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.

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?

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.”

The Rapids face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night without two key players. Pablo Mastroeni received a red card on Saturday night against the Columbus Crew and will serve his one game suspension. Julian Baudet came off the pitch in the second half of the Columbus match with a sore knee. While it is certain that Pablo won’t play, Julian is a game time decision.

Coach Smith doesn’t like to show his hand when it comes to lineups but did mention that this might be an opportunity for some reserve players to step in and prove themselves.

Two players that are ready to step up to the challenge are rookie midfielder Ross LaBauex, and center back Scott Palguta.

Ross LaBauex saw significant playing time in the Open Cup qualifiers. His combination of athleticism and skill has impressed the coaching staff. The young midfielder knows he is still a work in progress but is eager to get on the field and prove he is worthy of more minutes.

Ross seems like the ideal candidate to replace Pablo in that defensive midfield role. Although he doesn’t know if he’ll get the nod, Ross stated that “it’s looking good just cause Pablo got the red and I play defensive mid too. So we’ll see, I’m hoping, it’s always good to hope.”

Ross, a Chicago native, has extra motivation to get on the field tomorrow night . His “mom, grandma, uncle, aunt, two cousins, and a lot of friends” will be in attendance at tomorrow night’s game.

Although playing in front of his family is an added bonus, Ross believes that “getting a victory would be the best thing, regardless of what I do, as long as the team wins I’ll be happy.”

Another player that might get an opportunity is defender Scott Palguta. Scott struggled with tendinitis during preseason and has slowly worked his way back into the rotation. Scott was happy to get on the field on Saturday but isn’t getting his hopes too high about starting against Chicago.

“It was nice to get a few minutes on Saturday, but We’ll see about Chicago, there are a couple guys struggling with injury we’ll have to see how they feel tomorrow, we don’t know the lineup just yet.”

Despite the possibility of a few players missing neither Ross nor Scott believes the team will change anything.

Ross stated, ” I don’t think we’ll do much differently, we are on a good run right now, our tactics are working our formations are working. I think we are on the incline, I think we can only get better from here on as long as we work hard and play our game we can win it.”

Similarly, Scott doesn’t think the team will make major adjustments but believes their 2-2 tie earlier this season will motivate the team to look for the win.

“I don’t think so, [Chicago] I think, even though we are 10, 11, 12 games into the season, they are still trying to find themselves a little bit, they’ve been up and down a little bit form wise. The game here is going to be in the back of our mind, obviously that tie is a game we thought we should’ve won, so I think we’ll approach tomorrow night with a little bit of chip on our shoulder, that even though we are on the road we’ll be thinking 3 points the whole time.”

Coach Smith also stated that he was pleased with what he saw from Jamie Smith on Saturday.  Additionally, Coach Smith is entertaining the idea of giving Claudio a chance against Chicago.  He didn’t state if it was off the bench or starting.

The Rapids battled for a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night.  There were few chances between both teams and it took a fantastic header by Drew Moor in the 85th minute to earn the Rapids the victory.

Although the Rapids didn’t play at their best, their discipline and defensive fortitude was on clear display.  Earls and Wynne had the unenviable task of shutting down Gaven and Robbie Rogers, respectively. Something that most teams in the league have failed to do.  Drew Moor and Julian Baudet completely frustrated Steven Lenhart and limited Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Pablo and Jeff owned the midfield and kept the Crew from creating any chances. In the end, it was a defender, Drew Moor, that won the game for the Rapids.

The Rapids found a way to win on Saturday night.  Despite playing a man down, the Rapids organized themselves and made the most of the one chance the had late in the match.  Watching Drew Moor score the game winner and Colin Clark tackling in the defensive third to hold on to the win, shows that this team is willing to share responsibilities and find victories.

Player Ratings:

Pickens, 6: He came up with some big saves and kept the clean sheet

Wynne, 7: A solid performance by Wynne on both sides of the ball. Kept Rogers in check he whole match.

Baudet, 6: Still a few miscues but overall solid performance.

Moor, 9: Man of the match. Perfect defensively and the game winning goal.

Earls, 7: Another great game for Danny. He continues to impress with his quickness and ability to join the attack.

Larentowicz, 7: Won plenty of tackles in the midfield and showed strength on the ball to keep possession. Nothing spectacular from him tonight, but he did his job.

Mastroeni, 5: He made a few uncharacteristic bad passes, and a few terrible passes throughout the night. Besides that he kept the Crew’s offense under control. He loses a few points for not making contact with his two fisted shoalin worm fist.

Ballouchy, 7: Had a few moments of excellent play but Carroll and Moffat neutralized him for most of the game. He was forced the find the ball in deeper positions.

Cummings, 7: The Crew focused on neutralizing Omar, but he still found some space to run at their backline.  His finishing is still letting him down.

Clark, 6: Returned to the starting lineup and put in a solid shift. Not as dangerous as he used to be, but made some plays for the team. Made some big defensive plays at the end of the game.

Casey, 5: Andy Iro and Chad Marshall kept Conor in check most of the night, leading to second half substitution. He made a few good plays when the ball was played into his feet, but his touch fails him a little too often. Putting your elbow into the ref’s face isn’t a good idea either.

Subs:

Thompson, 6: He didn’t see much of the ball but made some good defensive contributions. Produced the Rapids best chance in the second half when he got to the endline and passed the ball back to an on rushing Omar, only to have the ball ricochet off the post.

Smith, 6: Didn’t see much of the ball when he came in but delivered the game winning assist.

Palguta, n/a: It was good to see Palguta get some time.

Post Match Quotes:

Columbus Crew, Asst. Coach Mike Lapper:

On the Crew’s the match:

“Our intention because of the altitude, maybe playing 3 games in such a short span, we wanted to drop off a little bit in first half get into the flow of the field, eliminate the space for Omar Cummings to run into so he would be limited on that side, let them build out the right, so that the couldn’t get on to a diagonal ball. I thought we did that for the most part. Second half we said, if you feel like we can go as a group, not individually, but if you feel like we can go, lets raise the tempo. we started getting a little bit more confident and I thought second half we played better.”

“It’s just frustrating, it comes down to individual duels and to lose it on a set piece, it’s hard.”

“I was pleased with everybody’s work ethic, attitude, and effort that they put forward, it was fantastic. unfortunately the game is beautiful and it can be cruel at times. I thought that was a 0-0 draw the whole time.”

On the goal:

“It was a great set piece, a good run, Drew moor gets his head on the ball. Like I said it comes down to individual battles, and he won that individual duel. The ball was there and he headed it home. Not a fluke goal at all, good service, good finish.”

On going into the break without a win in the last 3 games:

“If we were playing poorly and that was the case we’d discuss the issue, even the LA game I thought we played well. You go back to the three games, LA I thought we played well, just didn’t get it done, we battled well agains San Jose, and I thought we battled well tonight. You know just sometimes its a cruel game.”

On Colorado:

“My hats off to colorado, they are having a great season. Gary Smith has got them giong in the right direction, they are a tough team to break down, and they proved that again tonight.”

Rapids Head Coach Gary Smith:

On the match:

“We’ve played better than that, there is not doubt about it, we’ve played better, we played better against LA and lost. So at what point do you say the performance is everything or winning is everyting, tonight winning is everything, because we have played well for 5 weeks or 6 weeks we haven’t always gotten our reward.”

On subbing Conor Casey:

“I thought the two centerbacks tonight, did as good a job on him as I’ve seen all season, and i thought if we get a bit of pace through the middle, there might be those other opportunities, where we could slide down the side of them, some fresh legs out on the right, and you know that might be the difference. it didn’t end up that way, but that was the thought process behind it.”

On the team:

“The players have showed some qualities that I think have not always been at the forefront of their performances, some real character, some great determination, and the willingness to not lie down and die.”

“Tonight we proved that we are improving, we have a good squad, a good group, a very tenacious group of players, who I think will push most teams to the limit at this point.”

Rapids Defender, Drew Moor:

On the goal:

“I think it went right over Scotty’s head I think he had some of the bigger guys on him, I think I was left with one of their smaller guys, which benefited me obviously. Jaime just put it right in a dangerous spot, just kind of right at the top of the six yard box.”

On the teams reaction to the red card:

“Honestly at that point you are happy with a 0-0 draw, Just becuase you are a man down, 20 minutes to go, its been a relatively even game, but when we do have our opportunites, especially on set pieces, we’ve got to commit bodies forward and try to keep them on their heels. And who knows maybe you’ll sneak one in the net, like tonight.”

On the win:

“Three points is the most important thing, everybody conributed to the three points toinight, and I think that is what we are most excited about. Definitley what I’m most excited about.”

Star Wars™ Cantina 2010 / adidas Originals from Dominic Prevost on Vimeo.

The group is feeling confident after the win against Seattle. After a tough lose on Wednesday, the Rapids were happy to get back to winning ways. They have 16 points at the moment (5-3-1), enough to put them in a 3 way tie for 3rd. Plus, the Rapids have a few games in hand. At the moment, the Rapids are on a good pace and looking to improve as the season progresses. Not much to report on today, but here are few things of note.

Training Observations:

• Julian Baudet, Ciaran O’Brien, and Jamie Smith participated in full training and the fitness session.

• A few players practiced freekicks. Mehdi Ballouchy and Jeff Larentowicz were the most impressive among them.

• Kimura was not at training and there is no set date for his return.

• Ciaran O’Brien is likely going on loan, but he doesn’t know when or where. He says he’s been healthy for a month and is waiting to get off the injury reserve list.

Notes:

• The Rapids host the Columbus Crew on Saturday June 5.

Final Thoughts:

I noticed that both Jaime Smith and Claudio Lopez were training at full stride with the group.  Both have struggled with fitness issues, Jaime had a hamstring injury and Claudio joined the group late. As of right now, both think they are ready to play but have to wait on Coach Smith and the staff to see if they get that chance.

Nevertheless, watching them train made me ask myself, “do the Rapids finally have depth in their attack?” Although there is a great deal of improvement in that particular area, my answer at the moment is “no”.  We have plenty of bodies but we don’t know enough about certain players to really say we have depth.

Here are the players available: Wells Thompson, Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Mehdi Ballouchy, Colin Clark, Jamie Smith, Claudio Lopez, Andre Akpan, and Quincy Amarikwa.

This season; Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Mehdi Ballouchy, Wells Thompson, and Colin Clark have shown they are quality MLS players. The jury is still out on Jamie Smith, Claudio Lopez, Quincy Amarikwa, and Andre Akpan.

As of right now, the Rapids only have one quality attacking sub coming off the bench in Colin Clark. Quincy Amarikwa has contributed but, to some extent, has shown his limitations. Akpan has yet to feature in a league match and it might still be a little too early for the young striker to contribute.   That leaves Jaime Smith and Claudio Lopez holding the key to the Rapids depth.

I think we can reassess the Rapids depth when both Claudio and Jamie start playing significant minutes.  Both have impressive resumes and are highly regarded, but neither has had the opportunity to impress on the field.    When Jaime and Claudio are fit the Rapids would have cover for Mehdi (attacking center mid) and Omar (right wing) in the attack.

Until then, my answer to the depth question is “no”. That being said, their recent progress at training shows promise and we should have the opportunity to assess them soon.

Share your thoughts on the Rapids current depth in attack? What areas do you think the Rapids are solid and where would you like to see Coach Smith bring in new players or possibly a DP?