey will be upfront. So, it won't be a 3-5-2 that Smith really doesn't like all that much, more of a 3-1-4-2. Width in attack but less vulnerability for the defense. Despite the dilemmas posed by a returning to fitness Matt Pickens, I think Preston Burpo will be in goal. Put it this way. It was Burpo training yesterday with the first team while Pickens worked separately with goalkeeping coach, David Kramer, and the other reserve goalies.
A huge, huge game. Let's hope the team gives the best possible account of itself and we gain something from the trip.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Do We Know The Way to (Beat) San Jose?
The Colorado Rapids traveled to California yesterday to prepare for tonight's game against San Jose before, bizarrely, playing the same team again next Wednesday at DSG Park. What an important game tonight's game is. After losing at Toronto to record their fourth straight away defeat, the Rapids know that a point tonight against a struggling team will be the least they can come away with before, hopefully, picking up three points at home next week. If they can manage all three tonight plus a win next week, that would take them to 42 points, a figure that Gary Smith thinks now is the benchmark for reaching the playoffs.
If, if, if. The trouble with the MLS is that you can never tell what the results are going to be. If a contending team in the Premier League played a basement team, you are pretty much going to know the result, Burnley v Man U gloriously excepted. In the MLS, who knows? Yes, San Jose may be poor but they did beat Seattle 4-0 at home this season and I seem to remember the Rapids losing 2-0 to them at DSG Park last year. A point would be good, a win even better and a loss very disappointing. Point to me for stating the bleeding obvious.
My best guess on the line-up would be pretty similar to how the second half against Toronto started. Scott Palguta, who came on for a poor Pat Noonan after 45 minutes last week, is fully recovered from injury and illness and looks likely to start at left back. That would mean Jordan Harvey moving up more to left midfield as he did in the second half in Canada. Mehdi Ballouchy is back and will take a central midfield role with Greg Dalby whom Smith has praised on www.mlsnet.com for last week's performance. I think Noonan will pay the price for his form last week and drop to the bench. That's my guess, anyway. All I know is that Smith wasn't happy with Noonan's form and he doesn't have all that much patience with poor performances. Matt Pickens and Cory Gibbs continue to rehab from their injuries and will be out for at least the next two weeks.
The key to tonight may be how clinical the strike pairing is upfront. Conor Casey has been incredibly consistent all season and, if he can be at his bullish best, he could give a fragile San Jose back four all sorts of problems. So could speedster, Omar Cummings. We just need Omar to be on the type of finishing form he showed in Chicago rather than last week. I don't know how Omar gets into some positions to score. He is one of the best in the league at doing that. The downside is that he can still miss seemingly certain goals once he gets in those positions. He is so close to being a complete player. Let's hope he bangs them in tonight if he gets himself into scoring positions.
Kickoff is at 9pm Mountain Time with the official viewing party at Fado's.
If, if, if. The trouble with the MLS is that you can never tell what the results are going to be. If a contending team in the Premier League played a basement team, you are pretty much going to know the result, Burnley v Man U gloriously excepted. In the MLS, who knows? Yes, San Jose may be poor but they did beat Seattle 4-0 at home this season and I seem to remember the Rapids losing 2-0 to them at DSG Park last year. A point would be good, a win even better and a loss very disappointing. Point to me for stating the bleeding obvious.
My best guess on the line-up would be pretty similar to how the second half against Toronto started. Scott Palguta, who came on for a poor Pat Noonan after 45 minutes last week, is fully recovered from injury and illness and looks likely to start at left back. That would mean Jordan Harvey moving up more to left midfield as he did in the second half in Canada. Mehdi Ballouchy is back and will take a central midfield role with Greg Dalby whom Smith has praised on www.mlsnet.com for last week's performance. I think Noonan will pay the price for his form last week and drop to the bench. That's my guess, anyway. All I know is that Smith wasn't happy with Noonan's form and he doesn't have all that much patience with poor performances. Matt Pickens and Cory Gibbs continue to rehab from their injuries and will be out for at least the next two weeks.
The key to tonight may be how clinical the strike pairing is upfront. Conor Casey has been incredibly consistent all season and, if he can be at his bullish best, he could give a fragile San Jose back four all sorts of problems. So could speedster, Omar Cummings. We just need Omar to be on the type of finishing form he showed in Chicago rather than last week. I don't know how Omar gets into some positions to score. He is one of the best in the league at doing that. The downside is that he can still miss seemingly certain goals once he gets in those positions. He is so close to being a complete player. Let's hope he bangs them in tonight if he gets himself into scoring positions.
Kickoff is at 9pm Mountain Time with the official viewing party at Fado's.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Banged Up and Desperate to Win
Big game today but then, at this stage of the season, they all are. The Colorado Rapids enter a home and away series against Toronto tonight in Commerce City. That will be followed by a home and away series with San Jose. Very bizarre. Gary Smith is not all that happy about the way the fixtures have been arranged but he can't do anything about it and his prime concern is getting a decent eleven on the field for tonight. No Pablo, no Cory Gibbs, no Jamie Smith, no Scott Palguta. Omar Cummings contines to struggle with a hip injury and hasn't been training much this week. Strike partner, Conor Casey, has been called up to the national team. The US Soccer Federation reported yesterday that he will not join the squad for tonight's World Cup qualifier because of wisdom teeth surgery.
Gary Smith said yesterday that he wants two wins and two draws in the next eight games to secure a playoff position. A win tonight would do very nicely and would help going into Toronto where the team will still be very short of many first team players. Toronto doesn't look a huge challenge at home with some inexperienced defenders and some trouble scoring but they will be a different beast in Canada. "They are good at home, they have great home support and a plastic pitch," Smith said. "These will be two very tough games."
You can expect a start for new boy, Drew Moor, in central defense. Increasingly, that deal to swap Ugo Ihemelu is looking at least as motivated by financial reasons as skill reasons, a bit of both anyway. Pat Noonan, who played pretty well when he came on last week against Houston, looks likely to step in because of injuries and suspensions in the midfield and I think we will see some game time for Facundo Diz. The big Argentinian striker has not had much opportunity to shine yet but has been scoring regularly in squad games and will seek to impose himself tonight should such an opportunity arise.
Gary Smith said yesterday that he wants two wins and two draws in the next eight games to secure a playoff position. A win tonight would do very nicely and would help going into Toronto where the team will still be very short of many first team players. Toronto doesn't look a huge challenge at home with some inexperienced defenders and some trouble scoring but they will be a different beast in Canada. "They are good at home, they have great home support and a plastic pitch," Smith said. "These will be two very tough games."
You can expect a start for new boy, Drew Moor, in central defense. Increasingly, that deal to swap Ugo Ihemelu is looking at least as motivated by financial reasons as skill reasons, a bit of both anyway. Pat Noonan, who played pretty well when he came on last week against Houston, looks likely to step in because of injuries and suspensions in the midfield and I think we will see some game time for Facundo Diz. The big Argentinian striker has not had much opportunity to shine yet but has been scoring regularly in squad games and will seek to impose himself tonight should such an opportunity arise.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
One Man's Woe is Another's Gain
The Colorado Rapids ended up sealing a comfortable 4-0 victory against the unfortunate New York Red Bulls last night. I'll stick my neck out and say this wasn't the best performance by the Rapids and that the final scoreline flattered them. That sounds a little negative when you think of a 4-0 result but, a couple of decisons going the other way, and the outcome could have been very different. Credit to the boys in Burgundy and Blue, though, for exploiting the lack of confidence in the New York team and making sure of the victory in the opening minutes of the second half when the second goal went in. After that, any crumbling resistance the Red Bulls may have had floated away and Nick LaBrocca and Mehdi Ballouchy put the seal on an emphatic victory.
I have to declare an interest at this point. I was covering the game for MLSnet for the Red Bulls so my focus was on them and not so much on the Rapids. I can tell you that there were a lot of dejected players in that New York locker room after the game, not least homecoming king, Bouna Coundoul, making his debut for the Red Bulls, and Juan Pablo Angel. I also have to say here that Angel is a class act both on and off the field. He is very unhappy about the situation he and his team find themselves in but he was gracious with me and a true gent. Not a bad player either. I wished them all well because I felt sorry for that team.
As I said, things could have gone diferently in that first half with chances falling to Angel, Kandji (very good player) and Rojas. But the early goal dented already fragile confidence and the disputed sending off totally changed the game. Another example, I am afraid, of how poor referring can be in this league. Did the guy even stop to think that it might only be a bookable offence? It wasn't the greatest challenge but the referee weakened under pressure from the home dugout and the Bulls were cursed again.
Let me briefly discuss a couple of things about the Rapids unless you think I may be turning into a New York fan. Pablo Mastroeni was back last night to his imperious best after a couple of disappointing games from the captain. He owned Sassano in the midfield and gave the unfortunate Ubiparipovic lots of trouble before the midfielder's sending off. Kosuke Kimura, who came on as a second half sub, was again marvelous and you have to wonder what he has to do to get a regular start. Congrats also to Pat Noonan for his first goal in Colorado uniform and compassion to Julien Baudet who looks to have sustained a broken wrist or arm and will surely be out for some time. One other observation. Terry Cooke, who has not featured in the last two Rapids games, looked a forlorn figure warming up last night. His rival, Jacob Peterson, has now won MoM for the last two games, just to rub things in. The unfortunate Cookie will surely be on his way next week and all true fans will miss him.
I have to declare an interest at this point. I was covering the game for MLSnet for the Red Bulls so my focus was on them and not so much on the Rapids. I can tell you that there were a lot of dejected players in that New York locker room after the game, not least homecoming king, Bouna Coundoul, making his debut for the Red Bulls, and Juan Pablo Angel. I also have to say here that Angel is a class act both on and off the field. He is very unhappy about the situation he and his team find themselves in but he was gracious with me and a true gent. Not a bad player either. I wished them all well because I felt sorry for that team.
As I said, things could have gone diferently in that first half with chances falling to Angel, Kandji (very good player) and Rojas. But the early goal dented already fragile confidence and the disputed sending off totally changed the game. Another example, I am afraid, of how poor referring can be in this league. Did the guy even stop to think that it might only be a bookable offence? It wasn't the greatest challenge but the referee weakened under pressure from the home dugout and the Bulls were cursed again.
Let me briefly discuss a couple of things about the Rapids unless you think I may be turning into a New York fan. Pablo Mastroeni was back last night to his imperious best after a couple of disappointing games from the captain. He owned Sassano in the midfield and gave the unfortunate Ubiparipovic lots of trouble before the midfielder's sending off. Kosuke Kimura, who came on as a second half sub, was again marvelous and you have to wonder what he has to do to get a regular start. Congrats also to Pat Noonan for his first goal in Colorado uniform and compassion to Julien Baudet who looks to have sustained a broken wrist or arm and will surely be out for some time. One other observation. Terry Cooke, who has not featured in the last two Rapids games, looked a forlorn figure warming up last night. His rival, Jacob Peterson, has now won MoM for the last two games, just to rub things in. The unfortunate Cookie will surely be on his way next week and all true fans will miss him.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Diz to Trot Out This Weekend?
Everyone knows that the Rapids are due to sign Argentinian striker Facundo Diz and Scottish midfielder Jamie Smith. The main question is when and who will go from the squad as a result. Word has it that Diz may be available to play this weekend against the woeful Red Bulls. The Rapids will need reinforcements upfront as Conor Casey is out due to caution accumulation. If he is ready, I can't imagine Diz would start as Gary Smith said recently he is still some way short of match fitness given that it has been offseason in Argentina for a while now. So, it looks likely that Pat Noonan will get another chance to boost his value in the team alongside Omar Cummings. Jamie Smith's transfer is not likely to be approved this week so any major news on who will be axed from the squad appears likely to hang over until next week at least. Kick off Saturday is at 7.30pm.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Rapids Crash at Seattle; Argentinian Striker?
I had a feeling yesterday morning that the game against Seattle was just ripe for a sound stuffing for the Colorado Rapids. Coming off an untidy draw against Dallas, a third game in eight days, still missing talismanic stiker Conor Casey, away against the best supported team in the MLS - all the ingredients were there for a sound beating. From reading all the match reports, it was clear that the final scoreline did not fully reflect the game as the Rapids outshot Seattle in the first half and unfortunately missed a penalty that would have tied the game. But the penalty was missed, the bubble was burst and the Sounders eventually won the game comfortably in the second half. Nothing to do but lick the wounds, come back home and prepare for the Rapids' favorite fixture - home on July 4, a game they never lose.
In other news, there are internet reports about the team signing Argentinian striker, Facundo Diz (see link below). The Rapids have been wanting to tie up a second back-up forward for some while now, having already picked up Pat Noonan to support Casey and Omar Cummings. Gary Smith, head coach, has said the striker will come from outside the MLS and he also narrowed it down a little at training last week when he said that "the season is still under way where he is playing." That kind of narrows it down to Mexico or South America and lends credence to the report. Also, if a player is stating the name of the team in the interview, why would anyone make that up? "All is going well," added Smith. "We are looking at getting him in as soon as possible." With Cummings now gone to represent Jamaica in the Gold Cup and Noonan still finding his way in this team, the team will need some striker support. At least, Casey will return from South Africa in time for the July 4 game against Chicago.
http://www.sportsya.com/english/news.php/Platense_striker_Facundo_Diz_accepted_an_offer_to_join_Colorado_Rapids_at_MLS.html?id_estruc=283&id=212434
In other news, there are internet reports about the team signing Argentinian striker, Facundo Diz (see link below). The Rapids have been wanting to tie up a second back-up forward for some while now, having already picked up Pat Noonan to support Casey and Omar Cummings. Gary Smith, head coach, has said the striker will come from outside the MLS and he also narrowed it down a little at training last week when he said that "the season is still under way where he is playing." That kind of narrows it down to Mexico or South America and lends credence to the report. Also, if a player is stating the name of the team in the interview, why would anyone make that up? "All is going well," added Smith. "We are looking at getting him in as soon as possible." With Cummings now gone to represent Jamaica in the Gold Cup and Noonan still finding his way in this team, the team will need some striker support. At least, Casey will return from South Africa in time for the July 4 game against Chicago.
http://www.sportsya.com/english/news.php/Platense_striker_Facundo_Diz_accepted_an_offer_to_join_Colorado_Rapids_at_MLS.html?id_estruc=283&id=212434
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Cummings Pulls Another One Out of the Hat
Omar Cummings did what he has consistently done over the last few games, saving the Colorado Rapids from losing their unbeaten streak yesterday with a well-taken goal just six minutes from the end of a frustrating game against a brave Dallas team. The Jamaican international calmly took a great ball from Mehdi Ballouchy just outside the penalty area, beat two defenders and shot past Dallas goalkeeper Burse. Up until that moment, it had been a tough night for Cummings who has now scored four goals in the three games since Conor Casey was called into the US national team. That is some stepping up to the plate.
Unlike Saturday's game, where Cummings basically decided the result, yesterday's game was about a strong team performance in terms of character. I didn't think they would pull off the draw amid increasing frustration at missed chances when there was so much dominance. This was somewhat typified by Ugo Ihemelu's header just minutes before Cummings got the all important goal. From a trademark cross by the energetic Terry Cooke, Ihemelu put in a seemingly perfect header that appeared to be flying into the corner but somehow missed by inches. The game appeared destined for a surprise 1-0 victory for the visitors before Cummings saved the team for a third game in a row.
As I say, though, this game was not about Omar. Ballouchy is playing his best soccer of the season and of his entire career with the Rapids. In the first half yesterday, in particular, he was the focal point for so much of the creativity in the midfield. For those who are critical of his apparent casualness, he was everywhere on the field in that first half. He looks confident, he wants the ball and he should be in this team from the start. Nick LaBrocca was also impressive last night, both defensively and offensively. It seemed that every chance the Rapids had in that first half fell to him. Props also to Pat Noonan who I thought played very well in the time he had and Jacob Peterson who had his best game of the season after coming on as a second half sub.
The Rapids continue this busy stretch with a weekend trip to Seattle. If they can get something out of that game, I really will start to be a believer.
Unlike Saturday's game, where Cummings basically decided the result, yesterday's game was about a strong team performance in terms of character. I didn't think they would pull off the draw amid increasing frustration at missed chances when there was so much dominance. This was somewhat typified by Ugo Ihemelu's header just minutes before Cummings got the all important goal. From a trademark cross by the energetic Terry Cooke, Ihemelu put in a seemingly perfect header that appeared to be flying into the corner but somehow missed by inches. The game appeared destined for a surprise 1-0 victory for the visitors before Cummings saved the team for a third game in a row.
As I say, though, this game was not about Omar. Ballouchy is playing his best soccer of the season and of his entire career with the Rapids. In the first half yesterday, in particular, he was the focal point for so much of the creativity in the midfield. For those who are critical of his apparent casualness, he was everywhere on the field in that first half. He looks confident, he wants the ball and he should be in this team from the start. Nick LaBrocca was also impressive last night, both defensively and offensively. It seemed that every chance the Rapids had in that first half fell to him. Props also to Pat Noonan who I thought played very well in the time he had and Jacob Peterson who had his best game of the season after coming on as a second half sub.
The Rapids continue this busy stretch with a weekend trip to Seattle. If they can get something out of that game, I really will start to be a believer.
Monday, June 22, 2009
International Call-Ups Make Second Striker Vital
Omar Cummings, Conor Casey and Pablo Mastroeni, three key players for the Colorado Rapids, may all be missing in coming weeks as the Rapids try to continue to build on their successful start to the season.
Cummings, MLS Player of the Week for his performance in the victory over DC United on Saturday, has been called into the Jamaican squad for the upcoming Gold Cup. Casey, still in South Africa with the US team as they continue their improbable Confederations' Cup adventure, is in the preliminary US Gold Cup squad, as is Mastroeni. Common wisdom dictates that players don't appear in both competitions so Casey may be available for the July 4 home game against Chicago but the Rapids' topscorer has not played that much in South Africa and Bob Bradley may want to see more of him. Cummings, for sure, will not be available for that game as Jamaica opens its Gold Cup competition July 3. He should be available to play this Wednesday against Dallas and in the away game at Seattle at the weekend. Gary Smith will need him as he has proved inspirational in Casey's absence, netting three times and providing the assist Saturday for Colin Clark's game deciding goal. His upcoming absence and the uncertainty surrounding Casey, however, makes the quest for another striker even more urgent.
The Rapids have filled one roster spot with the veteran midfielder/forward, Pat Noonan, who played the first 45 minutes of the game on Saturday. Smith was happy with Noonan's contribution even if he did have to pull him a little earlier than ideal. "It was perhaps more premature than I would have liked," he said of his decision to withdraw Noonan at the half. "But there are a lot of stresses in Pat’s life at the moment and I thought he was very decent. He offered up the type of shape that we require in the team and his endeavors with and without the ball were very pleasing." Before the weekend's game, Smith admitted he wanted another forward in the team by July and that may be even more pressing now with all the international games coming up. "He will come from outside the MLS, definitely, and we want him here by the end of the month working with us," said Smith. The Rapids have clearly been working for some time to net these two forwards and I would expect an announcement on the second piece of the puzzle later this week.
The game on Saturday? It had moments of prettiness but the game was really about Cummings. It was an in the end comfortable victory over a top MLS side but the Rapids still played better soccer in the Seattle 2-2 draw. If it hadn't been for Cummings, it would have been quite conceivable to be down at halftime as both the players and Smith freely admitted after the game Saturday. The second half was a different story as the Rapids scored the crucial third goal and killed off the resistance, controlling the rest of the game. "We were sloppy in parts of the the first half," said Mastroeni. "In the second half, we came out sharp and, with another goal, the altitude can kick in for visiting teams." Smith conceded the difference between the two teams in the first half, save for a great save by Matt Pickens, was Cummings. "Omar was outstanding," Smith said. "He's improved enormously and he has a much better understanding of what is required of him when he doesn't have the ball -- he is thinking about his game."
Cummings, MLS Player of the Week for his performance in the victory over DC United on Saturday, has been called into the Jamaican squad for the upcoming Gold Cup. Casey, still in South Africa with the US team as they continue their improbable Confederations' Cup adventure, is in the preliminary US Gold Cup squad, as is Mastroeni. Common wisdom dictates that players don't appear in both competitions so Casey may be available for the July 4 home game against Chicago but the Rapids' topscorer has not played that much in South Africa and Bob Bradley may want to see more of him. Cummings, for sure, will not be available for that game as Jamaica opens its Gold Cup competition July 3. He should be available to play this Wednesday against Dallas and in the away game at Seattle at the weekend. Gary Smith will need him as he has proved inspirational in Casey's absence, netting three times and providing the assist Saturday for Colin Clark's game deciding goal. His upcoming absence and the uncertainty surrounding Casey, however, makes the quest for another striker even more urgent.
The Rapids have filled one roster spot with the veteran midfielder/forward, Pat Noonan, who played the first 45 minutes of the game on Saturday. Smith was happy with Noonan's contribution even if he did have to pull him a little earlier than ideal. "It was perhaps more premature than I would have liked," he said of his decision to withdraw Noonan at the half. "But there are a lot of stresses in Pat’s life at the moment and I thought he was very decent. He offered up the type of shape that we require in the team and his endeavors with and without the ball were very pleasing." Before the weekend's game, Smith admitted he wanted another forward in the team by July and that may be even more pressing now with all the international games coming up. "He will come from outside the MLS, definitely, and we want him here by the end of the month working with us," said Smith. The Rapids have clearly been working for some time to net these two forwards and I would expect an announcement on the second piece of the puzzle later this week.
The game on Saturday? It had moments of prettiness but the game was really about Cummings. It was an in the end comfortable victory over a top MLS side but the Rapids still played better soccer in the Seattle 2-2 draw. If it hadn't been for Cummings, it would have been quite conceivable to be down at halftime as both the players and Smith freely admitted after the game Saturday. The second half was a different story as the Rapids scored the crucial third goal and killed off the resistance, controlling the rest of the game. "We were sloppy in parts of the the first half," said Mastroeni. "In the second half, we came out sharp and, with another goal, the altitude can kick in for visiting teams." Smith conceded the difference between the two teams in the first half, save for a great save by Matt Pickens, was Cummings. "Omar was outstanding," Smith said. "He's improved enormously and he has a much better understanding of what is required of him when he doesn't have the ball -- he is thinking about his game."
Friday, June 19, 2009
Rapids Looking for Win and Pretty Football
Thank God, the Rapids players and coaches must be thinking this week as they prepare for the first of nine matches out of 12 at home tomorrow against Christian Gomez and DC United. After a lengthy stay on the road in the opening games of the season, the Rapids look to set the tone tomorrow night for the home games going forward. They also play Dallas at home on Wednesday but Gary Smith isn't thinking that far ahead."I am taking every game as it comes," he said today at training. "We hope the team will stay in good health," adding that line-ups will probably stay similar for both games. Conor Casey may be back in time for next week's game but will clearly not feature tomorrow as he remains in South Africa with the US team. I would expect Omar Cummings and Jacob Peterson to start upfront with new signing Pat Noonan also expected to play some role, albeit unlikely to be a full game. Terry Cooke's role tomorrow will be limited at best as he struggles with a hamstring injury and the defense will likely be predictable with Kosuke Kimura perhaps coming in off the bench in either his new right midfield role or at fullback. Tomorrow and Wednesday's game are key in setting the tone. Two good wins and some good attacking football would be just the ticket. "We would clearly love to get what we want out of it, which is the three points, but I hope we also have a bright and purposeful performance," Smith said. "I am looking for a Seattleesque performance." If the Rapids can play the same attacking soccer they showed against the Sounders last month, that would be ideal, minus the last 15 minutes of course when the team was disappointed to not seal the win.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Rapids Acquire Crew's Noonan
Press release from the Colorado Rapids issued today:The Colorado Rapids have acquired forward Pat Noonan in a trade with the Columbus Crew, the club announced today.
In exchange, Colorado send their 2010 first round SuperDraft pick and allocation money to Columbus. Per club and league policies, terms of the allocation money were not disclosed.
A seven-year MLS veteran, Noonan joins the Rapids having scored 38 goals and registering 32 assists in 135 career games. He has appeared in five games this season with the Crew and has tallied one assist.
Noonan began his career with New England and in just his second season won a share of the league’s scoring title with 11 goals and 8 assists for 30 points. In 2007, he captured the MLS Cup after having led the Revolution to three consecutive MLS championship games. That same season, Noonan was also named Most Valuable Player in the team’s U.S. Open Cup championship victory.
Noonan made 11 appearances for Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian Premier League last year before joining the Crew on August 6, just in time to join them for their 2008 MLS Cup championship run.
In exchange, Colorado send their 2010 first round SuperDraft pick and allocation money to Columbus. Per club and league policies, terms of the allocation money were not disclosed.
A seven-year MLS veteran, Noonan joins the Rapids having scored 38 goals and registering 32 assists in 135 career games. He has appeared in five games this season with the Crew and has tallied one assist.
Noonan began his career with New England and in just his second season won a share of the league’s scoring title with 11 goals and 8 assists for 30 points. In 2007, he captured the MLS Cup after having led the Revolution to three consecutive MLS championship games. That same season, Noonan was also named Most Valuable Player in the team’s U.S. Open Cup championship victory.
Noonan made 11 appearances for Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian Premier League last year before joining the Crew on August 6, just in time to join them for their 2008 MLS Cup championship run.
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