RAPIDS: DEPTH?
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
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Target Forward: Conor Casey Ross Schunk
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Forwards: Omar Cummings Pat Noonan Andre Akpan
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Left Mids: Colin Clark Wells Thompson
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Center Mids Pablo Mastroeni Mehdi Ballouchy Ross LaBauex
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Center Mids: Jeff Larentowicz Nick LaBrocca Ciaran O’Brien
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Right Mids: Jamie Smith Andy Lorei
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Left back: Danny Earls
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Center Back: Julian Baudet Michael Holody Greg Dalby |
Center Back: Drew Moor Oscar Murillo Scott Palguta |
Right back: Koskuke Kimura Rob Valentino
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Goalkeepers Matt Pickens Steward Ceus Ian Joyce
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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.
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March 9th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Thanks for the breakdown and I’ve got say, you’re one glass half full guy
The team is no better in the central offensive midfield then they were last year and considering the absolute failure in that position, not filling it is almost criminal.
Last year the team had a healthy Clark along Cooke on the wings. This year Clark’s return to form is up in the air and Smith is still an unknown quantity.
I’d call the rest a wash.
I just realized I never addressed depth. The Rapids may be deeper in defense and can outnumber the league in defensive mids. Yeehaa. I see no change in depth elsewhere.
As of March 9th, I’m very disappointed that GS did almost nothing to address the biggest failures of 2009.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Dalby’s not a centerback.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:02 am
@ Marcus - I think that is an oversight. You are correct; Dalby’s a CM, not CB.
@ Dave - Thanks for post. Your analysis is valid and if so, could spell another Rapids season of mediocrity. Here’s my analysis:
“The team is no better in the central offensive midfield then they were last year and considering the absolute failure in that position, not filling it is almost criminal.”
I’m not sure how you don’t see the Jeff Larentowicz pickup as an upgrade over Labrocca or Medhi (probably a major upgrade, but atleast a minor one). I think Larentowicz MLS all-star caliber CM and will form a very tough CM pairing with Pablo. Then you add Labrocca off the bench and you have a really strong CM combination.
“Last year the team had a healthy Clark along Cooke on the wings. This year Clark’s return to form is up in the air and Smith is still an unknown quantity.”
I believe that Smith is atleast as good as Clark, if not better. We only saw flashes last season, but Smith is a big 2-way upgrade over Cooke, imo. Adding another aggressive and capable wing player in Wells Thompson to replace the non-effective Jacob Peterson was a good play as well. Are we gonna be screwed again if we lose two starting wingers? Sure, but which team in the MLS wouldn’t be?
Anywhoo, great comments.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Thanks for the comments.
~ Marcus and FC Denver - I have Dably at center back for 2 reasons. First, Dalby is listed as a midfielder but he’s played most if not all of preseason at centerback. Leading me to believe he is out of the mix for a center mid spot. Second, the depth chart doesn’t take into account every position every player plays. It tries to list where the player will feature more prominently this season. For example, I have Wells Thompson as a left mid but he’s played just as much time on the right in preseason, plus right mid was his normal spot with NE. Putting him on the left just shows we have cover in that position.
~ Dave and FC Denver - Smith doesn’t play with an offensive/creative mid, so i wouldn’t hold my breath for one showing up. Larentowicz and Wells are a perfect example of the type of players that Smith wants. They are physical and ball winners. The creativity is going to come from the wings. That is why I believe the Rapids need to sign another winger.
And to clear up any confusion on Jeff Larentowicz, he is a center mid/center back. Purely defensive player. He has 9 goals and 9 assists in 5 seasons. So he’s good for one or two goals and maybe one or two assists but i doubt he’ll light up the scoreboard.
~ Dave, I agree that we are still lacking depth in a majority of positions. Depth wise I think we are strong at center mid and center back, and we have one solid sub in Wells Thompson for the wings. We still need to bring on board one more forward, a left back (possibly another right back), and a winger.
~ Dave, What are, in your opinion, the biggest failures in 2009? Let me know and I can try to get some answers.
~ I think I’m optimistic about the Rapids because I believe in Smith’s system. When everyone was healthy we were a good team last season. Smith isn’t bringing in the “best” players, because that is unnecessary for his system. He is trying to find a group of the right players. From my limited conversations with Coach Smith, I get the impression that he believes in the team as whole. The system and team work is going to carry the team to the playoffs.
Thanks again for all the comments.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:45 am
Did Moor play left back at FCD?
March 10th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Not that I’m aware of, but he’s played left back at training. Lately he’s moved back to the center, partnering Baudet, which leads me to believe the coach thinks he will be serve the team better as a center back.
In my opinion, he’s our best left back but he’s probably also our best center back.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
JL is not and has never been an attacking player. When paired with Joseph, Joseph attacked. JL has a cannon of a shot and I hope he can help, but if he ends up being an offensive threat, it will not be because of his history, it’s wishful thinking.
Wells is no better then Jacob so that’s not improved depth.
What were the biggest issues in 2009. Two: First, no consistent attack from central midfield. Second, Clark was the only moderately consistent wing player. Some may believe Smith will help, some like me may hope, but again, if he does, it’s not because of his past in MLS. I don’t think depth was nearly as big an issue as the lack of attack from the central midfield. Losing both wings was bad but if there was someone left in the middle who could play, the Rapids would have been in the playoffs. We can’t expect 2 sub wing players with starter quality. I do expect one attacking central midfielder of starter quality. We had none in 2009 and thinking we have one in 2010 is simply wishful thinking.
March 11th, 2010 at 7:02 am
You have Palguta on the wrong side. He plays as a left central defender. As for left back, Pags has played most of his college and pro soccer careers as a left back (He’s left-footed). IMO, he’s the best we have right now for that position.