RAPIDS: BUILDING A WINNING SQUAD
Gary Smith has taken a few steps forward in the annuls of the Colorado Rapids franchise. If you are watching closely, you will see that he is about to produce a Rapids team that has direction, skill, and toughness unknown in previous Rapids sides. This focused squad will hopefully break through the Rapids enduring history of mediocrity.
Why do I feel so strongly about Coach Smith and his chosen players? It’s because I believe that he has instilled a sense of professionalism and dedication that was lacking amongst earlier Rapids sides. These previous squads demonstrated skill, but were lacking in the focus and dedication (otherwise known as “grit”) needed to become an upper-echelon MLS team. While the facts are that we (being the Rapids) once again missed the playoffs on ’09, the honest truth is that the ’09 Rapids edition played their best soccer in years (neigh, I say… as long as I can remember), and are set to make waves in ’10.
But as the results from last season stacked up and painted a losing picture; the several season(s)-long (read: decade-long) frustrations of the Colorado Rapids supporters continued to grow. Of course they did! They want a winner, and they want it NOW. What else would they want?
My bold prediction is that this season will prove different. Yes! I have drunken too much of the pre-season “this is gonna be our best season ever” fan punch! I believe this because the team now has a relative semblance of organization, and has added players that ideally fit the system (Wells Thompson and Jeff Larentowicz). We have also added a few other players that may make a difference in season #1 (college-baller Andre Akpan, Irish-youth International Danny Earls, and Colombian youngster Oscar Murillo). Things are looking up and it’s time to believe in our hometown boys.
In addition:
A good interview with Gary Smith: HERE
February 12th, 2010 at 8:07 am
I agree, Coach Smith has a very clear direction for the team. He has already taken major steps in solidifying the midfield and defense. Aside from Akpan there hasn’t been much talk about adding a striker. With Casey possibly making the World Cup team, I’m sure this is on Smith’s mind.
Last season should have been our season but the injuries rained on our parade. I think as the preseason continues Smith will keep adding more depth to his squad. I like he look of our starting 11 so far, now it’s time work on that second 11.
February 12th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I like the fact that he is strengthening the midfield. Our midfield had good talent but we didn’t always win th middle of the pitch. I think with the new additions it should help.
I also think we need to get another striker. We have a speed guy, and a target man in cummings and Casey. But, I would lime to see a clinical finisher. We just need that third striker.
I think the change will help tactically as well because there were wAy too many long balls played when we could have built up play a little more from the back.
February 13th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I can’t wait. 6 more weeks.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:55 am
You guys have that legit third striker coming.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100218/sports/sports1.html
February 18th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Wishful thinking is that the front offfice of the Rapids is wisening up when it comes to bringing in quality players, helping out Gary Smith and working together to truly put a quality team on the field. My gut tells me that this season will be more of the same with inconsistent play, untimely injuries, bad attitudes and unfilled potential. We are the only team in MLS who hasn’t done some solid recruiting and purchased a true Designated Player yet, shocking. I understand the salary cap and its constraints, but make an effort, even Columbus (small market team) picked up Guillermo Schelottto. One uber star isn’t going to make a team, but bringing in the right player with the right character for the job could help spur the club on (Freddy Ljunberg), excite the fans (David Beckham) and ideally produce a better product on the pitch (Blanco). We seem to have the financial backing (well at least Kroenke is investing in Arsenal), infrastructure, facilities and fan base, but this means nothing without a defined strategy between front office, coach and team. Educated fans of the game and life-long players like me expect more and here’s hoping that the Rapids finally step-up, win the Rocky Mountain Cup, qualify for the play-offs and have a real go for the MLS Cup. If not then more of the same will see me disappointed and disgusted with the lack of professionalism as it’s time to get our act together. This season’s rallying cry for the entire club should be “No Excuses” and “Only the Best.” Get it done fellas…for yourselves, for the fans and for the club as a whole!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
I think the squad is starting to look more solid. Danny Earls looks to be a player who has been seen by other clubs, including Aston Villa, mind you, as having some measure of talent. Maybe a move to an very clearly ambitious side like Colorado will help him to blossom. In Larentowitcz, I think the manager has managed to bring in a silent gem, with plenty of physicality and general MLS experience, not to mention a very good season at the back of him. As for strikers, a certain Jamaican international might manage to slip in under other MLS clubs noses, and his name isn’t Omar.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
I really wonder. Smith wasted a first round pick on Pat Noonan
who’s about as fast as a snail. He gets rid of Facundo Diz today,
a good ball handler and hustler.
I’m not convinced.