As we approach the kickoff of the Spring 2010 Adult outdoor season, I have done a brief overview and made some predictions for the upcoming Denver-based CASL (Colorado Amateur Soccer League - caslsoccer.net) for the 1st and 2nd divisions. Although there are teams throughout the state that can compete against the the CASL D1 teams (and do so in regional tourneys, etc), this league has the best quality throughout the division as any in the state.

CASL Division 1 - Colorado Amateur Soccer League

10 Teams:

FC Denver Premier; Guadalajara Chivas; Colorado Sporting; Real Colorado; X-Jesuits; Colorado Rush; Saprisa Sabio; FC Pars America; Aguilas; Broomfield Rovers

My Top 4 Prediction:

1) FC Denver Premier - Our up and coming squad has improved season on season for each season for the past several seasons and is ready to compete for the top spot in the top division in Colorado Amateur Soccer. When all players are present, might be the division favorites going into the season. Of course, I am a little biased.

2) Colorado Rush - Always one of the most talented squads in the league. A lot depends on their ability to get their players, which are all busy youth coaches, consistently to the games and playing on the same page. When they do, they are tough for any team to stop.

3) Real Colorado - This was the surprise team on the Fall 2009 Season. This team overhauled it roster with a core of U-18/U-19 Real players, which brought the this team, that was regularly at the bottom of the table, into contention for the title.They didn’t have any stars, but played a disiplined style and eeaked out victory after victory. Now, are they going to come back as good this season or was it a one-time thing where they were able to catch some teams slippin’? We’ll find out, but their ending position last season gets them a spot in this top four prediction.

4) Colorado Sporting - Although the word is that the group has gone through an off-season of dissension and drama, you can never count out the Sporting Team. Consistent league contenders with a plethora of talent. Might be a stretch to put them in the top 4 this season, but there here based on their history of success and ability to maintain top players.

Don’t Count Them Out (2 teams):

Guadalajara Chivas - You never know what you are going to get with this Chivas side. Sometimes, all of their players are present and in-form and they are the best team in the league. When they play their neat and stylish possession game, they give headaches to any team in the league. Other times, they are without several players or seem to be lacking in focus and can get beat b most 1sst division teams. That said, never count an in-form Chivas team out.

Broomfield Rovers - This team which had been tearing up the league for the 2 previous season, hit a major wall last season and fell towards the middle of the pack. Who knows if that was an anomaly in their continued growth or if they lost some critical players which were the basis of their rise in the standings. Only time will tell.

CASL Division 2- Colorado Amateur Soccer League

8 Teams:

FC Denver United; Colorado Sporting Select; Tana; Sefton FC, FC Verdi; TASC; GBFC; Mile High Arsenal

My Top 3 Prediction. I would do a top 4, but I believe this league is going to be a 3 team race:

1) FC Denver United/Reserve - By far, the most talented non-premier FC Denver team ever. Plenty of talent and depth. The important aspects for this team to pull off the championship this season is the teams ability to pull it’s defense together into a tight unit.

2) FC Verdi - The Former FC Denver Green Team has renamed itself and means business. They are the D2 pre-season division favorites based on their successes in the past few season and in their indoor league. Their game against the FC United team in mid-season will go along way in deciding the league champion.

3) Colorado Sporting Select - A usual D2 Contender. Hasn’t been quite the same team this past couple of seasons as they were in the past but still were able to find a way to win and finish strong last season. Unless they have recruited heavily, I don’t think it’s likely that they will seriously challenge the top 2 teams in division.

Last season the Rapids’ playoff hopes were thwarted by a host of injuries to key players.  Coach Smith planned on using this preseason to add depth to the squad.  So far he’s added Well Thompson, Jeff Larentowicz, Andre Akpan, Danny Earls, Ian Joyce, Oscar Murillo, and, apparently, Ross LaBauex (recently added to Rapids official roster: link).

Making way for this group were Preston Burpo, Cory Gibbs, Ty Harden, Jordan Harvey, Jacob Peterson, and Facundo Diz.

Considering Smith’s focus on “depth,” I thought it would be a good idea to create a depth chart based on the Rapids preseason scrimmages and training.  It probably isn’t spot on but it gives a general idea of how the Rapids are shaping up.

[In case you missed it, the Rapids defeated the Arsenal Reserves 1-0 this morning.  You can find the report and match details here: Rapids v. Arsenal FC Reserves Recap. ]

2010 Colorado Rapids Preseason Depth Chart

This chart doesn’t take into consideration the versatility of players like Drew Moor, Wells Thompson, Pat Noonan, and Nick LaBrocca.  Additionally, trialists like Andy Lorei are still being tested in different positions to see where they fit best, if they fit on the roster at all.

It looks like we have one solid starter in every position except left back.  Danny Earls is a good player but he is untested in MLS.  Drew Moor and Rob Valentino, if he doesn’t go on loan, can slot in at left back if necessary.

It looks like we have six of center backs to choose from. Baudet and Moor are locks in my opinion.  Murillo is young and athletic but still has a lot to learn.  Holody has impressed this offseason but is it enough to beat out Dalby and Palguta?

I would like to see the Rapids acquire one more winger before the season starts.  Wells Thompson provides adequate cover on both sides of the midfield but I think one more solid winger is missing from the roster .  Lorei , LaBauex, or possibly Earls could be the answer.

Conor Casey and Omar Cummings are back to wreck havoc on opposing defenders.  Unfortunately, the combination of Pat Noonan and Ross Schunk isn’t quite as intimidating. This might be the perfect situation for Andre Akpan but he needs to start finding the back of the net in these preseason scrimmages.

Who is likely to get dropped?  I think one center midfielder, one forward, and three defenders will get cut.  From what I can see, I think Smith is looking to add a forward, a left back, and a winger.

Let me know your thoughts on the chart and the Rapids’ efforts to add depth to the squad.

The Rapids’ roster is starting to take shape. You can add goal keeper Ian Joyce and remove Facundo Diz and Chad Borak from your roster predictions.

Here is the Rapids full press release:

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Tuesday, March 9, 2010) - The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of goalkeeper Ian Joyce. Per club and league policies, financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Joyce will be added to the club’s senior roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). He is expected to join the team this week during the club’s preseason training in London, England.

The Rapids also announced several other roster moves, as the club released forward Facundo Diz and did not offer a contract to 2010 third round MLS SuperDraft pick defender Chad Borak.

The 24-year old goalkeeper and Seton Hall University product has played his entire professional career in England since joining Grays Athletic FC in 2007, then moving to Watford and most recently with Southend United. Joyce spent a brief trial stint with Colorado this preseason in February before signing with the club.

Ian Joyce - Goalkeeper

Height: 6-3

Weight: 200

Date of Birth: July 12, 1985

Hometown: Kinnelon, NJ

College: Seton Hall

Last Club: Southend United (England)

Roster Status: Senior

Transaction

MLS

Colorado Rapids - Signed goalkeeper Ian Joyce; released forward Facundo Diz and did not offer a contract to defender Chad Borak.

Here is a look at our current roster picture:

It was another beautiful day in Denver and the Rapids were in full swing this morning.  Plenty of players were back in action that were sidelined by injury.  The numbers have dropped drastically since the Arizona trip and only a solid 24-25 players were at training.  The hits are still coming hard and players are trying to impress with the life line they’ve been given by the extension of the recent roster deadline.  Overall, the quality of play has risen over the last week and a half.  Players are finding their form but there is still plenty of work to be done.

Training Observations:

1. Akpan and LaBauex are the only two draftees left.
2. Hodges is gone.
3. De La Cruz is still on trial.  The guy is tall (6′4) and is a smart passer.  From what I saw, I don’t think he’ll beat out Mastroeni, Larentowicz, LaBrocca, or Ballouchy for a center mid spot.
4. Akpan played aggressive winning his fair share of physical battles.  Coach Smith praised him for beating the outside back to the ball and hitting a solid cross.  Best play of the game was when he chased a ball down the left and tossed Kimura about 20 feet in a shoulder to shoulder challenge.
5. LaBauex was deployed on the wing after spending most of preseason camp as a center midfielder.  His athleticism and ability to close down on the flank was noticeable.
6. Danny Earls is looking sharper.  The kid is really quick and has excellent ball control.
7. Mastroeni looked sharp despite missing a good portion of preseason with injury.
8. Michael Holody played solid as a center back, but I wonder about his chances with the Rapids current depth in that position.
9. Oscar Murillo played well, he’s a strong kid and anticipates well.  You can tell that communication is still an issue but they are making it work.
10. Drew Moor and Julien Baudet look like a solid center back pairing.  They play well off each other.
11. Omar Cummings, and basically all the offensive players, were a little frustrated today.  The team is really focusing on closing down fast and making it difficult to create.
12. Colin Clark was involved in the scrimmage.  The word is that he is physically ready but still needs some time to overcome the mental aspect of a big injury.  Nonetheless, it was great to see him out there beating defenders.
13. Ciaran O’Brien took part in the scrimmage and slotted the best pass of the day to a streaking Rob Valentino.
14. Rob Valentino is a new man.  A few of us standing on the far end of the field thought he was a trialist and it wasn’t until later that we realized it was Rob.  He looks sharp and aggressive as a left back.  He’s been one of the better players at camp.

Notes:

1. Conor Casey signed a 3 year contract with the Rapids.  It was announced this afternoon at a press conference held at South High School.  Check the Rapids facebook page for photos and video of the event.
2. The Rapids leave for England this weekend.
3. Friday, March 19 the Rapids face the Seattle Sounders in a charity match.  The following Friday, March 26, the Rapids open up the MLS season at Chivas.
4. Don’t forget to get involved with the newest Rapids’ supporters group “Bulldog Supporters Group.”  You can get info on the facebook page or send an email to britishbulldogfc@gmail requesting information.

Final Thoughts:

The coaching staff has emphasized defensive play this preseason.  The players are closing down fast all over the pitch.  The forwards are finding very little room to operate and the defenders have very little time to play the ball out of the back.  The group is playing with a ton of energy and belief.

I’m waiting to see what the Rapids have up their sleeve on the offensive side of the ball.  Conor Casey and Omar Cummings were a strong combination last year and everyone hopes for more of the same.  I have yet to see the dynamic Rapids attack but I think that is typical of preseason soccer.

Although the quality on the offensive side of the ball has been lacking, I did see a sign of hope today.  The composed play of Mastroeni and dynamic runs of Cummings and Clark showed glimpse of our offensive prowess.  Although Akpan isn’t ready just yet, he has the potential become a quality striker and score plenty of goals for the Rapids.

As the season gets closer and roster is settled, hopefully the training will start to resemble a soccer practice and not so much of a battle ground.

Some training pictures below, check our facebook page for more pictures.

Hello!

Here are some pictures taken by the wonderful Destiny Fernandez, girlfriend of United Team member and general cool-guy Jose Chavez, of our FC Denver teams/events. The top few are from Tryouts this past weekend and the others are from the 2009 Vail Invitational Tournament held this past summer. Enjoy!

Spring 2010 Club Tryouts

Trent, Drew, and Greg…

Jeramiah, Rorick, Lio, and Jacob tussling it out.

2009 Vail Invitational Soccer Tournament

Chuy!!!!

Mr. Firebaugh does not look like a happy camper!

Juan looks the least worried to me

Langston takes them on!

The Rapids have organized a press conference tomorrow afternoon (2pm MST) to  “ANNOUNCE MAJOR PLAYER TRANSACTION“. I have a guess or two at what it may be myself, but we’ll wait and see what transpires tomorrow.

One thing that Rapids fans can say is that Coach Smith hasn’t been busy this off-season. He’s brought in 2 potential starters,  drafted a couple of possible roster players, brought in international trialists, plus this currently unannoced transaction. He’s definitely made moves to build the team he is looking to create.

Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow for news and analysis.

After a week of training and scrimmages at the Casa Grande Performance in Arizona, the guys are back to the confines of good ole Dicks Sporting Park turf field #8. The results of the trip were uneventful as far as results go (1-1 tie with CBus, 0-2 loss to Galaxy, and 0-0 tie with RSL), but the reason for the trip wasn’t for the results as much as it was giving borderline guys opportunities in game situations. Coach Smith said it best when he mentioned before he left on the trip that the soccer wasn’t going to be pretty or cohesive when you’ve got 11 individuals on the field that are each fighting for roster spots.

So, they’re back, and I don’t get the feeling that they like being back. Well, that is, atleast being back and training on the turf field at Dicks. Baudet’s current online status is “Heading back to snow and turf!!!!!! Not really looking forward to it!!” Another Rapids player, second year player and backup goalkeeper, Steward Ceus mentioned on his Twitter account that “ (training has) been real rough on the body. Training on turf doesn’t help.”

Likewise, the group seems amped to go to London and put in some tough training at the Arsenal training facility. That experience and those games will be more focused on building team chemistry and camaraderie than their recent foray in Arizona. At this point, Coach Smith likely has a pretty good feel for the contributors on the squad, which means that we will likely see more of the starters in the friendly matches in England.

If the group is producing 0-0 and 0-2 results in the friendlies in England and at the Charity Shield match vs Seattle, then we may have concerns about certain areas of the team (offensive creativity, health of wingers, etc). To be fair the competition in those matches will also be higher than that of our recent matches. For now, lets watch Coach Smith continue to push his guys hard and hope that the players respond in kind.

Be on the lookout for a couple of Green Army training reports and interviews in the coming days. Cheers!

ESPN released a list of the top 50 players that will be playing at the World Cup. Landon Donovan made the list at #50.

1 Lionel Messi, Argentina
2 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
3 Wayne Rooney, England
4 Kaka, Brazil
5 Xavi, Spain
6 Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast
7 Andres Iniesta, Spain
8 Fernando Torres, Spain
9 Steven Gerrard, England
10 Michael Essien, Ghana
11 David Villa, Spain
12 Franck Ribery, France
13 Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon
14 Luis Fabiano, Brazil
15 Iker Casillas, Spain
16 Cesc Fabregas, Spain
17 Gianluigi Buffon, Italy
18 Dani Alves, Brazil
19 Nemanja Vidic, Serbia
20 Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands
21 Maicon, Brazil
22 Frank Lampard, England
23 Andrea Pirlo, Italy
24 Carlos Tevez, Argentina
25 Robin van Persie, Netherlands
26 Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina
27 Diego Forlan, Uruguay
28 Thierry Henry, France
29 Sergio Aguero, Argentina
30 Michael Ballack, Germany
31 Julio Cesar, Brazil
32 Arjen Robben, Netherlands
33 Gerard Pique, Spain
34 Miroslav Klose, Germany
35 Lucio, Brazil
36 Javier Mascherano, Argentina
37 John Terry, England
38 David Silva, Spain
39 Carles Puyol, Spain
40 Nicolas Anelka, France
41 Ashley Cole, England
42 Patrice Evra, France
43 Marek Hamsik, Slovakia
44 Karim Benzema, France
45 Yoann Gourcuff, France
46 Daniele De Rossi, Italy
47 Philipp Lahm, Germany
48 Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast
49 Giorgio Chiellini, Italy
50 Landon Donovan, United States

The top three are unquestionable at the moment but they might not shine the brightest at this coming World Cup.  I think soccer fans should pay attention to the Netherlands dynamic midfielder Wesley Sneijder, Brazil’s dominating right back Maicon, Slovakia’s young playmaker Marek Hamsik, and Argentina’s new prophet, striker Carlos “el Apache” Tevez.

I would have found a spot for American goalkeeper Tim Howard but it is tough to argue with most of these selections.  Who do you think belongs on the list?  Who do you think will shine in South Africa?

Lets get this party started!

Our Spring 2010 Tryouts are this weekend. Tryouts are open to Public, but we ask that only serious and qualified players attend. We are recruiting players for 3 teams (2 Men’s open teams and 1 Men’s Over-30 teams).

Tryouts are scheduled for Sunday from 10am - 1pm at Hampden Heights Park (MAP)
There are no cost for tryouts. Just bring your gear, any club questions you have, and be ready to show your skills. We’ll start at 10am sharp, so be sure to be there and be ready.

Please let me know if you have any questions: efulton@fcdenver.org

Cheers!

_
Eric Fulton
Futbol Club Denver
fcdenver.org/blog

The US beat El Salvador last night 2-1, thanks to two late strikes by Brian Ching and Sacha Kljestan.

The first 30-35 minutes were unwatchable.  El Salvador was overly casual with the ball and the US’s pressure forced multiple turnovers.  The US failed to do anything with their possession and looked like they needed someone to remind them what they were supposed to do with the ball.  Its called soccer fellas . . . the sport you get paid to play!!!!

After the “Amateur Hour in Tampa Show” was over the US started to put things together a little better.  Conor Casey  got a few nice touches and set up Kljestan with the best scoring opportunity of the first half.   Beckerman dominated the midfield for the US giving Kljestan a little bit more time to create.  The defense was rarely troubled in the first half, and Goodson, Bornstein, and Pierce enjoyed a solid half defensively. Brad Davis had a good half, demonstrating some poise and skill.

The second half was more of the same.  Brian Ching and Eddie Gaven, subbed in at the half, were creating chances for the US.  Rogers moved to the left and started to produce a little more. The US dominated El Salvador physically but a mistake by Brad Evans saw El Salvador take the lead. El Salvador’s keeper, Miguel Montes, batted away several good US chances.  The US finally leveled in the 76th minute when Brian Ching headed home a Heath Pearce cross.  Kljestan found the game winner two minutes into stoppage time. Kljestan collected an errant pass and played a quick 1-2 pass with Ching for any easy finish.

Positives:

The US was willing to attack.  It was good to see the US players aggressive and hungry to find the goal.  Miguel Montes was in great form for El Salvador and he saved them from a possible 5-1 scoreline.  I think they were also a little lucky that our finishing was poor all night.

Negatives:

I can’t believe the US can still field players with such a disturbing lack of fundamentals, both technical and tactical.  I thought we were passed these days but I guess we still have a few years to go.

Players, the good:

I thought Eddie Gaven, Brian Ching, Beckerman, Heath Pierce, and Brad Davis did themselves a favor last night.  Ching was mobile and hungry.  It doesn’t hurt that he got the tieing goal and assisted on the game winner.  Gaven was lively and showed some clever ball skill.  His final touch to pass or shoot failed him, but he had some highlight reel moments.  Beckerman is reliable and coaches love players they can depend on.  Pearce was lucky that he played on El Salvador’s weak side.  He locked down the left side defensively and put in a nice cross for Ching’s goal. Davis’s performance on the left was probably bolstered by Robbie Rogers poor play, but Davis looked sharp and dangerous in the first half.

Players, the bad:

Robbie Rogers was a mess last night.  On the right side of the field he looked like he belonged on a Wednesday night coed team.  He moved to the left and played much better but still didn’t have a good night.  Robbie Findley needs to rely on more than just his speed.  His fundamentals looked poor, and in my opinion, he shouldn’t wear the US jersey until he cleans that up.  Similarly, Jeff Cunningham might have worn the US jersey for the last time.  He started brightly but disappeared completely from the match.  Brad Evans . . . poor Brad Evans . . . he is a good player but he isn’t a right back.  I want him to get a chance at center mid and show that he can play.  It’s tough not to blame him for El Salvador’s goal but we all knew that if El Salvador was going to score, it would be down our right side.

Players, did just enough:

Conor Casey, Jonothan Bornstein, and Clarence Goodson demonstrated more of the same.  Goodson looked solid against a weak El Salvador attack.  He was also dangerous on set pieces.  Casey reminded Bradley that he can win the physical battles and play good passes up top, but he won’t work like Brian Ching.  Bornstein didn’t shine but he was steady and that is what Bradley was expecting from him.

Sacha Kljestan found the game winner last and put himself into good spots.  Before the game winner, I was going to put him in the bad category because I don’t think he did enough on either side of the ball to say he had an overall good game.  I’ve always liked Kljestan’s style and hopefully this game winner will spark his confidence and get him out of the slump.

Final Thoughts:

The season of the B-team is over. THANK GOD!!!  It was ugly, painful, and embarrassing but we survived.  As terrible as these last few games were, I still think they are necessary for the growth of our national team. Our MLS guys need to play international matches and top competition in order to grow.

I’m looking forward to our next friendly against the Netherlands.  I think Ching has earned a right to make the trip, along with Bornstein, Goodson, Perkins, and Beckerman.   I’m still hoping for Conor Casey to make the trip but if Bradley can only take one target forward, I think Ching edged him last night.

Share your thoughts on last night’s match. Who do you think should make the trip to the Netherlands?