Still Pressing for a Forward; Baudet Update

Everyone knows that the Colorado Rapids are not exactly deep when it comes to strikers. If either of first choice duo Conor Casey or Omar Cummings gets injured, the Rapids will have draft pick Ross Schunk or new signing Gregory Richardson to pick from. Schunk and Richardson have a combined MLS experience of zero games. Gary Smith is therefore trying to track a forward down with some urgency. "We are looking every day," he said recently at training. "There are a number of bodies we would love to bring in." With it being almost May and transfer windows in Europe not allowing trades, it could well be at least July until such a signing could occur, Smith added. One forward who was a recent possible target was Australian Matt Simon but any chances of that transfer happening have "died a bit of a death," Smith said. I wrote the other day about how Richardson was apparently impressing in reserve games but it appears to be Schunk who is winning the battle to be the forward on the bench. There are doubts that Richardson, who has undoubted skill, is really physical enough to survive in this league.
A quick word on Julien Baudet, the French defender currently with Crewe Alexandra in England. Baudet, according to reports, appears destined for Colorado in the summer but Smith cautioned that this move is far from a done deal, stressing that there were many considerations to deal with before any signing actually took place. "We like him and he was highlighted to us some time ago," Smith said. "He would fit the bill but there are financial and family issues."

Smith Still Seeking Answers to Forward Question

Gary Smith, head coach of the Colorado Rapids, is still tinkering mentally with his roster days ahead of the home opener against Kansas City Wizards. Nowhere is his mind maybe more focused than on upfront where last night's friendly against Metro State allowed him to take a good look at Gregory Richardson and Ross Schunk, the obvious back-ups to frontline strikers Conor Casey and Omar Cummings. The replacements did well enough, both scoring two second-half goals each as the Rapids raced to a 6-0 victory over the college team. Richardson showed plenty of skill and Schunk was strong in holding off defenders. Richardson will clearly be the number one back-up for now, understandable as Schunk is fresh out of college. "Gregory is a very laid back character and he possesses an awful lot of talent," Smith said after the game. "He has nice creativity but what I'd like to see less of is him dropping off deep into areas where he is less effective." Smith was also pleased with Schunk but justifiably conceded it is "maybe a little bit early for him." As he has made no secret of in the past, Smith reiterated his desire to bring in another forward with more experience and caliber. And that forward may come in sooner than the summer, he suggested last night.
Another area that remains up for grabs is the right side of midfield where Terry Cooke and Jacob Peterson are competing. Cooke was named Man of the Match last night for a strong performance which included a fine shot for the opening goal as well as plenty of trademark crosses. Peterson also scored a goal early in the second half. "Jake has a lot of pace and athleticism but may be lacking that finer polish in the final third," Smith said. "Terry showed terrific delivery but, at this stage in his career, he's not going to threaten regularly by getting behind the defense." So, we shall see. I fancy Cooke to start this weekend. Smith said there will be few changes for the Kansas game with the notable exception of Pablo Mastroeni not being available as he is away with the national team in El Salvador. "What's for sure is that it will be a very young midfield," Smith said. "More of the same is what we are after," he added, referring to what he saw as a positive performance against Chivas last week. "We will press Kansas early and make full use of our home turf and of the altitude."
Talking of rosters, expect an announcement in the near future from the Rapids. I cannot say more for now as it is not yet official but there will be a new signing in the next day or so.

Keel Waived as Forward Schunk Signed

Stephen Keel may be spending a bit more time on the trendy Denver singles scene now that he will no longer be playing for the Colorado Rapids. Keel, who was recently featured as one of Denver's hottest singles in 5280 magazine, was unfortunately waived by the Rapids today as they signed draft striker, Ross Schunk. Don't be surprised if more established players like Keel continue to be waived as Gary Smith puts his final pieces of the puzzle together. Smith said to me after the preseason game against LA March 4 that such established players with little prospect of making many first team appearances this year may have to make way as the team looks particularly for more striking options. Players like John DiRaimondo and Nico Colaluca may be anxiously looking over their shoulders after today. Always a shame for decent people to be let go and Keel is a decent person. He also showed some capacity for good blogging recently on www.rapidsundercurrent.blogspot.com. Keel started off as a regular in the centre of defense last year but gradually made way as injured players came back. We wish him well in his future soccer career just as we do Schunk who is probably still phoning all his friends and family to share the good news that he has a professional contract. We still look a little light upfront though with only a draft pick to back up Casey and Cummings. Coach Smith may still pull out a surprise upfront before the season opener. I'll try and get up to traning next week to see what is going on.