Wells Thompson joined the Colorado Rapids during the offseason in a four player swap involving his New England teammate Jeff Larentowicz, and Rapids players Preston Burpo and Cory Gibbs.  Wells welcomed the move and has made the most of the experience thus far.

Although he hasn’t earned a starting spot just yet, he’s definitely started to win over fans with his electric and aggressive style of play.  He scored two goals in the Rapids Open Cup match a little over a week ago, and earned the Rapids a game winning free kick this past Sunday.

On Saturday Wells returns to Foxborough, Massachusetts to face the New England Revolution, the club where he started his professional career.  This is the first time he faces his former club and admits there will be some emotions on game day.

“It’s going to be different for sure. I guess kind of a lot of emotions. It will be really good to see a lot of people, and my folks are flying up too, so it will be good to see them coming to the game. It should be good.”

Emotions aside, Wells won’t hold back against his former team.  He’s there to win and get the Rapids one step closer to the Supporters’ Shield.

“If we win that will be the best thing about it. I’m a Rapid now. I’ve come to terms with that. I think after the first few minutes, or however long I go on the field, those emotions will get over quickly.  I’ll just get down to business and play for the Rapids. We play for a win.”

The New England Revolution are 2-2-0 this season, good enough for 3rd in the East.  Most predicted the Revs to struggle this year but Steve Nicol is getting the most out of his players.  Wells knows the Revs shouldn’t be underestimated.

“I think all around, they are good team. Kehli Dube, I’m a big fan of his, he’s a hard worker, and he’s going to run 90 minutes for those guys. Zack Schilawski, I played at Wake with him, he’s the same type of player as Dube; he’s going to give you everything he has. Sainey Nyassi out wide is fast, we have to look out for that. Chris Tierney will whip a good ball in.  They have good backs with Kevin Alston, and the new rookie is a good player too. I don’t know if Shalrie Jospeh is playing, but you can’t talk about New England without talking about Shalrie. So yeah all around, they’re a good team. It should be a good game.”

The Colorado Rapids travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts to face the New England Revolution on Saturday at 5:30pm MT.

The Designated Player Rule received an upgrade that allows every team a 2nd DP slot with the option of purchasing a 3rd.  As an added incentive, teams can also bring in a player mid-season for half the salary cap hit.

While teams like LA and NY are considering a 2nd and 3rd DP player, many teams, including the Colorado Rapids, have yet to take advantage of the DP rule.

If Coach Smith had his way, he’d sign one as soon as possible. The problem is that the front office needs to consider a laundry list of factors, most of which are out of the coaches hands.  The Rapids need a player that will produce on the field and have that unique appeal that will attract Colorado soccer fans.

Coach Smith stated, “To find those players, it’s extremely difficult, everyone is looking for them. If we can find one, then hopefully we can convince the owners to allow him to come into the group.”

But where on the field would the Rapids fit a DP?

A defensive DP would be a huge risk unless the club brings in a guy like Mexico and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez.

In the midfield, Coach Smith doesn’t play with a typical attacking center midfielder and it is very unlikely that the club can find a defensive center mid that will sell tickets.  A wide midfielder? Possibly, if the DP still had the legs to run the line and play some defense.

Up top, Conor Casey and Omar Cummings are arguably they best forward tandem in the league.  Would Coach Smith split them up to bring in a DP?

The simple answer is, yes.

“Why would I not want a DP forward if I could get one? If there was the right fit, a DP forward would fit our group more comfortably than any other area.”

Coach Smith would like to get a DP forward in the club but has to analyze the type of player that better fits the group.

“I think the right fit is important.” Coach Smith is looking to see if the team needs “a forward who is good with his back to goal, a Juan Pablo [Angel], or a DP who’s explosive who’s quick, like Thierry Henry.” Coach Smith might also look for something different, a “DP forward who is extremely talented, might not be the biggest physically or the quickest but wonderful movement, great at bringing players into the game; a penalty area center forward, a good finisher. There are three very different types of players there.”

In addition, Coach Smith wants a leader.

“Not only on the field, you certainly don’t want an individual on a lot of money who is poor in the changing room, you want a good leader, you want a good professional.”

Coach Smith is keeping his eye out for the right player.  The international transfer window closed last week, so Coach Smith has to wait until the summer to make a move. When asked if he would look to bring someone in during the summer, Coach Smith replied, “As a DP? It would be fabulous.”

Who do you think the Rapids should look at as a possible DP signing?