The draft is over and preseason training is just around the corner.  This would be a good time to take a look at the Rapids roster situation.  Coach Smith has only been with the Rapids since February 2008, and has only been the head coach since July 2008. Although we don’t know too much about Smith right now, he has given us some clues as to the team he hopes to build.

Formation and Direction:

It is obvious that he prefers the 4-4-2 and is willing to go with a more defensive posture.  Smith believes in attacking football even though he implemented a defensive approach when he took over for Clavijo. His lineup choices and draft picks show a preference for fast workmanlike players.  He also has faith in youth, starting players such as Harvey, Kimura, and LaBrocca regularly.  Smith has conceded though, that the roster restrictions will make it difficult for young players this year.  He sees the elimination of the Reserve League as the first step backwards MLS has taken.

Goalkeepers: Preston Burpo, Matt Pickens, Justin Hughes, Steward Ceus, Mike Gracyzk

Smith only wants to keep two goalkeepers on the roster. With Bouna out of the picture the top two candidates are Burpo and Pickens.  Because of Burpo’s age (37) Smith might have to keep a 3^rd keeper or sacrifice Burpo for youth. Ceus, Hughs, and Gracyzk should be competing for the backup spot.

Defenders: Jordan Harvey, Jose Burciaga, Facundo Erpen, Kosuke Kimura, Ugu Ihemelu, Cory Gibbs, Stephen Keel, Ty Harden, Michael Holody, Henry Kalungi

Smith is also looking for full backs to push Harvey and Kimura.  Jose Burciaga, Jr. won’t be one of those players.  Injuries and a lack of confidence have pushed him out of the lineup and possibly out of Denver.  Draftee Henry Kalungi out of Winthrop will be one of the players challenging for a full back spot

Ugo and Gibbs are his first choice in the middle of the defense.  Facundo Erpen looks to have gotten a lifeline with Petke’s departure and should be a backup for those two.  Stephen Keel also looks like a capable option in the back.  If Ty Harden actually shows up, Draftee Michael Holody might not to make it out of training camp.  Holody will likely need to convert to fullback, but his lack of pace will make that difficult.

Midfield: Colin Clarke, Terry Cooke, Pablo Mastroeni, Nick De Labrocca, Christian Gomez, Mehdi Ballouchy, Ciaran O’brien, Nico Colaluca, John DiRaimondo, Greg Dalby, Cesar Zambrano, Kwame Sarkodie, Brian Grazer

The midfield doesn’t need too much tinkering.  Colin Clarke is a sure starter on the left but the right side is still questionable.  Cooke was benched later in the season for the preferred Ballouchy, who is more comfortable playing centrally.

The middle of the pitch isn’t as big of a mystery. Resigning Mastroeni will provide a veteran presence in the middle.  Ballouchy and LaBrocca will probably battle it out to start next to him.  Christian Gomez is the questionable player in the middle.  At his best, the former MLS MVP is a sure starter.  He was benched by Smith during the last 3^rd of the season and isn’t happy about it.  If Gomez stays, Smith has stated that he wants to integrate him into the system.

Forwards: Omar Cummings, Conor Casey, Jacob Peterson, Tom McManus, Jordan Seabrook, Schunk, Pomboe

Smith wants 4 forwards and there are 7 on the roster.  Conor Casey and Omar Cummings look to have a secured spot.  Tom McManus should be the third and that only leaves one spot.  Peterson seems to have found a home as a wide mid with the occasional minutes up top.  His versatility should save him from the cut. That leaves Schunk, Pomboe, and Seabrook fighting for that last spot.  Seabrook and Pomboe could be converted to wide mids and Schunk’s size will make him an ideal back up for Conor Casey.

Who will make the final roster?:

I’m not even going to take a shot at the final 24 because there are still a ton of moves to be made.  Here is a list of the players that are almost guaranteed to be back: Mastroeni, Perkins, Conor Casey, Colin Clark, Ugo Ihemelu, Cory Gibbs, and Nick LaBrocca.  I would be pretty surprised if they let any of these guys go.  Nico Colaluca and Ciaran O’brian are both Generation Adidas players and should be around due to their contracts.

Gomez wants out, but his salary and age make him a tough sell.  Burciaga is as good as gone.  Peterson, Harvey, Ballouchy, Kimura, Keel, and Dalby could be good trade bait.  Players such as McManus and Cooke take up a lot of salary space and might be offloaded to bring in other international signings. The odds of any of the draftees making the final roster are slim.  Pomboe looks like a good prospect and Seabrook has the speed to the play the pro game.  Ceus might lose out because of the numbers and Schunk, Kalungi, and Holody might not be good enough.

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