Joe Calabrase slips the ball by the goalkeeper

Written by Brennen Randquist - Pictures by Greg Hengeli

The FC Denver Premier team started their season today at the new Aurora Sports Park against the only team they lost to in the regular season last year the Ex Jesuits.  It was a gorgeous day for soccer, and the FC Denver Premier team, did not disappoint.

The game started off slowly with both teams trying to find their way.  The first 15 minutes FC Denver owned the majority of the possession with some great chances to score by Tyler Imbrogno, Joe Calabrese, and Grant Lundberg.  FC Denver controlled the game for the most part in the first 45, but the Ex Jesuits had a couple dangerous opportunities, mostly off of corner kicks.  Their best opportunity came in around the 30^th minute, and thanks to an incredible stop by Patrick Deenihan (henceforth known as ‘Packy’), the scoreline remained nill nill.

FC Denver kept up their full court press and finally in the 40^th minute Kyle Firebaugh slipped a through ball through to Grant Lundberg, who sent a left a footed rocket into the netting to make 1-0 in favor of FC Denver.  The first half ended soon after that.  FC Denver felt pretty confident going into the second half, but also knew they should have scored much more.

Tyler Imbrogno winds up for the goal!!!

The second half started, and Grant Lundberg scored another goal after a nifty step over to make it 2-0.  Literally 2 minutes after that Tyler Imbrogno would score a laser into the side netting for his first of 2 goals of the day.  This opened the flood gates, and FC Denver scored 5 goals in about 20 minutes.  Grant added one more for his hat trick, and Joe Calabrese tapped off the scoring.  These 20 minutes completely demoralized the Ex Jesuits and the remaining 25 was lackluster, to put it lightly, with the game being so far out of reach.

The second half was dominated by FC Denver, with some great play from all.  The defense of Juan Gonzalez, Joel Miller, Mario Burstein, and Packy were exceptional all day.  The premier team, looked very fit, and very strong even without some of their guys.

The game ended up 6-1 sending a message to the rest of the CASL first division.

Michael Ogletree skies HIGH for the defensive header

Coaches MOTM: The entire team did great and every new player had an impact today. Grant, Tyler, and Joe scored goals, Mario killed it out wide, and Packy saved some impressive shots. Grant Lundberg gets the nod (for MOTM) since he got the scoring started and getting a hat trick in your opening game with the club is pretty sweet. Tom Migchelbrink also had a strong performance for the team in defense.

Getting organized on the pitch

Written by: Eric Fulton - Pictures by: Samantha Ridgeway

On a hot day at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, the mighty Masters team went up against against the British Bulldog Over-30 team that tied for 2nd place in Division 1 last season. We knew this match was going to be a good predictor of where we stood in the division and we came away with a 0-0 tie, which means that even though we have yet to hit our stride yet, that we are undefeated in our first two games in the top Over-30 division.

The Masters were the better team in the first half and kept the ball in the Bulldogs half for the majority of the opening stanza. The game was largely a midfield battle with neither team creating many clearcut chances because of a clogged midfield and strong defenses. Ian Kiernan filled in at sweeper for Jim Dearlove for the day and did a great job shutting down any bulldog attacks that came his way. And Matt Joiner joined us for his first game since 2009 and jumped right in midfield and did a great job.

Hector Arce Solana chasing down the opposition

The second half was tougher on the Masters as the heat and the stifling Bulldog defense started to take a toll. The Masters weren’t able to find that spark to keep them playing fluid, energized soccer and the Bulldogs took control of the 2nd half. The Bulldogs attacked for a majority of the 2nd half and created a few header opportunities that just missed the frame. The Masters boys also created their best scoring chances of the game with two beautiful balls played from the end line, by Trent Lind and Chris Lujan respectively, which rolled across the 6-yard box just waiting to be tapped in, but nobody was there. As the game wore on, the team and the midfield in particular had a tough time connecting passes to the forwards, which left the team vulnerable to counter attacks. Thankfully for the Masters, the bulldogs didn’t have the forwards to get a goal on one of these opportunities.

All in all, a fair result in what could only be called a mediocre outing for our Masters team. We still haven’t hit our stride as a group that we developed last season. When we do, we’ll be capable of competing for the division championship in our first season in the top division. There is alot to be excited about if you look at it this way: we have yet to play our best soccer this season and are undefeated after playing 2 of the top 3 teams (according to last seasons standings) in the D1 Over-30 league. I like our chances going forward, especially if we can work hard over this Labor Day holiday bye week and come back ready to win.

Coaches MOTM: Man of the match has to go to Ian Kiernan for his steller fill-in work as sweeper. He kept the defense organized and jumped in, always at the right moment, to scuttle any impending attack. We’ll miss him for likely the rest of the season but he has been a big help in getting the season started off on the right foot.

Greg Packer gets up for the Header

Written by: Luke Elbin - Pictures by: Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver United went into their second game feeling confident after their first game outcome. They would face newcomers Ahly Sporting Club on a early Sunday morning at Aurora Sports Park. Conditions were perfect, and the field at the park was in excellent condition. All in all, it was a beautiful morning for a CASL match.

The two teams would provide an interesting match up. It was Ahly Sporting’s debut match in the top division of the CASL. United were still getting their feet wet with just one game under their collective belt. Shortly into the match, FC Denver began to impose their will upon their opponent by moving the ball swiftly around the field. Opportunities would be created on set pieces, and in the run of play. Sporting’s goalkeeper did well to keep the ball out of the net, deflecting a few solid attempts by FC Denver’s attacking players. FC Denver’s back four consistently won balls in the air and on the ground, as Ahly Sporting found themselves getting stuck in their own half. FC Denver was unfortunate not to find the back of the net early in this match.

After surviving the initial attacks from FC Denver, Ahly started to show their strengths. Their quickness and skill allowed them to counter and relieve pressure. At about the 25 minute mark, an Ahly Sporting striker got on the end of a dangerous through ball. Jacob DiGennaro did well to recover, but in his attempt tripped up the opposing striker in the penalty box. It was a questionable call, one that may have been negated later in the match. Ahly Sporting would miss their initial attempt on the pk, as Dade Smith made an excellent stop on the attempt. Unfortunately, the linesman raised his flag, stating Dade moved early on the play. Ahly Sporting would finish on the second attempt, and take a surprising 1-0 lead.

This score would hold going into halftime. United felt confident that goals would come, and entered the second half ready to start their comeback. Their formation reflected this mentality, as they brought more players into the attack. FC Denver wingers, Greg Packer, Jose Chavez, Brad Clark, and Drew Anneberg worked hard all half long running the lines and producing on both ends of the field. About half way through the half, a through ball and a flick would find Matt Martinez’s feet as he was sprinting toward goal. As he entered the box a Ahly Sporting defender slid and took out Martinez. A penalty would be called. Luke Elbin stepped up and missed the pk as the Ahly Sporting keeper deflected it wide. Brad Clark followed for United and struck home a professional finish to the far post. The game was even.

Tyson Crist recieves the ball with his back to goal.

As the game wore on, United pressed harder and took more chances. This effort left their back vulnerable at times, and Ahly Sporting would have a few chances to take a lead. Credit should be given to Brandon Best, who made a couple of crucial slide tackles, and Dade Smith, who had a series of highlight reel saves. FC Denver United would eventually find the back of the net, securing their comeback victory. A ball would deflect in the box, and land conveniently on center midfielder Luke Elbin’s feet. He moved the ball past two Ahly defenders and struck home a near post shot that beat the pesky Ahly keeper.

With a 2-1 victory, FC Denver United moved to 2-0 in the CASL. The competition for the team will improve significantly in the upcoming weeks, as United will next play Rovers after having Labor Day weekend off. Look for United to polish up their finishing, and continue to improve on its team play defensively. It will be a true test for a team that could be on the rise.

Coaches MOTM: This was a difficult game to decide for the man of the man because it was truly a team effort. Greg packer missed the start of the game but bounced back with an outstanding performance in the 2nd half. Drew Anneburg and Matt Martinez continued their hardworking and sharp recent play. Luke Elbin had a difficult first half but responded with the winning goal off a left foot blast in the 2nd half. With that said, the man of the match for week two is Brad Clark for his game tying rebound goal off of Luke’s blocked PK and tireless workrate off the ball. He ran and worked harder than most if not all players on the pitch and gets rewarded with the MOTM status.

Beautiful day for Fall '10 League Game #1 @ DSGP!

Written by: Tanner (Brian Tanner) - Pictures provided by: Samantha Ridgeway

FC Denver Masters personified “resilience” on Sunday. After spotting the defending O-30 D1 champs a silly penalty kick in the first 5 minutes of the game, FC Denver came from behind twice to knock off Rover 30 by a 4-2 score.

The 1st game of fall league play wasn’t pretty by either side. With Rover 30 up 1-0 after the PK, John Wallace tied the game at 1-1 on a shot that deflected off a defender into the Rover’s goal. A defensive breakdown by FC Denver allowed Rovers to take a 2-1 lead shortly thereafter.

FC Denver Masters eventually settled into their game with quality midfield play and tougher defense. Taking advantage of the fact that the Rovers had only 1 sub in a game where the temps were near or above 90 degrees, FC Denver began to wear out Rover 30 with outside runs and moved the game into the Rovers half of the field.

Before half, FC Denver was gifted an equalizer as Ian’s cross from the outside right found its way into the net. It was 2-2 after 45 minutes.

Coach/Co-Captain Eric Fulton organizing the defense

FC Denver continued to take it to Rovers 30 during the second half and stretched the field from side-to-side further tiring out a shorthanded Rover squad. FC Denver controlled more of the game and finally another gift goal presented itself as Eric Fulton let loose a cross from the far right side that also managed to find its way into the back corner of the net. With FC Denver up for the first time at 3-2, momentum was definitely with the Masters.

After a questionable foul just inside of midfield, Jeremiah unleashed a quick 40-yard bomb that caught the keeper off guard and wound up in the net. Rover 30 which was still arguing the initial foul, exploded in protest. No matter, FC Denver led 4-2 with 20 minutes to go.

Play again got sloppy in the final 20 minutes with the Rovers attacking and FC Denver playing a little too safe. Despite ample opportunities for Rover 30 to close the gap, FC Denver held on for a 4-2 victory to open fall league play.

Tanner’s MAN OF THE MATCH:
Lots of players in the running for MOTM with 4 different goal scorers including Eric Fulton with his first goal in 4 or 5 years. But the MOTM was Jeremiah whose 40-yard bomb was a spectacular goal and iced the game. Jeremiah ran the Rovers midfield and defense ragged with constant runs down the side. He hustled nonstop and was all over the field making plays and pressuring Rovers.

A great start to the O-30 D1 fall season for FC Denver with a big game against the British Bulldog looming next Sunday at 1:00pm on Field 23 at DSGP.

Co-Coach/Co-Captain Luke Elbin gets stuck in!

Written by: Luke Elbin - Pictures provided by Destiny Fernandez

FC Denver United started their fall CASL First Division campaign this past Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Good Park. After an undefeated season in the spring, United was anxious to test their skill and talent in the more competitive division. Their match against Saprissa Sabio would prove to be an entertaining game, with an controversial outcome.

United had recently added some new faces to their team. With only a week to prepare, their ability to communicate and work together would be tested. The game started out with both Saprissa and United taking their time figuring each other out. Saprissa looked to move the ball quickly with midfield combinations, then try and push forward with a direct ball. New additions Jake Brodsky and Adam Hermsen, along with Luke Elbin did a nice job of breaking up Saprissa’s midfield distribution throughout the first half. United back line held strong in the first 45, featuring a strong effort from Jacon DiGennaro at outside back. Ian Campbell’s consistent play in goal also helped secure a half time shutout for their team.

United’s first half attack was versatile, showing spurts of creativity in the midfield, and featuring speed and athleticism on the wings and up top. Brad Clark, and Greg Packer created all sorts of problems for Saprissa with their ability to get forward. FC Denver United would have their chances, but fail to capitalize in the first 45. Heading into halftime, the score of the match was even at 0-0.

Adam Hermsen gets up for the Ball

The pace of the game and wind would pick up in the second half. Play loosened up a bit, as Saprissa and United both began to play a more direct game. United had been creating more and more chances as the game wore on, and Saprissa was beginning to accumulate fouls and yellow cards. United had countless corner kick opportunities that they just could not finish despite some great service from Drew Anneberg and others. Eventually, Saprissa would sneak in a goal on a direct ball that bounced in the box, clearing United’s back line and landing conveniently on their striker’s head.

A sense of urgency set in for United, and they began to push forward. At approximately the 60th minute mark, Jose Chavez played a ball down the left sideline that seemed to be headed out of bounds. Unexpectedly, the ball was stopped by the corner flag. Sapprisa did not see the play through, and United’s speedy Chris Harrison chased down the ball, collected it, and took it to goal. He deftly beat two defenders and slid the ball past the opposing goal keeper, drawing the game even once again.

The frustration of Sapprisa’s players and coaches reached a boiling point. A player disputed the goal, and received his second yellow and a subsequent red. Their keeper, who had been playing well all game, continued to complain and also received a red card. At this point, United felt certain the game would be theirs. Unfortunately, Saprissa’s coaches left their bench and came out on to the field complaining furiously. The referee would have none of this, and blew his whistle signaling what should be a forfeit for the Saprissa side.

An official result on the game has not been posted. This blogger is going to go ahead and assume United will be awarded a victory. The team felt a mix of disappointment (they could not earn the result themselves) and excitement as well. It was a very encouraging afternoon for FC Denver. United looks poised to compete and succeed in the top division this fall. Look for a more cohesive effort in the coming week as United faces Ahly Sporting Club at the new Aurora Sports Park this Sunday (Aug 29th) at 9:00 am.

Possible Goal-saving tackle from Jordan Lubeck

Coaches MOTM: Our stopper Adam Hermsen and Center Midfielders Luke Elbin, Marco DelPiccolo, and Jake Brodsky each did an exceptional job locking down the middle of the park, so any of them could have been the player of the match, but this week’s MOTM has to go to new-comer Chris Harrison for his exceptional commitment to keep with the play and create a goal out of nothing. Not only did he continue with the play after the defense had stopped, but then proceeded to beat two defenders and the goalkeeper after they realized the play was still alive. Close games are often decided by a singular moment of mental toughness and/or brilliance and Chris provided one in his first game with FC Denver. Congrats.

FC Denver is looking for a few talented and committed soccer players as they continue preparations for the fall 2010 season. FC Denver is an organized and competitive adult amateur football club. Besides success on the field, the club believes that football is about building a community of people who love the game.  If you are passionate about soccer and want to play with on one of the best teams in the state, please come out to our tryouts in the coming week.

Tryout Schedule:

Tryout Day #1 - Thursday (08/12) @ 6:20pm-8:15pm
Tryout Day #2 Sunday (08/15) @ 9:30am-11:30am. Both at Harvard Gulch fields north of Iliff. (MAP)
All Players will be informed of Roster positions on Sunday/Monday Night

Here is a message about the club and tryouts from club President Eric Fulton:

FC Denver is one of the most successful adult amateur soccer clubs in Colorado. Our club is focused on creating the best amateur teams in the state. We strive to reach our team, club, and player potential, while providing a fun and enthusiastic environment to meet people and share the passion of the game. We are looking for talented players that want to be a part of a club that is organized and exciting to play for. We value top class football and people with enjoyable and agreeable personalities. We are gearing up for our Fall ‘10 tryouts and are looking for new players to add to the terrific team(s) we currently have.

For the Fall 2010 season, we will have 3 men’s teams. Our Premier team, which is one of the best amateur teams in the state; our United team, which won the 2nd division and is moving up to join our Premier team in the 1st division, and our Men’s Over-30 team which also won its 2nd division and is moving up to the 1st division of the Over-30 league. If you are an interested player, please do your research on teams to play for; our teams consistently play at the top level of amateur soccer in the state (and have a great time in the process).

If you are interested, please review our website at fcdenver.org to get more information and either fill out our information form online and/or send me an email at efulton@fcdenver.org and we’ll get you involved. We have a few more weeks of weeknight drop-in scrimmages before our tryouts in mid-August. Thanks for your interest in our growing club. We look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

Our club thrives because of the skill and commitment on-the-field, and the camaraderie and communication off the field, of each of our players. We work to prove that every week.

The Rapids picked up young left back Anthony Wallace from FC Dallas.  We heard rumblings about a possible trade yesterday and I’m not surprised the Rapids ended up acquiring a defender. Here are Wallace’s vitals:

Anthony Wallace - Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
DOB: January 26, 1989
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
College: South Florida
Last Club: FC Dallas
Roster Status: Senior

During the World Cup break Coach Smith mentioned that the team needed defensive reinforcements. It seemed like Danish defender Ulrik Lindkvist was going to join the club but the Rapids have gone a different direction.

So is this a good trade?

Although the trade isn’t without some downsides, like the fact that this acquisition isn’t going to help the Rapids score more goals, I think it’s a positive acquisition for the Rapids. He is a young player with plenty of upside, he will add competition in the group, and he didn’t cost too much.

First, Anthony Wallace provides competition, and rest, for young Danny Earls. Earls has been excellent for the Rapids this season but a little competition should help him grow. Scott Palguta has played a few minutes at left back this season but Wallace is a more natural option.

Second, Wallace is a good player. His career stats might paint a different picture but the reality is that he is only 21 and needs regular minutes to develop. He wasn’t a regular player for Dallas and that has clearly hurt his development. Wallace has consistently performed well when representing the US at the U-17 and U-20 level so there is evidence that he has the “potential” to become a quality MLS left back.

No one expected 18 year old Anthony Wallace to start playing right away when he was drafted in the first round of the 2007 Superdraft. He was growing as a player throughout the 2007 and 2008 season, until he hit some setbacks in 2009, including a torn meniscus. This year, competition with Colombian international Jair Benitez and US international Heath Pearce meant very little opportunity for the young outside back.

Third, he doesn’t cost anything. We traded away a fourth round pick and a conditional pick in 2012. The Rapids didn’t have to move any players since Oscar Murillo’s departure last month opened up a roster spot. Not a big price to pay even if he doesn’t work out.

I do have one concern about the attitude that this trade represents.

Anyone who has watched the Rapids play this season knows that the Rapids create a ton of opportunities but can’t finish. When Coach Smith mentioned that the club would look for a player that can add six goals I got my hopes up a little. I think the Rapids need a quality playmaker or goal scorer but that won’t come without a price. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a major shake-up to bring in some offensive quality. I don’t think the club is willing to take that step during this transfer window. Nothing new here.

As always, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the Rapids prove me wrong.

What do you think about this acquisition?

Seattle's 3rd DP, Alvaro Fernandez

Should Landon Donovan Stay or Leave?

Landon is arguably the best American field player of all time and he is finishing the most successful run of his career (Everton, Galaxy, World Cup, etc.) Despite MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s statement that Donovan wasn’t going anywhere, a number of suitors have popped up, including Manchester City. In addition, Donovan told SI:

“We have had transfer interest and we will have some time to think about it and see where it goes,” Donovan told Reuters after featuring for the MLS All Stars against Manchester United on Wednesday. “There is interest from a number of teams.”

I think it’s clear that Donovan wants to leave but Garber is reluctant to let go of the league’s poster boy. If the right offer comes along I think Garber will have to let Donovan go.

Personally, I think Donovan should leave. He isn’t getting any younger and he proved during his time at Everton that he can step in and produce in the big leagues. I’d like to see Donovan leave for 4-5 years and come back to MLS to finish off his career.

He is a big player for MLS but the addition of big names like Thierry Henry, Nery Castillo, and the rumored arrival of Rafael Marquez, I think the league has enough star power to survive without Landon.

Seattle Sounders add 3rd DP

The Seattle Sounders signed 24 year old Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez. The young midfielder was a member of Uruguay’s World Cup team making four appearances, including a start against Ghana in the quarterfinals. This is a fantastic signing for the Sounders and MLS. It’s nice to see a team sign a DP in their mid 20’s. Maybe this move will start attracting younger prospects to the league.

The arrival of Fernandez further puts into question the status of Freddie Ljungberg. Speculations suggest that Freddie is looking to depart Seattle before the transfer window closes. The question is whether he will stay in MLS or head back to Europe. If Donovan leaves LA I wonder if Arena will try to get the Swedish international to the Home Depot Center.

MLS All Stars get their ass kicked

It was only an exhibition match but the result still stings a little. I expected Manchester United to present the toughest test for our All Stars thus far but 5-2, was a little much. I hope this doesn’t deter the league from maintaining the All Star game format. No one wants to see our All Stars face Fulham, and I’d rather have them scrap the whole game if they want to go back to the East v. West format.

I can’t say what the repercussions will be from this game, but one thing is for sure . . . Manchester United has some good young players coming up.

US U-20’s in Milk Cup final

The US U-20’s qualified for the Milk Cup finals after defeating Denmark 3-2 on Wednesday. The Milk Cup is an annual youth international tournament held in Northern Ireland. The US won the tournament in 2005 and placed second in 2006. This tournament is typically used as a warm up for World Cup qualifiers or getting off cycle teams like the U-18’s some experience.

The US started the tournament off on the right foot beating China 1-0 on a goal from forward Omar Salgado. Denmark proved to be a tougher task but the US was able to squeak out a win after going down a goal in the first half. Adrian Ruelas, Santos Laguna forward, scored an equalizer for the US in the first half and found the game winner a minute from full time. Toronto FC’s Faud Ibrahim blasted a volley to temporarily put the US ahead in 74th minute.

Although the team is missing some core players, such as Philadelphia Union duo Jack McInerney and Amobi Okugo, the team boasts a very talented line up. Here are few players that you should keep an eye on: Omar Salgado (recently signed with MLS from Club Guadalajara - Chivas), Juan Agudelo (NY Red Bulls), Adrian Ruelas (Santos Laguna - Mexico), Greg Garza (Sporting Lisbon - Portugal), and Francisco Navas Cobo (Houston Dynamo).

The US faces a very tough Northern Ireland side that beat China 5-0 to qualify for the finals. The match will be played on Friday July 30th at 1pm EST.

The full All Star Roster has just been announced and the Rapid’s very own Jeff Larentowicz has made the cut. The Ginga’ Ninja has been rock solid at defensive mid for the Rapids this season.  Larentowicz has helped the Rapids maintain an enviable defensive record this season by breaking up attacks in front of the back four. His game isn’t about finesse but of crunching tackles and simple distribution.

While these All Star games are meaningless, they are fun to watch.  These teams make me day dream of the day when the salary cap is lifted and teams can purchase rosters such as this one. The team looks like the American version of Chelsea. Despite the friendly nature of this match, I’m sure the players are excited about testing their abilities against Manchester United, one of the elite sides in Europe. This match is a few steps up from past All Star matches featuring Celtic or Fulham.

Here is the full All Star Roster:

Goalkeepers (2): Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders (7): Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Wilman Conde (Chicago Fire), Kevin Alston (New England Revolution)

Midfielders (9): Dwayne De Rosario (Toronto FC), Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire), Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew), Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union), David Ferreira (FC Dallas), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids)

Forwards (5): Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)

I have no real arguments with the list. It would’ve been nice to see a few rookies like Michael Stephens, Danny Mwanga, or Andy Najar selected. I feel those players are more deserving than Brian Ching or Brad Davis at the moment.

The midfield has an international feel to it. On the bright side, it’s good to see that MLS is attracting talented international players. The down side, it’s a reminder that the US isn’t producing enough creative playmakers.

Only two DP’s made the All Star team this year, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel. These two players are model DPs in my opinion. Both have the skill and production rate to warrant their high salaries, and both are invested in the growth and development of MLS.

Of the other DPs, Beckham is out this season with an Achilles injury. Theirry Henry, Blaise Nkufo, Mista, and Branko Boskovic have just arrived to their new clubs. Freddie Ljungberg and Julian de Guzman are the only two DPs in real contention for an All Star spot that failed to make the cut.

Per the CBA, the league must pick 9 more All Star players. These players will receive the All Star bonus but won’t dress on game day.

Here are my picks for the final 9 non-active All Star players:

Bobby Convey, Michael Stephens, Andy Najar, Conor Casey, Drew Moor, Matt Pickens, Alvaro Saborio, Jimmy Nielson, and Brek Shea.

Share your thoughts on the All Star roster.

The Rapids, and the rest of MLS, resume matches this coming Saturday. The 2 week World Cup break allowed teams to rest players, regroup, and bring in some trialists. The Rapids are no exception. Plenty of new faces have come through the Rapids training in the last two weeks, including trialists, academy players, and a few college players on summer break.

Training Observations:

• Kosuke Kimura is training and moving well. No word yet if he will be available for this weekend.
• Forward Ross Schunk is progressing well from his knee injury. He started running straight lines this week.
• Oscar Murillo is no longer with the group. From what I understand, his loan is over and the Rapids didn’t pick up his option. He is back with his club team in Colombia.
• Jamie Smith was moving well and it looks like his injury problems are behind him. Jamie could break into the starting 11 against Houston.
• I’m starting to wonder if Claudio Lopez has anything left in the tank. He hasn’t shown drastic improvement in the last few weeks. But then again, I don’t see him train every day.
• Andre Akpan is on loan with Real Maryland in the USL Division 2. He will return to the Rapids on July 3. Akpan needed more playing time and this was an opportunity to get him some minutes.
• Danish defender Ulrich Lindquist (spelling?) is on trial with the Rapids. Looked solid, trained primarily with the first team.
• Julian Baudet is struggling with a hamstring injury, but looked very agile when he dipped and ducked reporter’s questions on France’s early exit from the World Cup. In the end, Baudet answered every question.
• Scott Palguta should get the start alongside Drew Moor this weekend.
• Ciaran O’brien was not at training.

Notes:

• Apparently the players are having a good laugh at the expense of Baudet and the French team. On the flip side, none of the players have said anything to Coach Smith about the US v. England match. A wise decision.
• The Colorado Rapids visit the Houston Dynamo on Saturday June 26 at 6:30pm.
• The US Men’s National Team faces Ghana in the round of the 16 on Saturday June 26 at 12:30pm.

Coach Smith on Jamie Smith, adding a defender, and the trialist:

On Jaime Smith starting against Houston:

“It will be pretty close, I mean the Columbus free kick, the cross for Conor, there have been some creative moments that have earned us points, in fact four points. He’s looking fit, he’s looking strong, and he’s looking healthy. He’s one of four guys, and that includes Omar, who are fighting for those outside slots. The important thing now is that the form players get the chance and when games aren’t going quite as well as we might like, we’ve not only got fresh legs, we’ve got fresh quality legs coming on, and that’s a big improvement on even last year.”

Adding a defender:

“We’ve certainly looked at a couple of other bodies. If you look at our defensive record, which is the second best in the league at the moment, we’ve only conceded nine goals, which is a fabulous tally. A testament not only to Matt [Pickens] and the back four, but a lot of hard work in front of them. I’m pleased with what I’m seeing with the guys we’ve got, but I’m also very mindful we are thin on the ground with defenders. We’ll probably need to add one. It will be important when that window opens, that we are close to maybe adding a character that can continue our improvement and certainly in depth.”

On the Danish trialist:

“We have a guy with us at the moment Ulrich Lindquist (spelling?) who is from Denmark, who has done ever so well. Whether or not we can come to any sort of terms, or whether or not the guy actually wants to come here, or indeed that in the end of the period of with us I want to keep him. We need to add a defender somewhere along the way now. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later.”