The Champions' busy Off-Season has already begun

Written by: Ian Campbell

The Rapids were off to quick start to cement their position at the top of the league. The day after returning to Colorado with the MLS Cup, Julien Baudet and Danny Earls were traded to Seattle for Peter Vagenas. This was a move to reduce the number of international players on the Colorado roster. Under expansion draft rules, teams are only allowed to leave one international player exposed and protecting extra international players would have left others (like Matt Pickens) exposed. Baudet was nice enough to record a message to fans while at the rally last Tuesday and he will be welcome back at the Dick when he returns with Seattle. Danny Earls started 15 games in his first year in the MLS but was not a factor in the late playoff run. Vagenas’ age (32) and position (midfield) make it unlikely that he will crack the starting 11 on a regular basis but it is likely he will make appearances in the additional games the Rapids play as MLS Cup champions.

The Rapids protected 11 players leading up to the expansion draft: forwards Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, and Macoumba Kandji; midfielders Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff Larentowicz, Jamie Smith, and Brian Mullan; defenders Drew Moor, Kosuke Kimura, and Marvell Wynne,; along with goalkeeper Matt Pickens. The only player from the starting 11 in the MLS Cup left unprotected was Anthony Wallace. Wells Thompson, a key substitute in the postseason run, was also left with an uncertain future. Wallace was drafted by the Portland Timbers in the 4^th round of the draft, but Colorado had already worked out a deal that would send Wallace back to the Rapids in exchange for allocation money. With a player drafted, Colorado was able to pull Thompson from the draft.

Sanna Nyassi is a Colorado Rapid

We were also able to pick up midfielder Sanna Nyassi from Vancouver (who had been drafted in the first round from Seattle). With the upcoming season adding games to the schedule, it was a great pickup for the team because Nyassi will provide additional depth at midfield for Gary Smith (whose substitutions had become routine). And that wasn’t the end of the action for the first week of the offseason. Joseph Nane was acquired from Toronto for a 3^rd round pick in the 2012 draft with the Rapids again adding a midfield player for the upcoming season.

It seems almost repetitive to say it, but the Rapids are adding depth to the midfield. Technical Director Paul Bravo has repeatedly emphasized the difficulty of navigating through multiple competitions and the recent moves indicate that the Rapids plan on taking every competition seriously. Hopefully they can repeat the success of 2010 in 2011 and show the naysayers that it was no fluke.

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?