Colaluca Leaves Rapids; Defender Signed

In not the world's biggest surprise, midfielder Nico Colaluca has been traded to the New England Revolution. In return, the Colorado Rapids have signed defender Rob Valentino from New England. In what is turning out to be a pretty settled midfield, there was little prospect any of the players outside of those who have played there so far this season would get any game time. First, John DiRaimondo was waived, now Colaluca is traded. Don't be surprised if Ciaran O'Brien, another Generation Adidas player, is on his way soon either.
I'll try and find something out about Valentino and where he fits in to the defense strategy of the Rapids. The team does seem somewhat overstocked in that area but it may be that the injuries are mounting up and some kind of extra back-up is required there for now. Valentino was drafted by the Revolution in the first round (13th overall) in the 2008 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Last season, he did play in US Open Cup games as well as nine Reserve Division matches.
Colaluca was selected in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft and appeared in just four games for the Rapids during his career here. He was a regular member of the reserve team and a significant figure in Colorado’s 2007 MLS Reserve Division championship team.

DiRaimondo Waived as Holody Signs

OK, now it's official. The Colorado Rapids have signed draft pick Michael Holody to a developmental contract and waived midfielder John DiRaimondo. Holody played in the game against Metro State last night and will give the Rapids another defensive option. DiRaimondo looked to be establishing himself in the midfield alongside Nick LaBrocca early last season but later struggled to keep a spot. A well-liked and hard working member of the team, he will be missed. It was clear that he was one of the more vulnerable players given the demands of the reduced roster size. I did say that either he or Nico Colaluca would be anxiously looking over their shoulders when Stephen Keel was waived (March 13 blogpost). I have found out since then that Colaluca can only be traded because of his Generation Adidas contract. He cannot be waived. Hence the reach out to New York Red Bulls earlier this season when he was practicing with the team with regard to a possible trade.

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!