McManus Swaps Sun For Mud

Instead of playing in seventy degrees (and more) in sunny Colorado, Scottish striker Tom McManus looks like he will be playing in the mud on cold Tuesday evenings in Northern Ireland. The former Colorado Rapids forward is signing for Derry City of the League of Ireland, according to a report in the Belfast Telegraph. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/derry-move-to-snap-up-scottish-striker-mcmanus-14245771.htmlWe all wish him well, of course, but I know where I would rather be playing, and not just for the weather. No disrespect intended but Irish league football is not universally known for its quality. Can't help but feel this is a big step down for McManus. Tom became a fan favorite in his short stay in Commerce City, gave his all on the field and was always very entertaining with his thick Scottish brogue. He just wasn't happy with the terms the Rapids were offering him going forward and so decided to ply his trade elsewhere. Wonder what his model girlfriend thinks of the modelling opportunities in Derry? See George Tanner's site over at www.ColoradoSoccerNow.com for more on that from your blockbusting News of the World.

Smith Lays Down Law as he Builds Squad

The Colorado Rapids team that lines up on opening day against Chivas in LA could be a very different team from what we saw last year. According to Gary Smith in the Denver Post, only club captain, Pablo Mastroeni, is guaranteed a spot. We should take that with a grain of salt because there are a number of other players who are very likely to be fixtures this season. After all, we are not likely to be getting rid of players like Matt Pickens and Ugo Ihemelu when they have been called up to the US squad for next month's vital game against Mexico. However, it does lay down a marker. Smith has shown that he is not scared of moulding this squad as he sees fit. Witness the ruthless way he has despatched last season regulars like Bouna Coundoul, Tom McManus and Facundo Erpen. Granted, those players may have wanted out for different reasons but Smith is for sure redesigning this team so that it has his stamp on it and nobody else's.
Be prepared for a number of changes too before that season opener. If the stories are right and there will be players coming in from Europe and South America, not to mention West Africa, according to new technical director, Paul Bravo, talking on the From The Pitch radio show today, there simply won't be room for all the current squad. It's almost like the Broncos. A massive shakedown of the preseason roster before the playing season starts proper. One interesting note from Bravo also. He said that the club has a lot of respect for Colin Clark but that a similar player would be needed if Clark gets suspended or gets called up for the national team. With all this competition for places emphasis, you can't help but think that this could be a challenge also for Clark to keep fighting for his place.

Warm Hearts, Cool Heads

Gary Smith, head coach of the Colorado Rapids, sat with a small group of his most experienced players at training on Thursday just as the reality of one of the biggest games for the team in recent years gets ever closer. He was no doubt pressing on the likes of Pablo Mastroeni, Mike Petke and Cory Gibbs the importance of such experience in such a vital game when so many of your fellow players around you are young and have not faced such pressure before. I am sure the veterans repaid him with assurances that they will be there for him and the rest of the team when the Rapids trot out to play Rocky Mountain rivals Real Salt Lake this Saturday. It’s a simple equation. Win, and the Rapids are in the playoffs against Chivas. Draw or lose and Salt Lake will take their place. “I think the scenario may affect their tactics more than us,” said Smith. “They won’t want to open it up too much.” The game will be a tight affair with probably few goals, he added. What will be vital is the resilience of the players, especially if the Rapids were to go a goal down, a scenario that Smith has looked straight in the face this week. “That is one scenario we need to break this weekend if necessary,” the coach said, referring to the team's awful record this season when they go behind. “The players have shown tremendous character since I came in. I think they underachieved in the early part of the season and they want to make up for that.”
Of those veteran players, Gibbs will still be out injured. Others, like Christian Gomez, also remain unfit. There are likely to be few changes in this weekend’s line-up though the home advantage may see one or two, Smith said, anxious at such a crucial time not to give too much away. There is much speculation about who will start upfront with Conor Casey after the game-changing substitution of Omar Cummings for Tom McManus against Chivas last week. Much may still depend on McManus’ state of health. The Scotsman has not trained for two days because of sickness.
Whoever plays, it will be a time for controlled passion, hopefully in front of a sellout crowd at DSG Park. I know the players will be up for it and there needs to be a sea of burgundy to greet them and intimidate those Utah guys. Due to very bad planning on my part, I will be following the game in England this weekend and so will be unable to file a match report. Please do send in your observations whatever the result. Come on boys!!!

Rapids Repeat Chivas Victory to Keep Hopes Alive

It's deja vu all over again. Needing to win at Chivas for a second straight season to keep playoff hopes alive, the Colorado Rapids went to LA and emerged with a brave 2-1 victory. They had some luck, they often played quite predictable soccer but they played with great heart and they deserved the victory. Chivas are a pretty nice team with a good streak behind them and this was a great effort to get the three points.
The Rapids, as they had to, took the game to Chivas and, but for a short period following the opening goal, played consistently attacking soccer. They didn't exactly dominate the game but they did have the lion's share of possession for basically the whole match. You just got this nagging feeling that it would all come to naught and that Chivas would break and score. However, a solid header from Colin Clark from a perfect Omar Cummings cross gave the Rapids the lead in the 67th minute. Colorado needed to do something to break down the Chivas defense and it was substitute, Terry Cooke, who put Omar in a good position to make the cross with one of his trademark slide rule passes. We almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory a few minutes later when we sat back too much just as Chivas stepped up a gear - a bad combination. Chivas equalized and we had to wait nail bitingly until the 85th minute for Conor Casey to knock a penalty home following a good run by Cummings. This penalty was deserved. The first one, subsequently missed by Tom McManus in the 55th minute, was one of the softest penalties you will see and it was fitting that the Chivas goalkeeper pulled off a good save. There was nobody happier than McManus when that final whistle blew.
Now, all we have to do is beat Salt Lake in Colorado next Saturday. Who cares about the Rocky Mountain Cup? Just get in the playoffs.

Rapids Lose Game in Ten Minute Spell

Two defensive errors in the space of ten minutes late in the second half and this game was over. The Colorado Rapids lost 3-2 to the Galaxy in LA for the second time this season and now the playoff hopes are dimming. The Rapids simply have to go to Chivas next weekend back in LA and win so that there is not too much pressure in that last home game against Salt Lake.
The Rapids started very well and dominated the first 15 minutes. LA were barely in the Rapids' half. Tom McManus, who hustled well all night, had the first of many chances in the opening 30 seconds but could not convert, the ball eventually finding its way to Kosuke Kimura who shot wide. LA then began to control the game more and took the lead in the 35th minute, a lovely pass from Franklin finding its way to the prolific Edson Buddle who shot wide of Preston Burpo. We went into half time with a lot more hope after Cory Gibbs buried one with a header into the corner from, you guessed it, a Terry Cooke corner.
The second half started brightly with McManus hitting the post from a Colin Clark cross but the crucial ten minutes saw Burpo missing a free-kick cross which curled into a desperate Ugo Ihemelu just yards from the goal and he could do nothing about it. Then, Jose Burciaga, who had just come on as a substitute, lost the ball carelessly in midfield which led to a fantastic strike from the LA player from well out. We did get one back from a McManus penalty but it was all too late.
We just seem to make too many mistakes at the wrong time. Last week, we did it at the front end of the game, this week at the back end when we were looking good for a possible road win. Burpo rescues us often when he is coming off his line to meet through balls on the ground and he also made one fine save early in the second half but he does seem to hesitate often when coming out to meet crosses. Burciaga's mistake was somewhat lazy. I'm sure Gary Smith will be reminding him that an experienced professional should not be losing the ball so easily just in front of the defensive line. That's not to pick on those players. It's just that we seem to make too many errors at such crucial times when we can't afford to be making them. We're still in it but our chances are somewhat dented and it will be an uphill struggle from now.

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!

Rapids' Setback as Houston Ease to 3-1 Win

Well, maybe it's a bit broken now. Defensive lapses in the opening 20 minutes of this game put paid to the Colorado Rapids' recent unbeaten streak. Brian Ching showed his class as he scored twice in the opening seven minutes, the Rapids both times giving him far too much room. A poor clearance from goalkeeper, Preston Burpo, in the opening minutes found its way to onrushing Houston forwards and the defense could not keep up with Ching. Minutes later, from a dangerous free-kick, he had a free header which crashed against the bar and was then bundled in. In between, Conor Casey had knocked one in for the home side via another Terry Cooke cross from a corner and there were shades of last week's crazy game. Houston made it 3-1 with a beautiful shot from Ricardo Clark who had acres of space to curl one in past Burpo. And that was all in the opening 18 minutes. The game was effectively won. Houston had the luxury of missing a penalty early in the second half with a good save from Burpo. Casey was sent off for a second yellow in the 54th and Houston shut up shop. Cooke crashed one against the bar late on and then missed a penalty with the last kick of the match. Lots of frantic pushing forward by the Rapids but Houston were always in control after that crazy first 20 minutes. Very unfortunate.
The Rapids, with Chivas winning and Salt Lake drawing, now face an uphill battle in the final three games. The next two are away in Los Angeles with the Galaxy first next Sunday followed by Chivas. There may be changes in the defense following the laspes last night but, perhaps more importantly, we have major difficulties upfront. With the red card, Casey will miss the LA game as will Omar Cummings, last night's man of the match and a player in very good form. Cummings has been called up for the Jamaica national team for the next two World Cup qualifiers. That means an injured Tom McManus and probably Jacob Peterson upfront, an untried partnership. Maybe the formation will be changed and Christian Gomez may get a chance to be at his creative best and maybe save his career in an attacking midfield position just behind a lone striker? I'll keep you posted.

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.

The Value of Hard Work; McBride for Colorado?

The value of hard work and the value of a deep roster. A week may be a long time in politics, as they say. A few weeks may actually be a very short time in professional sport. Last month wasn't looking great for two very skillful players on the Colorado Rapids team. At the beginning of July, both Mehdi Ballouchy and Herculez Gomez were wondering whether they would be able to find their way back into the starting XI. Now, they find themselves with great opportunities to establish their places. Ballouchy has played very well since the July 4 thrashing of the Red Bulls. With three successive games at home, he can cement his place in an attacking formation. Coach, Fernando Clavijo, spoke highly of the Moroccan's professionalism at fighting his way back on the From The Pitch radio show last night Fan favorite, Herculez, was frustrated at getting a few minutes here and there. But his hard work and his goals in the Reserves saw him in the starting line-up against Dallas and he grabbed the chance within five minutes. Now, with another fan favorite, Tom McManus, out for a few weeks having had surgery on a troublesome knee, Herc will surely get a good run in next to Conor Casey. Fellow striker, Omar Cummings, is with the Jamaican national team this weekend (congratulations to Omar) and will be lucky to make it to the sub's bench against Columbus this Sunday night so Herc looks set to start. We wish him and Ballouchy well just as we do Omar and McManus.
Veteran US striker, Brian McBride, was a guest on the From The Pitch show last night. Rapids coach, Clavijo, kind of joked that McBride would be very welcome at Dick's Sporting Goods Park if his dealings with Chicago and Toronto break down. Those two teams are in dispute as to claims on the striker who is out of contract with Fulham of the Premier League. It is very unlikely to happen but who would turn McBride down if the opportunity arose? I love the partnership of McBride and Altidore up front for the US Olympics team. A match-winning combination of exciting, speedy youth and sheer experience and nous?

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.

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.

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.

Rapids Hustle to 1-0 Victory Over Revolution

This wasn't pretty but it more than got the job done. A second half goal from Nick LaBrocca from a Jose Burciaga cross was enough for the Colorado Rapids to gain a priceless victory on the road in New England. I know it's only three games into the season but the performances of the Rapids so far give much reason to hope. Yes, we stuffed the Galaxy on that opening day but it is the performances in two tough road games in Kansas and Massachusetts that give most cause for optimism. Like last week against the Wizards, the Rapids were on the offensive for the whole of this game, barring the closing minutes, against tough opponents. This was the only way to contain the dangerous New England attack. There were some anxious moments to be sure, not least the last few minutes when it seemed New England would inevitably score. But the defense held out very well this week with Bouna making some crucial saves. There were playing chances also for new signings Tam McManus and Kelly Gray. This is a notable victory so early in the season. Let's hope the Rapids continue their excellent form and passion into next week's home game aginst MLS newboys, San Jose.

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!

Rapids Sign McManus, Waive Gargan

The Colorado Rapids eventually signed Scottish striker, Tom McManus, though nobody can seem to decide if he is called Tom or Tam. Anyway, the ex-Hibernian player is now officially a player at DSG Park although he has been with the team since the preseason trip to London. In more surprising news, the team waived defender Dan Gargan. Gargan was just getting back to full fitness after a long time out nursing an ACL injury. It's a bit tough on him. I haven't had the opportunity this week to bend coach Clavijo's ear about things but I wouldn't mind betting it is the performances of the likes of Kimura and Keel that may have made Gargan surplus to requirements. With Ihemelu not that far off from fitness and Petke a month or so away plus the other new defensive signings, maybe there just isn't room for Gargan. Gargan was a always a tough competitor and he will be missed. Check back next week for more news on this. The Rapids also waived midfielder Scott Campbell. Good luck to both players.

Tam McManus to Sign for Rapids; Could be in Weekend Squad

Scottish striker, Tam McManus, will formally sign for the Colorado Rapids this week and could be in the squad for this weekend's trip to Kansas City. Both front office staff and coach Clavijo have confirmed the signing. McManus's presence in the team is now subject to immigration requirements. He has spent most of his career so far with Scottish Premier team Hibernian. Here's a BBC story with more details about his career to date. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/7319957.stm
The forward, most recently with Scottish League One team Dunfermline Athletic, will be wearing the number 20 so let's hope he can bag as many goals. McManus impressed on the recent preseason trip to Arsenal and the UK.