Rapids Re-Sign Casey

Press release from the Rapids today:
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Thursday, March 4, 2010) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that forward CONOR CASEY has signed a new three-year contract, keeping the Denver-raised All-Star and United States national team forward in Colorado. Per club and league policies, financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush made the announcement in a press conference held this afternoon at Casey’s alma mater of Denver South High School.
“Today is a banner day for the Rapids organization and we could not be more pleased with knowing that Conor will continue to represent our club with his professionalism and talents in his hometown,” said Plush. “With all his recent successes on the pitch, Conor faced many opportunities to return to playing overseas and for him to make the commitment to the Rapids speaks volumes of the direction our club is headed.”
“I’m really excited that the Rapids are committed to me and that my future is with this club,” said Casey. “I am looking forward to the coming years, as we continue to build something special. Having played in my hometown the last several seasons and now knowing I’m going to be staying here playing for my home club is a great feeling.”
“We’re thrilled to have Conor re-sign with his hometown team,” said Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber. “He was a dominant player during the 2009 MLS season and we hope to see him continue his success with the Rapids and with the U.S. national team.”
Thoughts?

Rapids to Unveil "Major Transaction" Tomorrow

Intriguing. The Colorado Rapids are set to unveil a "major player transaction" at Denver South High School tomorrow afternoon. The main thing that goes through my mind is that they are trading Conor Casey, a South High School graduate, to a major European club. But why would it be a picture opportunity if they are trading him? Unless they are swapping him for a big name from Europe? The South High School venue is the thing. The principal of the school will be in attendance. Looking forward to finding out and stay tuned for updates tomorrow afternoon. All will be revealed.

Stay of Execution For Some?

NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer issued the following statement Monday:
"MLS is delaying the roster compliance date, originally scheduled for March 1, while discussions continue over related topics with the MLS Players Union. The roster compliance date will be set in the next few weeks."
The next few weeks? Doesn't that take us to the start of the season? It may give some of the fringe players in each team a little more opportunity to show themselves but it can't be good for coaches who surely have made up their mind now as to who they want and who they don't want. The squad needs to be finalized sooner rather than later to build team morale and certainty.

Final Roster Forming as Deadline Approaches?

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.

Rapids Confirm Earls and Murillo Signing

Press release from the Colorado Rapids today: The Colorado Rapids announced today the signings of defender/midfielder Danny Earls and defender Oscar Murillo. Per club and league policies, financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
Earls and Murillo will be added to the club’s senior roster pending receipt of their International Transfer Certificates (ITC).
Earls comes to Colorado after two seasons with the USL-1 Rochester Rhinos. The 20-year old from Dublin, Ireland gained significant experience while playing with English Premier League side Aston Villa’s Reserve squad from 2005-2008. Earls has also been capped as a member of the Republic of Ireland's U15, U16, U18 and U19 National Teams.
Murillo joins the Rapids following two seasons with Deportes Quindio of Colombia’s top professional league, where he scored two goals and registered eight assists in 42games. The 21-year old has played professionally with Argentina’s famed Boca Juniors, Centauros Villavicencio in the Colombian Second Division, and Club Atlético Lanús of the Argentine Primera Division. On the international side, he has also been a member of Colombia’s U15 through U20 National Teams.
Both players will join the club in Colorado as the Rapids are in the midst of their preseason training camp at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Danny Earls – Defender/ Midfielder Height: 5-9
Weight: 160
DOB: April 22, 1989
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
College: None
Last Club: Rochester Rhinos (USL-1)
Roster Status: Senior/International

Oscar Murillo – Defender Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
DOB: April 18, 1988
Hometown: Armenia, Colombia
College: None
Last Club: Deportes Quindio (Colombia)
Roster Status: Senior/International

Rapids Confirm New Supporters' Terrace

Very good move by the Rapids and kudos to Jeff Plush and all the supporters' groups.
Here are the details from the Rapids:

In a move that will transform the way the world’s game is supported in the Rocky Mountain region, the Colorado Rapids announced today their plans for the creation of the new “Supporters Terrace” behind the north goal at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for 2010 and beyond.
Using the stadium’s unique design, this new Supporters Terrace will become an adult-oriented area designed to allow for the exuberance of the Rapids’ most passionate fans.
This move to create a new section of the stadium specifically to appeal to the Rapids’ adult demographic was conceptualized and created in conjunction with the Rapids’ existing supporters club leaders and will allow for their voices and energy to be felt in a whole new manner.
Historically in soccer, the term “terrace” has referred to the traditional standing area behind the goals of a stadium, particularly in the United Kingdom, that offered a cheaper alternative to sitting in the stands and a more popular spectator area for members of the working classes. The Rapids’ Supporters Terrace will be the first true terrace area of its kind in Major League Soccer, and will aim to expand upon the experience found in terraces overseas.
“The Rapids’ Supporters Terrace will be a perfect opportunity for us to take our fan experience to a new level,” said Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush. “We believe that through our supporters groups and those most dedicated Rapids fans, the Supporters Terrace will create that truly authentic soccer experience at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.”
The new Supporters Terrace will allow each of the Rapids’ various supporters groups and other rabid fans a place to call their own in the stadium. Flags, banners, instruments, singing and other passionate support of the team at home games will all be encouraged, making the Supporters Terrance the place to be for Colorado’s most enthusiastic soccer fans. Special vending options will also only be available for Terrace fans.
“The Rapids have proved with the creation of the Rapids Supporters Terrace that their main focus is building an atmosphere that all supporters can be proud of,” said Mark Bodmer, Founder of Rapids Supporters Club Class VI. “The Supporters Terrace will allow Rapids fans to now become an influencing twelfth man. This move speaks loudly and shows the Rapids’ commitment to soccer fans.”
“What makes this such a big announcement is that the Rapids are involving the fans in the decision-making process,” added Patrick Quinn, president of the Centennial Firm Rapids Supporters Club. “The organization is showing that they are supportive of us and want to help us create an environment where we as supporters can grow and be successful.”
“The Bobbies are thrilled to join the other Rapids Supporters Groups in the newly-commissioned Supporters Terrace at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park,” said Jon Forget, President of the newly formed Bulldog Rapids Supporters Group, also known as The Bobbies. “The Rapids organization has put their best foot forward to help improve the gameday atmosphere at the stadium, and our group is looking forward to joining the other Rapids Supporters Groups in making the Terrace the epicenter of an elevated atmosphere at the park.”
Season tickets in the brand new Rapids’ Supporters Terrace are now on sale for $216 per person, and include access to other fantastic season ticket holder-only benefits. Supporters Terrace tickets can be purchased by calling the Colorado Rapids Ticket Sales Hotline at (303) 825-GOAL or online at www.ColoradoRapids.com.

Rapids Will Travel to London For Preseason

Although there had previously been doubt expressed about whether such a trip would take place, the Rapids announced today the squad will be going to the UK as part of their preseason preparations. This is what the Rapids revealed today:
For the third time in the last four years, the Rapids’ preseason plans will include a trip over 4,600 miles away to London, England. The team will be hosted by their partner club and perennial English Premier League contender Arsenal FC. The partnership between the Rapids and Arsenal, which was formed in 2007, allows the Rapids to practice at Arsenal’s facilities.
The team’s England trip will be from March 7-14 and will also include several matches against English opponents, whom will be announced at a later time.
The UK trip will follow some time at the end of this month spent in Pablo Mastroeni's back yard in Arizona. The club captain is one of several big name players currently nursing injuries at the club.

Once Again, No Beckham in Colorado

The Rapids released their 2010 season details today. No Golden Balls at DSG Park again as he will still be in Milan shopping and playing soocer. At least it looks like a proper football season with 15 games at home and away. And September 11th in New York, interesting.

DATE OPPONENT
Fri, March 26 at Chivas USA
Sat, April 3 CHICAGO
Sat, April 10 at Kansas City
Sun, April 18 TORONTO FC
Sat, April 24 at New England
Sat, May 1 at San Jose
Wed, May 5 LOS ANGELES
Sat, May 15 at D.C. United
Sat, May 22 at Chicago
Sat, May 29 SEATTLE
Sat, June 5 COLUMBUS
Sat, June 26 at Houston
Sun, July 4 NEW YORK
Sat, July 10 at Toronto FC
Sat, July 17 KANSAS CITY
Wed, July 21 PHILADELPHIA
Sun, July 25 at Seattle
Sat, July 31 FC DALLAS
Sat, August 7 SAN JOSE
Sat, August 14 at Philadelphia
Sat, August 21 at Columbus
Sat, August 28 HOUSTON
Sat, September 4 CHIVAS USA
Sat, September 11 at New York
Sat, September 18 NEW ENGLAND
Sat, September 25 at Real Salt Lake
Sat, October 2 D.C. UNITED
Sat, October 9 at FC Dallas
Sat, October 16 at Los Angeles
Sat, October 23 REAL SALT LAKE

Rapids on Verge of Two More Signings (Updated)

The Colorado Rapids are about to announce the signing of two new players as the flurry of off season trades continues. In an apparent Steve Guppy connection, left-sided defender/midfielder, Danny Earls, will be moving from the Rochester Rhinos very soon. The Irishman was on the books at Aston Villa and played for the reserve team there. Subject to paperwork coming through, the Rapids will also be strengthening their central defensive area with the signing of a Colombian defender. All I have right now is his family name - Morrillio - but I'm not sure that is the correct spelling. So, you'll have to do your own research on that one. UPDATE: LOOKS LIKE THIS SIGNING WILL BE OSCAR FABIAN MURILLO, curently playing in Colombia. He is variously listed as a goalkeeper and defender but this wikipedia link lists him as a defender.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportes_Quind%C3%ADo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Earls
Sat down at length with Gary Smith yesterday morning for the first time since the Rapids returned for the preseason. Look for some news in the next week.

It's Now Official - Revs/Rapids Trade

The Colorado Rapids acquired the rights to midfielder Jeff Larentowicz and midfielder Wells Thompson in a trade with the New England Revolution, the club announced today.
In exchange, Colorado sent goalkeeper Preston Burpo, defender Cory Gibbs, allocation money and their natural third round 2011 MLS SuperDraft pick to New England.
Following the acquisition of Larentowicz’s rights, the Rapids agreed to terms on a new contract with him, officially adding the five-year veteran to their roster.
Larentowicz has established himself as one of the league's premier talents in the midfield. In five seasons with New England, he had climbed into ninth place on the Revolution’s all-time games started list (103) and minutes played list (9,305). Originally selected by the Revolution in the fourth round, 45th overall, in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft from Brown, Larentowicz has played in 111 career games and recorded nine goals and nine assists.
A three-year veteran, Thompson has played his entire MLS career with New England after originally being selected by the Revolution in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft from Wake Forest. He has appeared in 71 games, with 36 starts, scoring two goals and registering three assists. Thompson’s game-winning goal in the final of the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup gave the Revs their first cup championship in club history.
Burpo leaves Colorado after joining the club in May 2008. The six-year MLS veteran started in 24 games and made 60 saves with a 1.67 goals against average for the Rapids.
Gibbs appeared in 29 games and scored one goal for Colorado after being acquired in August 2008.

Jeff Larentowicz – Midfielder

Height: 6-1

Weight: 175

DOB: August 5, 1983

Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania

College: Brown

Last Club: New England Revolution

Roster Status: Senior

Wells Thompson – Midfielder

Height: 5-10

Weight: 155

DOB: November 25, 1983

Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC

College: Wake Forest

Last Club: New England Revolution

Roster Status: Senior

Transaction
MLS

Rapids Set to Sign USMNT Midfielder; Gibbs Going

It all looks official now, barring the dotted Is and crossed Ts. This might be a move in the right direction with Larentowicz. The view on Thompson seems to be mixed. But the Rapids are in desperate need of a dominant, creative midfielder and the national team's Larentowicz might just fit that bill. According to the Boston Herald report, the Revolution will get Preston Burpo and Cory Gibbs in return, plus some money and a draft pick. Burpo has been nothing short of a model professional at DSG Park and a good guy. He looks as if he will get some good playing time in New England with Matt Reis injured. Gibbs was becoming increasingly expendable with Gary Smith looking to Julien Baudet and Drew Moor as his number one central defensive pairing. Look for a lot more Rapids' trades in coming weeks and months.
http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/soccer/revolution/view/20100121revs_ship_larentowicz_to_rapids_in_4-player_swap/srvc=home&position=recent

Peterson Leaves Rapids for Canada

Press release from the Rapids today:
The Colorado Rapids announced today a trade with Toronto FC in which Colorado receives allocation money in exchange for midfielder Jacob Peterson.
Per club and league policies, financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Peterson, originally drafted by Colorado with the ninth pick in the second round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, recorded eight goals and five assists appearing in 92 games for the Rapids. The four-year veteran from Indiana University played in 23 games last season, scoring two goals and adding two assists before suffering a torn ACL in his right knee on Sept. 23 and missing the remainder of the season.

Rapids Expecting Big Roster; Arsenal Trip Unsure?

The Colorado Rapids now have at least four new players after the Superdraft last week. That number will surely be boosted by triallists and other hopefuls that Gary Smith and the coaching staff will be bringing in as preseason approaches. Up to 35 players are expected back at DSG Park for the start of preseason training. The roster has to be trimmed to the maximum 24 players by March 1.
An interesting date because that is the same date as has been rumored for a preseason game between the Rapids and an Arsenal XI in London. At this moment in time, the team is not sure of actually going to the UK for a preseason trip.

Casey Reportedly Offered Improved Contract

Conor Casey, who is about to join the US training camp for its upcoming friendly against Honduras, has reportedly been offered an improved contract from the Colorado Rapids, according to the blog, No Short Corners. The post states that the striker received an offer from a Turkish club and also has interest from a number of clubs in Germany where he already has some playing experience. Hence the willingness, presumably, of the Rapids upping his deal at DSG Park.
http://www.noshortcorners.com/2009/12/your-rda-transfer-talk-dosage.html

Kroenke Watch: Only Another 17 To Go

As I've said before, he's the man with the money and he's entitled to do with it what he wants. But GBP 212,500 works out at about $375,000, enough to buy an out of contract Guillermo Barros Schelotto, or not far off anyway. What Mr. Kroenke flutters nonchalantly almost as an afterthought stock trade on a Monday before Christmas could actually buy the influential playmaker the Rapids so desperately need. But we all know where the priorities are.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8425017.stm

Rapids Back to the Arsenal?

A step in the right direction? After looking like the Rapids would not be making preseason trips back to England and sister club Arsenal anytime soon, I found this Arsenal blog detailing a March 1 game between Colorado and The Gunners. Hope Pablo doesn't slide tackle Robin Van Persie too hard on his comeback game.
http://eighteen86.blogspot.com/2009/12/colorado-rapids.html

Rapids Players Rest; Coaches Continue Search

The boots are hung up, the exit physicals are done and the Colorado Rapids players get some much needed time off to rest up over the holidays before coming back into the rigors of preseason at the end of January. Some people who may not be resting quite as much include Gary Smith and Steve Guppy.
Smith will be spending the holiday period in England evaluating a number of players while Guppy will spend some time in France to look at a couple of potential Rapids' players over there. Smith said at training before Thanksgiving that there was more flexibility involved with players from outside the MLS but, coupled with that, there are potential problems luring players to the US because of the different type of game, different playing schedules and climate and the increased demands placed on players because of the larger amounts of travel involved. Not to mention money, of course. But, outside the MLS seems to be the main target to strengthen the squad for next year. It is often said that the Championship in England is a similar level to the MLS - a comparison that I find too simplistic - but Smith said to me that they would be primarily looking at League One players and below, even as far down as the Conference, where Smith said there are a number of young players aged 19 or 20 who are very talented but who have just missed out on signing full pro contracts. We'll see what happens over the next few weeks and months.
Smith also did not dismiss the possibility of getting a Designated Player. "It's not outside the realms of possibility but it's in the owners' hands." Quite. Kroenke remains the prime mover financially and he's too busy buying up Arsenal shares and has shown no willingness to invest seriously in this club. So, don't hold your breath. But it will be interesting to see what may transpire if the Columbus Crew fail to re-sign Schelotto. The DP is not necessarily the pot of gold but, signing one, would show the club means business to put mediocrity behind it once and for all. That has to come from the people with the money.

Jordan Harvey Philadelphia Bound

A bit odd to see the only player who played in all 30 games for the Rapids last season to be leaving, no? Scott Palguta and Drew Moor are going to be busy at left back next season.

Press release from the Colorado Rapids:

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Wednesday, November 25, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that defender Jordan Harvey was selected by the Philadelphia Union with one of their 10 selections in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft.
Each of the League’s 15 teams was allowed to protect 11 players, leaving all others unprotected and available for selection by the Union.
Harvey was originally selected with Colorado's first pick, ninth overall, in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft. In five seasons with the Rapids, he appeared in 45 games with 42 starts for 3,793 minutes and recorded four assists. Harvey is coming off a career season in 2009 where he was the only Rapids player to appear in all 30 games, while also registering a career-high three assists. His 2,613 minutes played last season were 8th most in MLS.

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

RSL Owner At Least Shows Passion

On this busy day of international soccer, check out this interesting piece from Soccer America magazine on Real Salt Lake owner, Dave Checketts. I don't know anything about the man and maybe he is not Mr. Nice Guy but, according to goalkeeper Nick Rimando, at least he seems to care about his team. Can anyone imagine Mr. Kroenke coming into the Rapids' dressing room to encourage the players? Just pointing out some crucial differences in perceptions and possible coincidences with the fact that RSL are in Sunday's MLS Cup final and the Rapids are not.
http://www.socceramerica.com/blogs/mls_confidential/?p=242