The Rapids had their final training session of the week this morning. The team will take several days off before they gear up for their Open Cup match against the New York Red Bulls and their league match against the Seattle Sounders next week. The group was in good spirits this morning. I also had the opportunity to get a few words with Rapids midfielder Ciaran O’Brien.

Training Observations:

• The Rapids worked on some offense v. defense. Decisions making on the wings seemed to be the focus.
• Mehdi Ballouchy has a little extra bounce in his step. He was making some great passes and taking some excellent shots at training. Coach Smith thinks the new formation has helped Mehdi’s play but more importantly, it’s helped Mehdi’s confidence.
• Ciaran O’Brien participated in training and is trying to regain fitness and form.
• Conor Casey and Claudio Lopez worked apart from the group on some crossing and finishing.
• Jaime Smith is still rehabbing his hamstring injury. The set back happened because he was a little bit too anxious and tried to play too soon. This time around he wants to take it slow and make sure he is 100%. He thinks the NY game might be too early, but has set his sights on the Seattle match.
• After some tough tactical work the group split into some finishing drills with an added bit of competition among the players. There was plenty of laughter and cheers to close out the session. I couldn’t tell who won but apparently Wells Thompson lost.
• The youngsters, Andre Akpan, Ross LaBauex, and Quincy Amarikwa, had a goal olympico contest. Each bet their salary to see who scored first. Quincy walked away the winner and is now the proud owner of Akpan’s salary for the next three seasons.

Notes:

• The Rapids don’t officially have a scout in Ghana as reported by Tribal Football. There is someone in Ghana that knows someone, that knows someone, that is somehow connected to the Rapids.
• The Rapids visit the NY Red Bulls on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 for a spot in the Open Cup.
• On Saturday May 29, the Rapids host the Seattle Sounders.
• The Rapids are going to post some World Cup related content on their website in the upcoming weeks.

Catching up with Ciaran O’Brien:

Ciaran O’Brien, the Rapids first round pick in the 2008 Superdraft, is finally working his way back into the group.

The talented midfielder was highly regarded coming out college. While at UC Santa Barbara, he was named the 2007 Big West Midfielder of the Year after leading the Conference in scoring. In 2006, while at the University of San Diego, Ciaran earned a spot on the NSCAA Freshman All-American team, the WCC second team, and as well as the WCC co-freshman of the year award.

Ciaran played 20 minutes in the Rapid’s 2008 season opener against the LA Galaxy. The Rapids won that match 4-0 thanks to a brilliant performance by former Rapid Terry Cooke. For Ciaran though, that match would be the last time he’d see field in a regular season match. Ciaran was given a red card in the 90th minute after a hard tackle from behind on Carlos Ruiz. The suspension and a series of injuries saw Ciaran fall out of the rotation.

Ciaran spent most of 2008 and 2009 on loan with USL sides Seattle Sounders, Austin Aztex, and Montreal Impact.  Ciaran believes his time on loan was a good step for him but is frustrated that injuries continue to plague his career.

“Going on loan last year helped me a lot. I felt good after it and then right when I came back my injury came back again and so it’s kind of been a bit of a bummer.”

Although a preseason injury left him on the injured reserve list he is now back in training and is slowly working his way back into the mix.

“Injuries have been a bit of nightmare this year for sure. I’m just getting back, I played in that PDL game last week, and its feeling alright. It’s still a little bit stiff but going well.”

A week ago, Ciaran played about 65 minutes in the Rapids reserve match against PDL side Colorado Foxes. The Rapids won that match 3-0 with goals from Akpan, Amarikwa, and a guest player.

In that match, Ciaran played as a center midfielder. A position currently occupied by Mehdi Ballouchy in the first team. Ciaran isn’t picky about his position but he’d love to play that creative attacking role.

“Hopefully, to me it really doesn’t matter, but that is my natural position that is where I’m most comfortable. At the end of the day I’d love to get a shot.”

Ciaran is setting his sights on the Open Cup match against NY.

“That is the hope, but obviously that is up to the manager. But I think I’m progressing well, that is the goal for me to get back at least a few minutes in that game. But hopefully this is my year to stay fit and hopefully make an impact.”

Ciaran has been around for a while now but is still only 22 years old. The young midfielder has plenty of time to turn his career around and hopefully he does so with the Rapids. At the moment Ciaran’s main goal is to stay healthy, get off the injury reserve list, and start earning some playing time. Unfortunately, Coach Smith doesn’t think Ciaran will be a part of the group that travels to NY.

Another beautiful day in Denver, hopefully it holds up for the weekend.  The team is coming off a morale boosting Open Cup win on Tuesday. The younger players had a bounce in their step and seemed satisfied with their performance a few days ago.  After a game on Tuesday and traveling on Wednesday the reserve players took it a little bit easier today.

Training Observations:

• Claudio Lopez participated in training.  His class is obvious from the moment he touches the ball.  After the small sided games Claudio stepped aside to work on fitness.  It is always great to see a professional of Claudio’s caliber working hard during fitness and taking a little extra time to work on his touch. Really sets an example.
• Ian Joyce is back in training and looks like he’s fully recovered from his ankle injury.
• Kimura was in good spirits.  It is always difficult when the coaches decide to bring in a player that plays your position.  But it looks like Wynne and Kimura have developed a good relationship, both on and off the field. As always Kimura stayed after to work on crossing.
• Ciaran O’Brien was at training today but I didn’t actually see him participate.  But it’s a good indicator that his rehabilitation is moving along well.
• Larentowicz probably has the “meanest” free kick on the team.  I think he hits the wall on purpose, just to breed fear.
• Although Wynne has done an admirable job as a center back, I can’t help but wonder if he can do more for the team as a right back.  In the small sided games he was breaking away from defenders and hitting some good shots.

Notes:

• The Rapids host Toronto FC this Sunday, April 18 at 3pm.
• Toronto has their home opener tonight against the Philadelphia Union, ESPN 2 at 5pm.
• MLS transfer window closes today . . . I was told there would be no surprise signings.

Final Thoughts:

Wells Thompson is the man of the hour after his two goal performance against Kansas City in Open Cup play.  Wells was almost a hero last Saturday night but just didn’t get the shot right.  He entered the match as a 70th minute sub and with his first touch of the ball cut into the box and hit a great shot that Wizards goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen did well to save.  Looking back at the missed opportunity, Wells clinched his fist and stated, “it was a great save” but “I should’ve gone far post.”

Like Wells, the rest of the team probably reflected on the things they could have done better.  Whether it’s holding their line, not retaliating, or keeping composure in front of the net everyone has a part of their game they need to refine.  As the season progresses so should the players.

We have yet to see the best out of Mastroeni, Smith, Larentowicz, and Clark – all injured during preseason.  Similarly, newcomers Wynne, Amarikwa and Lopez are still in the process of getting comfortable with their teammates.

The team is moving forward and these small mistakes and little adjustments are part of the process.  It would be nice if everyone that missed a good chance this Saturday scored a brace this weekend, like Wells in the Open Cup game.  But I’ll settle for every shot inside the eighteen to be on frame and a clean sheet  . . . and, of course, a victory.