US Men's National Team at The Dick!

Class VI has learned and confirmed with an anonymous source inside the Colorado Rapids that the US Men's National Team will be coming to Denver in 2008. US Soccer and the Rapids are preparing a press release announcing a match featuring the US Men vs. Guatamala on November 19th, 2008 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. CONCACAF's calendar doesn't have anything listed on that date but it is an official FIFA match date for International Friendly matches.

Stay tuned....

CVI Questions with Coach Clavijo: Night of Frustration

In a game that the Rapids deserved a point on the road, Coach Clavijo has taken time to answer some questions about a very frustrating night for the team.

I. Coach Gary Smith got sent off. Can you tell us a little about the Rapids new assistant coach and what happened to get him removed from the field?

Gary didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but the fourth official mention on the report that Gary Smith was abuse in language to the head referee Tim Weyland.

I didn’t hear anything from Gary to support that statement.

II. Why did referee Tim Weyland give Tom McManus a red card while he was on the bench?

If you watch the game from the beginning you will see that Weyland was very aggressive to Thomas McManus, and after a bad call was issue against us, he jumped and directed some comments to the referee, you have to remember how close is the bench to the lines and to the field, it is a very unfair situation for players in the bench.

III. A classic game of two halves. The first half the team progressively lost control to Houston, ultimately conceding the lead. Then the team came out and their performance improved tremendously as the second half progressed, leading to Cummings tying the game. There were no substitutions and no obvious shift in the team's shape. What did you say in the locker room to get the team on the right track?

There were a couple of players that were not playing to their potential; we were waiting for Houston to play instead of our team playing.

In the second half we put the ball in the ground and played like we are capable of playing.

IV. All season long, we've seen wing play be a very important tactic employed by the team. This game however, Jacob Peterson and Nick LaBrocca seemed near invisible. Was this a shift in tactics?

There was not a change in tactics, but you also have to remember that there is another team and another player competing with you.

Second half was much better second half for Peterson, but he is still learning to play that position.

V. Omar Cummings had some terrific moments in the game. He also had moments where he seemed to try to do too much alone, including one moment where it was obvious he should have dished off to McManus. Can you give us an assessment of Omar's overall game at this point in his young career?

Omar is a great project, because of his luck of experience he is going to make some questionable decisions during the game, we understand that and we encourage him to keep trying. He needs to play with the rest of the group more and he is doing that little by little.

VI. Christopher Sullivan of Fox Soccer Channel, said on the air that the confidence you had instilled in the players was a double edged sword. That it has become a case of the patients running the asylum, referring to the red cards and the hand ball penalty kick. Do you agree with Sullivan's assertion?

I am trying to understand what he tried to say here, and it is confusing.

Ugo is a player that was out for almost 5 months and last game was his 2nd full 90 minutes in a long time.

He understood he made a mistake and that is all. We all do mistakes………. What we do next is what counts.

I disagree with Christopher comments in a big way.

Editor's Note: As do I coach!

Thanks Coach and let's get three points toward getting the Rocky Mountain Cup back in Colorado where it rightfully belongs!

CVI Questions with Coach Clavijo: On Top where we belong!

Coach Fernando Clavijo has the Rapids in a tie for first place in the Western Conference. We've asked him some questions about the impressive victory over DC United Sunday afternoon.

I. You changed the shape of the team for this game and it worked like a charm. Tell us what the reasoning was for the change in tactics?

DC United is a very good team with a lot of good players, my biggest concern was not to allow DC to dictate the phase of the game, the changes were done to put pressure from the beginning and not allow DC to slow the game down.

II. Jose Burciaga, Jr., and Terry Cook started all the previous games, but neither were on the field at kick off. Why did you choose to go with Jacob Peterson instead of Cook, and Jordan Harvey instead of Burciaga?

We are very please to have such a talented roster right now, and give us choices that not many other teams have.

Jose Burciaga is an excellent football player but I felt that adding Harvey will help us defensively on the right side with Quaranta and going forward.

Peterson is a different player than Terry Cooke, we were looking for someone to take people on, and force defenders to defend, Peterson speed help us not only in the midfield but also breaking forward in quick counters.

III. Terry Cook wore the Captain's armband for the first five games of the season, doing so even when Pablo Mastoreni had returned to the line up. This game, Cooke was on the bench, and Mastoreni wore the armband. What part will Terry Cooke play in regards to the role to Captain?


The role of the Captain on the team changes everyday, but it is a clear example of what you expect from the rest of the players.

Leadership on and of the field is a must. Terry Cooke and Pablo showed me they deserved that recognition on the first 6 games.

IV. The team controlled the the entire flow of play with the exception of a fifteen minute stretch in the second when DC United tried fighting their way back into the game, which our defense stifled efficiently. This has been a contrast to the last two games. How did you get the team back on track and focused for a full 90 minutes to the man?

Last game in Chicago, I felt we did enough to have a better result, but manage to have a let down for 10 minutes that cost us the game.

I believe the changes we did help us to concentrate better, and I am not talking only on defenders but the team in general.

V. Nico Colaluca was a player that when drafted in 2007 was labeled a player that could help the Rapids immediately, and yet he has only 62 minutes played in his career. Where does Nico fit in the grand scheme of the Rapids?

When Nicolas Colaluca was drafted we felt we had a kid with a very good future ahead of him, and that has not change.

Players develop at deferent speed and assimilate things at different rate, Nico has not developed as quick we thought he would, but still in our plans to keep working with him..

VI. You've gotten us back into a share of first in the West. Congrats Coach. The season has seen some ups and downs, which is expected early in the season. As coach, how do you build on this win and keep the players focused and motivated playing a winless Houston team, and avoiding another let down like the San Jose loss?

For some reason in the MLS it is to believe that it is Ok to win one weekend and lose the next one, everyone is going to lose some game.

Unfortunately is not something I am happy with, we need to have a killing mentality and put teams away early and often. That takes time and we are working on every day.

Thank you so much Coach and good luck in Houston! Keep up the good work.

U16 & U18 Action!

The U16 & U18 Rapids Development Academy teams will be playing at Heritage
Park (Quebec & University, south of C470) vs. Real Colorado on May 8th
(Thursday). The U16 game is at 5:30 PM and the U18 game is at 7:30 PM. Click for a
map to the field.

Week 6 Goals

Jacob's goal was a thing of BEAUTY!

Dos de Tres Caídas

by Geoff McPherson

DC United vs. Rapids, May 4th 2008

There is sports marketing and then there is FutboLucha 2008, …..honestly I’m speechless……it may um…....ah it could be good for…….no sorry just speechless. Just when I thought the testimonial match of mascots for Rapidman in 2007 was the most ludicrous spectacle I’d had ever witnessed at a sporting event over weight, half naked men with capes and masks will go head to head at Dicks.

Could you imagine the conversations that went on in the Rapids Marketing department’s brain storming session? “What do ya recon Tony, do prefer Lucha Libre or Midget Mud Wrestling better? Or how about Janet’s idea of Cock Fighting at Dicks? Great energy guys keep the ideas coming”.

In saying that if it increases the diversity of the Rapids fan demographic I’m all for it and I should never have a career in Marketing. Any fire and passion from south of the border that will stir the vocally suppressed pasty white soccer moms of Denver, I say bring it on.

DC who due to their success had the logistical nightmare of the CONCACAF Champions League playing 6 games in 19 days in April seem to be back on track with a somewhat normal schedule and to our joy clinically finished off the mob from Utah last Saturday
4-1.

There are more changes to the line up than repetitive quotes from the Democratic primary, basically we go for a 4-3-1-2 formation with the obvious omission of Cooke and Colin “Ritchie Cunningham” Clark. I’m a little baffled initially but I’m interested to see what Clavijo has up his sleeve.

There some major tension in section 118 before the game with the overly sensitive liability protective netting behind the goal, absurd to say the least, a call by season ticket holders next to me to the powers of be that the locals weren’t impressed and they were down in a flash.

First 15 minutes were brilliant, the Yang of the Rapids season compared to the Yin of San Jose. Some great early chances, diving header by Cunningham, McManus great shot from the edge of the box. He looks great going forward but his final touch looks a little concerning. There are a lot of Scottish players that can huff and puff and look good going forward but it’s the finishing that makes the difference and the reason he his here, so the jury for me is still out on the young Scotsman.

We are playing a very narrow field, Labrocca is not providing any width on the left wing, and I would have to say he is playing a role of some sort to eliminate the threat from the right side which is extremely effective. Gomez seems more valuable going forward sitting behind the front two and not playing too far up the field. He now has more options and freedom and takes full advantage of both. Cummings gets a great ball from Gomez at the end of the half but his first touch lets him down to possibly round the Wells in goal. We go in at the half where we had all the chances, the defense had eliminated any concept of a DC goal and you had the feeling that if we did score it would be lights out for lads from the Capital.

In didn’t take long in the second half, in the 52nd minute after a great move Gomez passes to an open Peterson (who is having a great game) and just lets it rip first time from just inside the 18 yard box, just a magic finish. In the next 10 minutes we had a chance I felt to finish DC off and push forward, instead we go back into a very controlled shape. It was the 10 minutes following that that there was sense of Yin in the air that DC could get their one decent shot on goal and tie this game up. Any concern about a tie was eliminated when we get the second; Cooke supplies a dinky cross to Erpen who powers home a header from 7 yards.

In summary the game strategy of Clavijo was clinically executed and as the the traditional Lucha Libre matches in Mexico are decided by two out of three falls (dos de tres caídas), this game was won with two excellent goals leaving DC flat on the mat.

And now I, as many of you have the complex issue of trying to find the perfect cape and Speedos to match our newly acquired Rapids Lucha Libre mask.

Let The Good Times Roll

It was a lovely sunny day yesterday. If you didn't make th ematch you not only missed good food and company at the tail gate but a cracker of a goal by Jacob Peterson.

More information on the match here.
Class VI Members can vote for their Man of The Match here.

CVI Questions with Herculez Gomez

I. Your story of how you ended up in in MLS is extremely interesting. Tell us how you got started in the Mexican League and ended up playing for San Diego of the PDL?

After High School my Dad sat me down and asked me what I wanted to do. He told me If I wanted to go to school he would help me, but If I wanted to try playing at a high level I needed to do it while I was young.

I didn't have a lot of offers and only had a couple of small schools interested but I think deep down I always knew I wanted to try my hand at going pro.

That summer after graduation I made my way down to Pachuca. It was a rough two weeks. My tryout was ok not great, they told me they had a full roster and had no plans of making any changes.

Luckily for me there was a scout for Cruz Azul at one of the exhibition games I played in. He helped me with a tryout. I made the team and did well, but I was impatient and wanted more now. I left after my first season. Finally, after a frustrating season in Puebla I found myself in Durango Primera "A". Things didn't turn out they way I or anyone in the club had hoped. We were constantly losing and in threat of being relegated. Long story short... soccer wasn't fun anymore. It was my first look at all the politics and crap that came with it. So I left. Back to Vegas.

Thought about calling it quits and going back to school.

One day out of the blue a friend called and told me about this new D3 USL team that was holding tryouts in San Diego. He talked me into going.
It was interesting but fun. They offered me a contract and I said sure why not.

II. 2005 was an amazing year for you: MLS Champion, US Open Cup Winner, LA Galaxy MVP, and putting up 11 goals during the regular season. Were there challenges to going from a relatively unknown player that had nearly given up on his career to being thrust into the American Soccer Spotlight?

Yeah there sure was. My life was flipped upside down overnight.

I was a huge Galaxy fan. And thought I would never get a chance to play for my team. Injuries alone with some National Team call ups allowed me to have a chance. I just had fun. Before I knew it we were winning, I was scoring, people would even recognize me on the street.

It was all a little surreal.

I literally went from living out of the trunk of my car to being a celebrity guest at the White House, all in the snap of a finger. I guess the crazy part of it all was the recognition. I had the fortune of being a nominee in the Rising Star Category for The LA Sports Choice Awards. During this event I was on one of my first dates with my now girlfriend Kristi.

A stalky gentleman approached me and shook my hand. He said "I'm a Big Fan" I said "So am I!" He walked away. Kristi looks at me and asked "Who was that?" I doing a double take said " I think It's Roy Jones Jr." Editor's note. I'd love to meet the best pound for pound fighter perhaps in history!

III. You, along with Ugo Ihemelu, were traded to the Rapids in for the 2007 season. How were you informed that you had been traded and was it difficult for you transitioning from your 2005 success to being traded?

Ugo and I along with Troy Roberts were all roommates. I had been receiving phone calls all morning. It looked like a front office number. I finally answered and Alexi's secretary informed me that he needed to see me right away. I informed Troy who was the only one in the house. It seems Alexi needed to see Ugo as well. I got out of the shower ran down stairs only to find Troy and Ugo talking about Alexi's decision to trade Ugo. I was Shocked! I asked Ugo for who? He said Alexi couldn't tell him. I immediately knew I was involved.

It was a fairly smooth transition to be honest. This is a great bunch of guys. I can't think of anything that was rough... oh wait. The 2 feet of snow that awaited us as we set foot here maybe. But I have fallen in love with this beautiful City since then.

IV. Since coming to the Rapids, you've played both flanks and as striker. Where do you feel most comfortable and effective on the field?

I think I enjoy playing more as a Striker. Thats where I am most dangerous , to be quite honest that's were i have had my most success. But I do see myself being capable of helping our team in multiple positions. If it meant winning I would even put on the gloves.

V. You scored the first Rapids goal in DSG Park's history. Combining that fact with your celebratory jump into the stands in front of a sold out crowd, that goal will remain a Rapids highlight for history. Can you tell us what you experienced from the moment the ball went into the net?

Goals are blurs at the moment. I can tell you it's one of the most exhilarating experiences one can have. To have a packed house all cheering for you is pure joy. Being able to say I was the first to score at DSGP is something no one can ever take away from me, it's a big milestone for any big player to have, yet alone me. I hope we can give you all a lot to cheer about this season.

VI. If your teammates had a juggling contest with points given for style and how long they can keep the ball up, who would finish first and who would finish last?

That's an easy one. Longest and with style Kosuke Kimura.
On the other side of the spectrum Ugo Ihemilu.

Sunday Weather

Don't let this morning's chilly temps get yourself thinking it'll stay like this. It may have looked a bit like Christmas Thursday morning. And the wx folks are saying some spots may get snow today. Nevertheless Sunday's game time weather is looking like it'll be another wonderful spring day.

Beach Soccer?

Well only if you're so inclined! Join us on our second road trip of the year to visit the Home Depot Center in Los Angles where our boys will be putting a hurt on David Beckham, Landon Donevan, and all the other worthless LA Galaxy players!

We leave early in the morning on June 7th. When we get there, we're going to take a tour of Hollywood. Who knows, maybe we'll drive by the Beckham's and toliet paper their solid gold gate with Rapids streamers!

We'll head off to dinner and the game in the evening to watch our boys show the people in Los Angles that the opener was no fluke.

In the morning, we'll catch the Rapids Reserve match to watch the future stars of the team show us why they are back to back Reserve League Champions. And then it's off to the beach for some fun and sun. Bring a ball for a little beach soccer!

That Sunday evening, we fly back to Denver - all a little more cheerful for having lived life to the fullest. Don't sit on your couch when you can join other fans and live the game!

A link to putting a deposit down is in the Road Trips Link or up in the Event Banner. Please join us - it'll be a trip you'll remember!

Week 5 Goals

Without ‘Chick magnet’ Sam ... Rapids fade fast!

Rapids vs. Fire April 26th, 2008
by Geoff MacPherson

With Kids you can discuss concepts until your burgundy and blue in the face but its only going to make a difference when they actually experience the situation and only then does light bulb go off… “Oh that’s what the old git was dribbling on about”. And that is what we are hoping happened with the Rapids kids against the Earthquake last week.

Its lad’s weekend in my household this weekend, just me and my son Sam who’s 20 months old. Sam has the energy level of Colin “I like to wear ‘Ritchie Cunningham’ cardigans for TV interviews” Clark, pushes the barriers like Kyle Beckerman (as a result is yellow carded on a daily basis) and seems to learn to adjust quickly to new situations. Yet at the same time it doesn’t seem to matter how may times he provokes the cat (often resulting in multiple scratches) he still ends up with the confused look on his face of, “dude what the hell was that for?”

We play Chicago for the second time in 6 weeks (last time was preseason in the Mecca of US Soccer, Ridgeland, Mississippi) where it ended in a 1-0 win to the Rapids. Clavijo goes with the same 4-4-1-1 formation but makes three changes from the first 4 games Mastroeni comes in for DiRaimondo, McManus replaces Cummings and Gray steps in for Kimura.

Former Mexican television reality dance competitor Cuauhtemoc Blanco weaved his magic in the first 15 minutes making our back four look very nervous and disorganized, but credit to the defense they adjusted quickly (compared to the debacle last week) and for the majority of the half shut him down.

The midfield was doing their job and looked good moving forward, Ritchie Cunningham had a great strike in the 32nd minute that just flew over the top left hand corner.
McManus was great in the first half often floating over to the right and delivering some great crosses; unfortunately the midfield did not react and crash the goal in a timely manner. Cooke played a disappearing act, I don’t know if McManus was taking up Cooke’s space on the right which threw Cooke out of sync compared to what he has been use to with Cunningham who plays a more out and out striker in a central role. Even when the bust up with Gomez happened in the 45th minute he wasn’t visible and Mastroeni seemed to be playing the captains role.

The disappointing aspect of the first half was the lack of balls won by the Rapids midfield when it was cleared from Chicago’s 18 yard box too keep the pressure on the Fire defense. We go in at the half at 0-0. The Rapids are looking solid but unfortunately ‘Chick magnet’ Sam was fading at British Bulldog but definitely a good first outing for the young fella.

For the second half I had the cultural experience of I listening to the rest of the game on the way home in Spanish waiting for Gooooooaaaaaaaalllllll Rapids, it came but all a little two late. From the brief highlights I did see we had a couple of defensive lapses which resulted in the 2-1 loss.
Yes this team is still young, they are going to get us excited about potential playoffs at the same time the kids are going to do what kids do, make mistakes, its going to frustrate us to no end as we scream from section 108 or at the TV, but in my mind its will be fun to watch these guys with a large amount of potential grow and learn in front of our eyes this season. Just as it is watching Sam learn how to ping the ball across the kitchen.

CVI Questions with Coach John Murphy

Rapids assistant coach answers VI questions for Class VI

I. There is so much involved for a coaching staff; First Team, Reserve Team, Goal Keeping, training, tactics, fitness, set pieces. Can you describe what your duties are as Assistant Coach of the Rapids.

While my titles with various MLS teams have changed over the years, my primary role have stayed the same: assisting the head coach and “fill in the gaps” between the staff and team. My former boss, Mike Noonan of Brown University told me years ago that the main role of the assistant coach is to allow the head coach to focus on the enjoyable part of his job, and help with the not so fun parts! I have tried to adhere to that credo during my time in MLS and feel the results show. As a recent example, I have been working with the goalkeepers more this season. This is due to the change in the coaching staff during the off-season, but that doesn’t change my role within the team. My on the field duties still include training individuals and groups in preparation for upcoming matches. On game day of the reserve matches, I run the team with Fernando giving feedback when needed. Off the field roles include scouting future MLS opponents, match analysis/review with our players, and scouting of college and international players. However, the task that has taken a good deal of my attention over my four years in Denver is development of the Rapids Academy; a project that I take great pride in. This was earmarked as part of my job when I first arrived in Denver in 2005 by GM Charlie Wright, and I am happy to say that the growth has been very positive. Today, we have over 1,000 participants in our training/camp programs, a U-16 and U-18 boys teams in the US Soccer Academy system, as well as a grass roots programs that will be launched this fall. Even more encouraging is the commitment of Dick’s Sporting Goods as they have contributed a significant amount of scholarship funds to be used for both boys and girls throughout the Denver metro area. Their commitment has helped us reach out to kids in need from various ethnic and economic backgrounds that may not be able to afford our programs.

II. Many fans are unaware of your pursuit of a UEFA coching license. Can you tell us why you pursued it and give us one of those stories you tell over a pint!

My mother is from Glasgow, so I have always had a connection to Scottish football. As I first entered coaching in my early twenties, I began to attend coaching courses from the US, and was encouraged to attend the B License from the Scottish Football Association after meeting Scottish National Team Coach Craig Brown in 1995. Unlike many European countries, Scotland has always believed in coach education and has been at the forefront for quite some time. Andy Roxborough, former head of the SFA technical staff is the head of UEFA and former students include Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Jose Mourinho and Alan Shearer. During a 12 year period, I have completed my B, two levels of the UEFA A and currently on the UEFA pro badge. The Pro Badge has just 19 of us with most current managers in the UK. We meet 6-8 times a year for two to three day modules, but keep in touch and submit assignments on an incripted website. This is an 18 month course that covers various topics such as:

Handling professional players

Styles of play

Key game analysis

Mental preparation

Sports medicine

Specialist training

Game related training

Fitness and conditioning

The media and technology

Ethics and code of conduct

Business management

Club structure

Contracts and agents

Planning including rest and recovery

Study visits (Pachuca, Fulham and EURO 2008)

Practical work and problem solving
The course has a great deal of content that is helpful to me as an MLS coach, and I have developed a great international network through my work in Scotland. It has had a big impact on how I work in my day to day tasks with the Rapids. Some of the stories I could tell you would curl your hair, so I will just leave them to your imagination. Needless to say, the Scots are perhaps the funniest people on the face of the earth!

III. As head coach of the Reserve Team, how does it feel to see some of the young kids you're involved with making such a big splash with the Rapids first team?

Very pleased, but not too surprised. We spend quite a bit of time scouting these kids in college, but you are taking a bit of a chance as it is difficult to determine how they will adapt to a professional environment. All have adapted relatively well, but we still need to be patient with them. All of our young players have a tremendous attitude and commit completely to the Rapids on and off the field to make it work for them. The developmental salaries are very difficult to live on, so these boys are not only training with us, but working quite a bit in our Academy system to help make ends meet. To see them on the field competing with the first team and growing has been very satisfying.

IV. You've been in MLS for nearly a decade. The Designated Player rule has landed Beckham & Blanco and now there's talk about Thierry Henry coming to future expansion team Settle Sounders. How long do you think it will be before MLS turns out a World Class star that not only turns on the American Public, but the world wide fans of the Giants of European Football.

The only way we will get the attention of the general public through a star player is by developing not one of our own, but literally dozens. So we are still a few years away from that. That is why the work that I am currently doing with the Academy is key for our long term development as a club. Eventually, we will be able to protect selected youth players that come through our system from the MLS College draft. This will eventually help us establish a type of player and playing style that will run though the club. A stronger club pool will ultimately effect our national team and that is where the world class star you describe must excel. The World Cup is the ultimate showcase, and we must continue to make strides in qualification and in the finals themselves. In the meantime, bringing in foreign players with the right attitude will help improve the level of play and galvanize the MILLIONS of soccer fans in this country. Hockey did it for decades before American consistently broke through the pro ranks, so we are much further along in that respect.

V. Okay coach, the Sox swept away the Colorado dream of a World Series. Did you get yourself in any close calls, lose any friendships, or make any small children cry from your allegiance to the wrong team?

I made sure that my five year old son wore a Red Sox shirt and hat everyday to school during the World Series to rub it in a bit. I figured that no one would beat him up since he was in Day Care!

VI. Denver or Boston. Which is the bigger sports town? And remember coach, you're not running for President!

Are you kidding me?!? Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, the Boston Marathon, the Bean Pot, I could go on and on……But the best reason is quite simple: people from Denver actually have a life. They can go to the Mountains or ride their bikes through amazing parks and open spaces. The lifestyle is much more conducive to a well rounded lifestyle and mentality. Bostonians are generally miserable people no matter where we end up living. We scream at the TV, complain about the team we are watching, then say “told you so!!” when one of our local teams screw up. My childhood was shaped by too many men of the ice in 79, the bad Boys of Detroit in 89, Goose Gossage popping up Yastrzemski in 78 and Calvin Schiraldi in 86 (NOT Bill Buckner!). The Pats this year was a classic example. We are still getting over that. BTW, the Bruins lost 5-0 to the Canadians in game seven of the playoffs the other night. I almost threw up after I watched the game. The Yankees are the only team that Bostonians hate more….it has something to do with that snobby French-Canadian attitude I think. That is why I grew up hating the Quebec Nordiques…..then they moved to Denver and stole Ray Bourque……that’s a Bostonian’s memory for you: forget everything except a grudge!

Thanks coach and congratulations on doing such a fine job with the Rapids Reserves.

Muchas Gracias!

I want to thank everyone in CVI for their support the past few months as I've gotten distracted with this little election thing I was running.

On the down side, I have missed out on some of the CVI cameraderie we all enjoy so much.

On the plus side, I won the dern election!

Now it's time for a vacation, and I'll see everyone in mid-May.

Here's a family pic before the swearing at, errr, swearing in ceremony.

Cheers,

BilFish

Week 4 Goals

Well you won't see the Rapids bury one - but here ya go

Relationships are Interesting

by CVI's Geoff McPherson

Rapids vs. Earthquakes April 19th, 2008

In putting my ideas together before the game my thoughts are “Three weeks into the season and I see that the Earthquakes as an easy ATM 3pts”. Am I getting ahead of myself? Or should I spend more time listening to people wiser than me that could foresee the dark clouds on the western horizon i.e. Mr. WeWantRapidMan?

Saturday night for me was date night with my wife, time for us to spend some quality time on a constantly evolving relationship. Yeah I know poor planning…..so yes viewing of the game for me would be delayed as any hope to see the game live was shot down by the unhelpful bar tender at North Star stating that they did not have FSC which we all know is a croc as it comes with most cable packages especially those that a public house would subscribe to.

It’s got to be said with San Jose in town the fans relationship with the franchise is quiet unique. As a fan could you imagine when you thought everything was going well for you and then they just walked out on you? To Texas of all places. Then two years later you have some what moved on and not 100% sure if you’re ready to date again.

Colorado goes with the same starting team they have all season with the formation of 4-4-1-1. San Jose selects a standard 4-4-2 formation.

The first 10 minutes was what we have seen in initial three games of the season after that there was a half chance here and a half chance there but where did our 2008 Rapids go? Slow, predictable, and San Jose back four were solid, which is the same back four that got carved up by the two player Galaxy team just 16 days earlier. Where was the hustle? The pace? The options? If Cooke gets closed down then we go with Gomez, or Clark, Burciaga is making his runs, but no it’s like painfully watching a Honduras mid-table club football game the weekend they installed Direct TV when you immersed yourself in the three 24 soccer channels at the expense of anything else.

We are not linking up at all, a lot of ping pong football and then we go a goal down in the 43rd minute, not great but this Earthquakes team is very beatable. Gomez & Gomes enter the game at the start of the second half as we move to a more attacking 3-5-2 formation. We start with a few opportunities but nothing that’s going to get San Jose shaking in their boots. They bring defender Vide on in the 56 minute with what I can gather is a 4-5-1 formation which I think should be banned; I blame defensive minded EPL managers for its recent global popularity.

The risk of pushing forward is that they might sneak a second and they do, you know the rest which was not pretty and not the Rapids that have got the fans buzzing after three games.

Sometimes you get comfortable with relationships sometimes they really push your limits, sometimes you question whether you want to be in the relationship and through all those twists and turns you stay with it and you work at it, and why? For nights like March 29th against the Galaxy where everything clinks and you remember why you got into the relationship in the first place.

Altitude: One on One with Colin Clark

Go One-on-One with Colin Clark: Don’t miss Altitude Sports & Entertainment's exclusive interview with Rapids midfielder Colin Clark. This 30 minute special, hosted by Altitude's Peter Ruttgaizer, gives fans an in-depth look at the Fort Collins native.

Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 at 1:30 a.m.

CVI Questions with Coach Clavijo: Earthquake Strikes

Coach Fernando Clavijo checks in with Class VI after a difficult loss to expansion team San Jose.

I. The team play was flat and had they had tremendous difficulty with execution. What are your expectations of your players in being mentally prepared and what is your role in getting them there?

Everyone had a bad night, I can’t remember of one player that performs to his level.

Expectations are always high, and knowing that Chicago also had a bad game vs Kansas City brings even more opportunities for us to recover lost ground.

II. For the fourth game straight, you had the same starting line. Thinking back on the game, is there anything tactically you would have done differently?

No, we stick with the same lineup for many reason, the first was that they had some good results and wanting to keep the group together was always in my mind.

Second half, DiRainmondo was sub because of injury and we added another striker, going to three defender in the back.

III. You've mentioned in the past that the team needs play the ball through Christian Gomez and yet the strategy appeared to be long balls from the back to catch San Jose with speed. Are the players failing to execute the game strategy or did San Jose's play dictate the game?

I believe that San Jose was allowed to execute their game plan and we didn’t execute our game plan.

We never found Christian, and Christian was not at his level.

IV. Each game, Class VI votes for a Rapids Player to be named Man of the Match. Some games are easy, like Terry Cook in the opener. Some, like the San Jose Game are more difficult. Who you pick as Man of the Match?

Looking at your first question, pretty much answer this one, I don’t believe we had any player that perform at a good level.

V. Going into the locker room a goal down with San Jose increasingly controlling the play, what was the message delivered to the team, and what changes did you implement?

That the effort was not good enough, playing against the wind we needed to put the ball in the ground.

Going into the second half we need it to pick things up, create more chances, and get numbers forward.

Going 3 4-1-2, allowing Christian more freedom, and adding another striker.

Our high pressure needs it to be as a group and not individual like in the first half.

VI. This season, Jacob Peterson has sat on the bench in each of the first four games without seeing a minute of play. What is Jacob Peterson's role and under what circumstances would we expect to see him step onto the field?

We are always looking to improve in our offense and Jacob Peterson is one of those players we had put a lot of faith on.

He started in every Pre-season game and didn’t show well, but we all know of his potential, right now we are waiting and hoping for Jacob to pick things up and show us what he is capable of doing.

We're very grateful that we have a coach that will find time for the fans of the Rapids. Good luck in Chicago and bring us back to the top of the Western Conference.

I got some bad news

Yeah, I know nobody wants anymore bad news after Saturday. But hey, just ask anyone: I'm the kind of jerk that will pile it on for you!

One lucky win on the road and one loss that shouldn't have been. One win at home that drew the attention of the league, and one that had people contemplating if we're going back to 2007. That's something nobody wants.

But we're 2-2 and that's not too shabby. So I took at peek at how we started out last season. The story is worse than you thought, we did BETTER last season. We took three points from the two games on the road and four points from the two at DSG Park. In fact, the team was a respectable 4-2-3 before the ten game winless streak.

One fan's reaction to the San Jose game

Last year left the vast majority of fans extremely sensitive. A thrashing in the home opener gave more hope than perhaps it should have. And the debacle at home is perhaps more anomaly than indication that history is repeating itself. It's certainly nowhere close to time to panic, but how the team responds this weekend in Chicago could be a defining moment for this team this year.

My how far MLS has come, now with six teams now missing the playoffs, each game feels just a little more important. And for Rapids fans, that may hold true just a little bit more.

Tomorrow's Game Time Weather

The weather for tomorrow is looking P E R F E C T.

Week 3 goals

To get you a little more pumped up for this Saturday.

There is something different going on this season Rapids fans - the first two home games of the season are both going to be perfect weather - something is is in the air!!!

CVI: Nick Thomas

If you haven't read Nick's blog WeWantRapidMan - you're missing out.

In a timely piece to go along with our interview with Justin Hughes - he gets the skinny on Bouna missing significant time this summer. You think the African Cup of Nations does in EPL teams - take a look at how World Cup Qualifying it going to affect our Rapids!

WeWantRapidman.blogspot.com: Bouna To Miss Rapids Games?

Also check out his preview of the upcoming game this weekend against San Jose

Remember, tailgating starts two hours before kickoff. We've love to have you out - open to all fans of the Rapids!

CVI Questions with Justin Hughes

Rapid Goal Keeper Justin Hughes took some time to answer VI questions for Class VI.

I. How's the injury? What happened?

The injury. The injury is coming along. I basically had a 2nd degree strain of the pectineus muscle, also known as the deep muscle of the groin. I have had groin problems for some time now, and I think this injury was just an overcompensation based on previous problems with the area. During the Galaxy reserve game I basically went up for a cross and thats what did it in. Its unfortunate and I felt like I was in a good rhythm, but thats how it goes.

II. Right now, Bouna is the number one Keeper. He had an amazing showing at the African Cup of Nations. Be honest, you want a French League 1 team to come in and buy him right? What are the challenges you face being the second choice?

I think it is tremendous what Bouna has accomplished and done for himself. He has worked very hard and I think it goes without saying that all the players, coaches, organization and fans take pride and are proud of what he has done. I, of course, want to play and look forward for an opportunity to play.

I know it comes with time and goalkeeping is a position that requires extreme resilience and patience. I know I will get my opportunity and make the best of what is presented in front of me. In terms of being the number two, I still believe I have the ability to continue to better myself as well as continue to learn and grow in specific elements of my game. I feel very involved in what goes on with the team on the field. And lastly, like I previously mentioned, patience is very important, especially as a number two.

III. Has there been any discussion of a plan to make sure you see some regular season games this season, or is it more of a keep fighting for number one and you never know when your number comes up?

I think everyday is a challenge to not only strive for the number one spot, but to also better myself as a player. With complete respect to Bouna, i think it is necessary to have the attitude that you believe in yourself and that you can be the number one keeper. Essentially thats what we all want as players is to play, therefore I feel you must be in the correct mindset throughout training, because you really never know when your number will be called on.

In terms of games, I feel I will have an opportunity at some point to get in some action. It has been discussed and with Bouna's current success, that he may be missing some action and therefore it is my duty to step in and perform.

IV. You were drafted late in the third round of the 2007 draft. What was it like waiting to be selected and how did it feel when you were? Was there any doubt you'd be selected by a team?

The draft last year was a very unique time. It was full of emotions, both positive and negative. The number of thoughts that go through the head is ridiculous. Being drafted was one of the greatest moments of my life, especially the fact that iI had the opportunity to pursue my dream. I was very happy to be drafted to the Rapids, for I previously came out during the summer and fell in love with Denver. I had the confidence in myself that I could play at the next level, but I think all individuals must have some humility in themselves. It not only makes you stronger as a player, but as an individual as well.

V. You've been in Colorado for a year now. What are the things you like most and least about living here?

I'd be lying if I said I was nothing but in love with Colorado. I grew up a skier and would come out to the west yearly for a trip to ski. I knew it would be a great place to live, but once I was older and more mature, I realized that it really would be a great place to start your career. I firmly believe it you are bored out here, then there is something wrong with you. From morning practices including views of the mountains, to Rockies games, to Washington Park, to hiking, to biking to the snow, there really is a ton to do and enjoy.

VI. MLS salaries were just published by the MLS Players Union. As a player on the developmental roster getting such a pittance from the league, what are your thoughts about the league's minimum salary standards and how do you make ends meet?

As mentioned, this is a very touchy subject. I think an essay could be written on the idea of a developmental contract, but ill try to be brief. Its a catch 22 because these spots on the roster obviously allow individuals opportunities that may not have previously been available. However, its ridiculous to think people can survive on that certain salary. It is right on par of meeting ends, but i feel it really puts things in perspective.

It will be interesting once the new CBA is presented, for the developmental topic is probably one of the key issues. the league holds a lock on you and it leaves very little rights to the players. I'll be completely honest, I'm not happy being on a developmental salary and think I deserve better, but like I said, you have to start somewhere.

I am thankful to the Rapids that I have been given an opportunity and feel I owe not only them, but myself to get the best out of my ability. My mother consistently reminds me of a saying that strides hand in hand with the developmental situation. Its not where you start, it is how you finish...

Thank You Justin, very well done and very much appreciated. Here's hoping that your time comes and your career takes off.

Bouna Time!

VI Questions with Coach Clavijo: NE Road Win

The Rapids came away from their two game road trip with an undeserved loss and a fortunate victory, proving soccer really is a funny ole game! Coach Clavijo has been kind enough to answer VI questions for Rapids fans.

I. On every Rapids fan's mind, Christian Gomez was holding his knee right before he left the game. How serious is his injury?

Christian is a big part of the Team and I didn’t want to risk him in the second half, the injury is not that bad, just a bad bruise on his right knee.

II. The team looked much more conservative, playing a significant amount more of long ball and not pushing the attack as strongly as the first two games. Did the Kansas City game play a role in that?

Not really, I believe that the field (turf) had a lot to do with it, also there was a very good team playing again us.

The biggest concern going to that game was not to allowed them to get into any rhythm and force New England to defend; I thought we did a very good job in the 1st half but struggle in the second.

III. The team ended a seven game winless streak in New England, the team you coached before coming to Colorado. Do you get any gratification from beating your former employer?

The first win in that Stadium (Gillette) have my name on it, many of the players that are the main guys were drafted by me, and I have the greatest respect for the ownership and Sunil Gulati ( President of Kraft Soccer)

Just a great win for our player’s confidence

IV. The second half play seemed much more tentative and possession suffered. Was this solely due to the absence of Christian Gomez or was did you implement a tactical change at half time?

Not only Christian is a very good player that help us in transition and possession but also someone that other team pay lots of attention, not having him there, we suffer and also going one goal up, force the Revs to push forward even more.

V. Mehdi Ballouchy hasn't been listed on the Injury Reports, didn't appear in the Rapids only Reserve match, and has yet to even appear on the bench for the Rapids. What is Ballouchy's situation?

Mehdi Ballouchy is coming back from a pulled hamstring, which kept him out for a big part of the pre-season; he is healthy right now and is fighting like everyone else to get back into the lineup.

VI. Altitude's game feed came from the Rev's telecast, and Greg Lalas continued to echo something we continue to hear around the league, even from fans at home, that the Rapids need a proven goal scoring striker. We're on top of the Western Conference and have gotten goals from just about everyone on the team. In your opinion, what would the team have to achieve to shed off last season and get the most cynical pundits to finally see that the Rapids have built a contender?

Don’t believe everything the commentator talk in the telecast, they don’t have most of the information and to be honest sometimes they have no idea of what they are talking about. In regards to needs, I was one of the people that from the beginning mention the need of a proven goal scorer, but when the opportunities to grab Christian presented itself, we jump on it, doing that limited the opportunities or players in that position to go after.

I also believe that right now we should keep improving on what we have and see what else is needed later around.

Thanks again Coach, we'll see you at DSG Park as we cheer you and the team on to victory over expansion team San Jose.

Getting Bang for your Buck!

We're now three games in, with the same starting lineup for each match. We're on top of the West and have three points on the road. Each of the eleven starters has played a vital road in at least one, if not all of the games, and Rapids fans are finding pride in new players wearing the Rapids shield.

Everyone knew Christian Gomez was going to be pivotal to the season. Rapids fans are very familiar with Terry Cook and the emergence of 2007 CVI Player of the Year Bouna Condoul. Colin Clark's star continues to grow of the left flank with a sprinkling of US National Team whispers. Defenders Jose Burciaga, Jr. 's skill has been well known throughout MLS (well except Kansas City apparently) and Facundo Erpen arrived with some fanfare and he's shown fans why.

But this team is showing incredible chemistry, teamwork, and skill with some players nobody outside of Denver new off. The product of Coaches Fernando Clavijo and John Murphy's believe in the utilizing the Reserve League Team. RB Kosuke Kimura, CB Stephen Keel, Striker Omar Cummings, DM Nick LaBrocca, and DM John DiRaimondo. The five key players make $33K or less each. The entire starting line up for the first three games amounts to less than $600K if you don't include the Rapids highest paid player, Christian Gomez. Now that is getting bang for your buck!

It's not all sunshine for everyone however. Team sources have explained the entirety of the transaction to bring Tam McManus to the Rapids to Class VI. Very smartly, the team kept cap space for an extra player in case someone had to go onto the disabled list. Players on the DL still count against the cap, but you may add a player to the roster, who also goes against the cap, in his place.

Adding McManus caused the Rapids to have an extra player on the Senior Roster, necessitating someone getting waived. That player was Dan Gargan. Since one player came off the DL, they needed to waive another player.

But here's the move you may not have noticed. To gain another spot on the Senior Roster, the team demoted a player to the Developmental Roster, and then cut Developmental Player Scott Campbell. The demoted player has been on the bench the last two games, defender Jordan Harvey.

Class of 2005

When Kyle Beckerman was traded, it was something that many Rapids fans recognized straight away - Pablo Mastroeni was the last remaining player from former Rapids Coach Tim Hankinson's teams.

Well Pablo is still there, still one of the cornerstones of our beloved team. But here is something you may not realize: With the release of Dan Gargan yesterday, only three players remain from the incoming class of 2005. Can you think of who they are?

In the mean time, let's look back on Fernando Clavijo's first overhaul of the Rapids. He brought in a player that took everyone by surprise with his vast skill, Dedi Ben Dayan. 2005 was considered a successful year by most considering how thin Hankinson left the team with talent, and Dedi was one of the biggest reasons why. Unfortunately, the real world intervened and he moved back to Isreal.

Alain Nkong came and went and came and went, and on to bigger and better things in Mexico to be sure. Cunningham was brought in, but despite bringing goals to the goal starved team, was shipped off due to his character flaws, to put it kindly. Luchi Gonzalez and Guy Melamed were young players that saw significant action along with Dan Gargan, who can take comfort in knowing he achieved some longevity in hindsight.

Because the only three players left are Terry Cooke, Mike Petke, and Jovan Kirovski. And no, I didn't list those three players in any particular order!

Here's an even more extraordinary fact, the class of 2006 is even smaller than 2005 with Colin Clark and Jacob Peterson remaining. It's no wonder that roster turnover was a major concern for the organization this past off season.

Editor's note: When writing this article I was using a stats page that didn't list players making no appearances for the season. Thanks to Jason Maxwell for pointing out that 2005 included Bouna Condoul and Stephen Keel and 200 6 Jordan Harvey.

That makes five players remain from 2005 and three from 2006

McManus In ... Gargan Out

Hopefully the Rapids today took a step towards getting the missing piece of the puzzle that fans have been clamoring for since November. Tam McManus' deal is finally completed, and he's now officially our newest Coloro Rapid Striker.

After being released in 2005 by Scottish Club Hibs, he signed on with Dundee in 2006 and netted 10 goals for a team that failed to stay in the top flight. Facing the financial struggle of relegation, he again was released only to land at Falkirk.

Never finding a role in Falkirk, he returned to his first club, Dunfermeine, where he went on to spend 2007 scoring 3 goals in 25 appearances.

The question is, will Tam fit in with the Rapids and regain his scoring ways? I know I had questioned the Terry Cooke signing, who's resume was equally worrisome before he landed in Denver. Hopefully, that initial feeling is as off as it was for Cookie.

With the signing of McManus, the Rapids had to clear a roster spot. After a difficult beginning to his Rapids career, followed by steady improvement and winning over Rapids fan's hearts, we say goodbye to Dan Gargan.

Always a hard worker and a player that took time for the fans, we wish him well and hope he finds the next step in his life a successful one.

Week Two Goals

Check it out - from our friends at Climbing the Ladder.

Also, scroll down to the "Daily Read" and check out a couple useful widgets to get your MLS news, Colorado Rapids Videos, and to see the MLS Table.
It's color coded for the Supporters Shield (1), CONCACAF Champions League Qualifiction (1-2), Super Liga Qualification (1-4), and MLS Playoffs (1-8).

VI Questions with Coach Clavijo: KC Heartbreak

Class VI, along with the C-Firm, made the marathon bus ride to Kansas City for the Rapids thrilling 3-2 loss to the Wizards. With loses like that, it makes you proud to be a Rapids supporter. Coach Fernando Clavijo has taken some time to answer VI questions for Class VI.

I. Over 30 Colorado Rapids supporters from Class VI and C-Firm made the marathon bus trip to KC to support the team. Did this have any affect on the team?

With fans behind you is always a plus but even more when you are in the road.

The group of supporters that made the trip to Kansas City was great and the players and coaches are well aware of that.

II. You started the exact same lineup from the 4-0 thrashing of the Galaxy. Give fans insight into the decisions of sticking with the young players, and keeping the veterans on the bench to start.

I always believe that the team who win games is a team that should keep playing, it was clear to me, that the first eleven that started against the Galaxy did many things right and was not reason to change it.

III. A team that can come back from two goals down to tie it up on the road shows tremendous heart. It's something that seemed absent for most of 2007. Can you tell us what the difference we're seeing between this team and last season's team?

I will disagree here, it is true the players showed an incredible heart in coming back from 2 goals down, many times last year, the team did the same or played for 80 + minutes with 10 players and still got a result.

I never had any doubts of the heart of my players.

IV. Can you give us some insight into how the Rapids roster stacks up at Left Midfield? Herculez Gomez came in for Colin Clark in the second half. Does this mean selection for the left flank falls between Herculez and Clark or are there other players we could see out there as the season progresses?

There is not many natural left side midfielder in our league and we are very lucky to have Colin Clark, he is our number one player I that position but you will see many other moving into that slot throughout the season, and the names you probably will see is Herculez Gomez and Cieran O’Brien; they are all different and can add something different to the game.

V. After fighting back and tying up the game, only to lose it near the final whistle, seems like it could be a difficult result for the players psyche. How do you keep the fight we're seeing in the team this season as we go into another road game against New England?

I believe that these guys are professional and the game we allowed to get away from us will make us stronger in the future.

VI. The team looked to win the game, and then Kansas scores with a few minutes left to wrap up the game. In hindsight, do you wish you had made a change, perhaps putting Kelly Gray into the game and riding out the clock for the road tie?

It is always easy after the fact to speculate about what could I have done different, but I trusted the guys in the field and that trust still there today, but we should learn from our mistakes and manage the game better.

As always Coach, thank you so much for your time and good luck to you and the boys in New England.

That's how to lose!

Well, nineteen CVIers and C-Firmers boarded the bus for Kansas City Friday some time past midnight. We popped Football Factory into the DVD player people pretty much either passed out or passed time.

As the sun came up - so too did many of us (I think it was in Hayes or shortly after) and the community food share was broken out - donuts, egg/ham sandwiches, Mist (Manly Mist!), and all sorts of various junk food (much of it Red). After a couple more movies, we arrived into Kansas City around 11 AM on Sunday.

Showers or naps were the general activities when we checked into the hotel, which very happily was a parking lot away from the Stadium. We all met up in the hotel parking lot at the Caulderon's tailgate with another 11 Rapids fans that arrived by their own means. Let me tell you, these kind folks put on a great event (One CVIer is still getting grief for giving TOO MUCH praise). The tailgate is hard to miss with a smoker, two enormous grills, an RV, and tables of Ribs, Grilled Veggies, Baked Beens, and deserts galore. They were kind enough to host us for the cost of a handshake!

We all filed into the stadium and into our party deck, which would be located down the first base line in the outfield. Not as great as 108, especially with the foul pole obstructing our sights, but enjoyable none the less.

The players gave us waves as they came on to the field, and then proceeded to play an upbeat style with the aim of winning one on the road! Jimmy Conrad brought us supporters and Stephen Keel's spirits down a bit. But heaven be praised, the team's heart came shining through as they fought back to even it up.

And although they lost it late, we all walked away pretty satisfied with our boys character! They fought hard, and they fought to win. Hats off to Fernando Clavijo for sticking with the young players that again stepped up and performed so well. Of course we want to be shouting "Victoire!! Victoire!!" game in and game out (what, did you watch Victory first thing Sunday Morning on the Bus back to Denver?) but if we lose like that, we'll have a team we can be proud of no matter the outcome.

A special word of praise for John DiRaimondo and Jose Burciaga, Jr.. John's play was stellar and if he keeps it up, some of those more experienced players are going to be looking over their shoulders. And Hopefully Jose will gather some satisfaction for another excellent game. While he didn't beat the old club, he did bury one beauty on them!

After the game, we walked around the retail district called The Legends, having dinner at Arthur Bryants (to mixed reviews). We went to do some drinking at the Yard House. To our surprise, this was more of a restaurant, as was all the "drinking establishments" around. So, like all good weary travelers, we settled for ice cream (don't forget the Sprinkles!), and went back to the hotel where we either crashed out or blathered on to each other in the hotel lobby.

Everyone on the road trip had a very good time (especially Kelsey the Birthday Girl - she turned 35 so everyone wish her a happy 35th birthday next time you see her). So good in fact, that we started planning the next road trip in the middle of Kansas at an IHOP!! Stay tuned. Hopefully you'll join us next time around - even if it does involve airplanes instead of a bus and endless soccer movies!

The Mysterious Quiet Fans

by Donna Feldman

Now that everyone, including myself, has weighed in on the remarkable performance of our Rapids last Saturday, some other critical issues need to be addressed. Like the quiet crowd. Clavijo noted this in his Q & A, and I noticed it during the game. It was a bit odd, and now I think I’ve figured out the possible reasons. So here’s the Top 5 reasons the crowd wasn’t loud:
#5: Too much tailgating. Start drinking beer and eating at 4:30, comatose by 8.
#4: People were too busy watching Beckham, waiting for him to do something brilliant, and forgot they were there to watch a soccer game.
#3: Too many of the 18000+ fans were only there to watch Beckham and weren’t paying attention to the game at all.
#2: Our ears were ringing from all the fireworks and cannon explosions after all those goals
#1: We’re just so used to shouting critical and despairing remarks, that we’ve lost the vocabulary for cheering great plays. We were collectively dumbfounded.

Looking ahead, I’m worried. Open up the little blue program (you saved it, right?), and look at the enormous team roster. Look at all the talent that didn’t start and/or play in this game: Gargan, Ballouchy, Petke, Herculez, Ugo, Pablo, Casey, Peterson, etc. The group that just won would seem to deserve to keep playing. But all these other skilled players need game time, too. Not being a coach, I don’t know all the fine points of keeping guys on their toes and positive and in shape, but it seems to me that playing in actual games is key, or they start losing their edge. So maybe that’s a question for Clavijo. I hope the answer isn’t that people are going to be traded.

The fans finally woke up in the 90th minute for the hockey-style brawl. Around my house, there was some wonderment about why Donovan got a pass after that blatant shove. It made for an exciting end, and was way more entertaining than cheerleaders ever were. I’m looking forward to a season with a continued lack of cheerleaders and maybe a few more brawls. And definitely more noise. Hopefully we’ll be using more positive and enthusiastic cheers, so get out a Thesaurus and make a list.

Gomez enjoys being a TV star

Christian Gomez does a TV commercial for Dicks Sporting Goods ... have you seen it yet? Well FCDTV did a behind the scenes video of our newest hero.

Certainly his magic is better performed on grass than a buffed DSG store's floor!

Soccer still has a way to go

Well, even though the game Saturday was epic, we need to remind ourselves that we do still live in American and this is still MLS. And Kansas basketball is larger than life.

These are the facts. Sometimes the facts just plain suck.

The kickoff for the game Saturday against KC has been bumped up so there's no overlap for the NCAA Final Four Kansas vs North Carolina game. Let's face it, hats off to the KCFO for giving their fans what they want! But a big middle finger from us Rapids fans making the bus trip out for the game.

So the viewing party at the British Bulldog gets moved up to a 3PM MST kickoff.

Also, if your looking for those rad track jackets you saw people wearing at the tailgate - visit the store to place your order. Limit ordering time - so act quickly. They will not be ready for the next home game - but for the one after that hopefully. CVI's own Max and Patrick are the gents behind this - so no getting stuck in customs! (Maybe the FBI or CIA - but so far they've done well at keeping those agencies at arm's length!)

VI Questions with Coach Clavijo: LA Victory

Rapids Coach Fernando Clavijo takes some time to answer some questions for Rapids fans in light of our 4-0 victory over the LA Galaxy on Saturday which starts our 2008 quest for our first MLS Cup.

I. A lot of young inexperienced players stepped up against the likes of Beckham, Donovan, Xavier, and Ruiz. Can you give us you thoughts on the performances of Kimura, DiRaimondo, Cummings, Keel, & LaBrocca?

I believe that actions speak louder than words, but the level of play and the maturity of play of our young “old” players were excellent. Kimura was up to the task in stopping the best American player today in Landon Donovan; John Dirainmondo and Nick LaBrocca control the midfield like to season veterans’, Stephen Keel was very solid and did an outstanding job complementing Erpen and Omar Cummings was always busy, needs to make better runs and be able to keep the ball a little longer to allow Christian to get forward.

II. Terry Cooke and Colin Clark were able to attack Los Angles relentlessly. Can you give us your thoughts on how Christian Gomez's and Jose Burciaga's successful Rapids debut contributed to the play of our flanks?

Terry Cooke was the engine on the right side; He found ways to be in the ball more and his constants run forward force Gavin and Landon to be more defensive that they anticipated. Colin Clark outstanding speed kept Klein and Beckham most of the night defending and Christian Gomez connected well with those two. Jose Burciaga was excellent defending but also was able to go forward and creating lots of problems for LA,

III. You went into the locker room with a one goal lead. Can you tell us what was said at half time and what adjustments or focuses you had going into the second half?

The message was clear, keep the pressure on LA back four, don’t allow Beckham or Landon space to play and keep playing. The other point was that we need it was to found Christian more and early than before.

IV. Can you describe what the atmosphere inside DSG Park was like from the field and how it affects the players?

Every time to have a sold out stadium you notice it, and the level of energy is there, but I was a little disappointed after watching the game in TV that the announcers mention how quiet the fans were, I didn’t understood it at the beginning but the energy from the fans was less that many people expected.

V. Rookie Ciaran O’Brien comes in late in the game and gets ejected. Can you give us an account of what happened and how a coach handles such a devastating event for a player's first 15 professional minutes?

Emotions run high for a younger player, more in a game of that magnitude, Ciaran is an incredible talented player and situation like that we hope make him a better player in the future. He made the wrong decision at the 90 minutes mark to chase down the play and tackle Ruiz. As a coach you need to bring the situation back and make him see why he right choice was not made at the 90 minutes mark.

VI. Next up, KC. A couple dozen of us are taking a bus to the game to give the team our support. Can you tell the fans what sort of affect that has on a team?

Fans can have a positive or negative impact on the Team, when you see the fans going the extra mile for the team, make all the players and coaching staff more appreciated, Look at Toronto fans, 2,000 fans into Columbus for a game, do you think for a minute that anyone in that team will not like that?

As always coach, we appreciate your endless efforts in taking time for the fans! Congratulations on the win and good luck in Kansas City. Be sure to stop over and say hello to the Road Trip Supporters.

Top of the Table & No Looking Back!

Building on what hopefully becomes Rapids tradition, the opening game of the season at DSG Park was not only a victory - but also an incredibly entertaining and flowing game of soccer!

The weather was perfect and the atmosphere buzzing at the tailgate. In a wonderful show of solidarity, all supporters put their efforts together to host Colorado's best soccer tailgate in history.

Inside, the stadium was rocking! The players came out and showed tremendous heart and Rapids pride as they took apart Beckham, Landon, and Ruiz. Stunning goals by Cookie and Clark were only part of the celebration. The young Rapids players stepped up and showed that the Cobras' (Rapids Reserve Team) back to back Reserve League Titles are achievements to be very proud of.

Some stunning goals by the good guys and an absolute wonderful time with Rapids fans, has put smiles on a lot of faces to start out the March to MLS Cup 2008.

Check out CVI's Nick Thomas' post from WeWantRapidMan.com to sum up the game.

Saturday Tailgaiting Begins At 4:30pm

Tomorrow's the home opener for the Colorado Rapids at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. Class VI will begin it's tailgaiting early at 4:30pm. We tailgate in the NE corner of the parking lots. For a map, click here. Please feel free to join us and enjoy the company of follow soccer fans.

On another note, keep in mind that even with highs in mid-60s tomorrow the weather folks are talking about snow that night. Be prepared for a the temps to drop. When it's 60F and sunny at 6:30pm that t-shirt's going to feel good. But when the sun goes down it's going to get chilly.

VI Questions with Coach Clavijo: Pregame

Fernando Clavijo took some time out from game preparation to answer some questions for Class VI and all Rapids fans as we approach the kick off to the 2008 season. Go Rapids!!!

I. The team has so many injuries. Can you give us a quick run down of who won't make the game Saturday?

Many players will be game time decision, and we need to look into game fitness with many of them.

Out for sure are:

Conor Casey, Hugo Ihemelu, Mike Petke, Jovan Kirosvki, Mehdi Ballouchy

Players that we will monitor and may play some time are: Daniel Gargan, Herculez Gomez, Pablo Mastroeni, and Rafael Gomes.

II. It seems Rafael Gomes has excellent skills on the ball, but Rapids fans don't know much about him. Can you tell us a little about him and what role do you expect Gomes to play for the team this season?

Rafael is a great player from Brazil, he is eager to show to the fans and to us what is he capable of doing, He will be playing behind Christian and help him connect with the rest of the team. Great on the ball and will get forward always in good positions to score.

Christian is happy and he feels welcome in Colorado, this will be a big year for him and is looking forward to help the Rapids win a championship.

IV. Is there a player Rapids fans may be surprised to see in the starting lineup come Saturday?

Like I told you before, many of the final decision will be on game day, will be premature to tell you any names right now, but you can count on that which player step into the field is going to make you proud.

V. When you come in against a team that has made so many changes and hasn't played a regular season game yet, how do you approach the game strategically?

My biggest concern on regards to a team that we don’t know much is to play our game, dictate the phase and the speed and force them to play or react to your style. We know they have some very good players but we are at home,

VI. Can you give Rapids fans an idea of what you, as coach, do the morning of a game until kickoff?

I wake up around 7 am, my wife bring me breakfast in bed (she is the best) take a shower and drive to the office. Look into articles to find out a little about injuries on the team we will be playing, get into a Match Analysis, a program that allow us to check players and games and review free Kicks, offensive and defensive- check for tendencies of teams. And anything that I can learn and pass along to the players. After that go to the weight room, work out a little, home get lunch and comeback around to the stadium 3 hours before the game.

Thanks for your time coach - Class VI Rapids fans greatly appreciate your taking time for the fans. Good luck Saturday!

Rapids OwN Fire!

Not sure we intended to have the "sellout" blog entry sit at the top of the site so many days, so let's move on to something more positive.

Rapids OwN Fire!

Yep.... nice to see that all that firepower the Fire brought in (what, 10 forwards or something?) doesn't mean crap.

Congrats on the win guys, let's use the momentum to get off to a nice start in front of the home crowd Saturday!

And if you can't wait for the 7:30pm kickoff or are just a bit fidgety that Beckham won't be back from the France game, stop by the great CLASS VI tailgate Saturday afternoon! We'll get things rocking around 4pm, and won't stop until the first whistle (or perhaps just before that).

Please consider bringing some food to share and help make the tailgates even better. We'll have two kegs on tap for those who like variety, and some soft drinks and extras for those who don't roll the hard way.

Anyone see the weather outside lately? Is it March or is it June? Can't wait to see everyone there!

Rapids don't want to be a sellout

I'm assuming that the Rapids don't want to be known as a sellout.

As of this morning, the 2nd day of Spring and just one week from kicking off the season, the Rapids are not even close to selling out their home opener game, against the LA Galaxy and David Beckham.

How far the once-mediocre have fallen.

Sorry for the negative post, but when life gives you rotten lemons, it's time to make some sugary lemonade. What is the lemonade? Well, there's still great seats left for the game, at every price level from club seats to cheap seats.

Another great positive? Legroom! Everyone can spread out since there will be empty seats.

$70 Club seats (tables for four behind general seating): Still Available
$35 VIP Midfield: Still available for single seats only (midfield, row 4!)
$30 Premium seats: Still available for groups
$20 South Stands: Still available for groups
$15 North Stands: still available
$12 North Endline: Still available

* NOTE: There's a $7 fee for purchasing a single ticket from the website.

**Note: I would like to add two notes to this post. First, section 108 where Class VI resides is essentially sold out, thanks to the passion and interest of fellow Class VI members. Great job!

Second, I want to note that I may have given the wrong perception of thousands of tickets still available. I have it on good authority from the Rapids that only hundreds of tickets are available for the game. As always, I leave it to you to decide whether there should be any tickets left for the home opener, or not.

Hola, I'm Bonji...

Many of you know me, for those who don't I'm the one who designed the sweet Class VI logo...so give me respect. :) Ok, I kid. But seriously, what do you think of the logo?

Mark has been pestering me to get more involved around here. So I will while not working on my job, my real estate deals outside of work and my other blog. No, I'm not running for City Council like some Class VI knobs, but I am a busy guy.

So, who went to the Burgundy and Blue game last night? I did, I did! It is a decent event. I went with fellow Class VI member, Justin "Mustache" Blum. We enjoyed the $7.25 Tecates. Does anyone remember how much the tap beer was last year? That seems like a huge increase. I also enjoyed the Cantina's food for the first time. I recommend the Tex Mex Wrap. Also $7.25. Rapids games are getting more expensive folks, I guess we shouldn't be surprised. Back to the Cantina, they were showing the CONCACAF Champions Cup match...good work Rapids. Soccer in the Cantina. Perfect. Just turn off CNN.

On to the match. The play on the field was marginal. I'll just focus on the notable things in my opinion. Rafael Gomes is obviously Brazilian. His skill on the ball is incredible. It will be a joy to watch him weave in and out of opposing players. He had a couple small moves where he just danced around guys while maintaining possession. Young footballers out there. Watch his footwork. Silky.

Kelly Gray is on trial with the club. As is Tam The Hitman and another tall striker who totally looked out of place. While I haven't seen Gray enough to judge, he's had a solid MLS career and Chelo is hot on him. I think he may be able to earn a deal. Not sure who would be dropped if Gray signs.

The 29 players listed on the Rapids roster mystery has been solved. Rapids draftee, keeper Mike Graczyk, was listed last night on the "program" as a MLS Pool keeper. So, now 29 = 28. Same goes for Aussi Chris Sharpe, who isn't listed on the Rapids site but was reported as signed by tribal football. Props to tribal for actually posting a correct story and not something they made up.

Another rookie, Brian Grazier, saw a lot of the ball despite the fact that the Rapids couldn't get his name on his jersey. I believe he was the only player out there without his name. He played for the Burgundy team and filled in for absent Colin Clark. He looked decent. Time will tell if he is MLS ready, but he showed he can perform against his own teammates. Not sure where Clark was since the Rapids haven't said he is injured...have they?

Herc Gomez played and is now sporting a fro. Nothing too notable from him.

Justin Hughes played well in the back. While Bouna was rarely tested, Hughes made some solid saves. I hope Bouna does not leave in the summer transfer window, but if he does, Hughes looks serviceable.

Jordan Harvey showed he knows what to do around the 18. He received the ball at the top of the box, didn't panic, took his time, made space and scored a great goal. I'd like to see more of him in 2008.

Danny G Gargan looks to be fully healed. He was at full sprint down the right flank a number of times. He took a hard tackle and snapped back up.

Christian Gomez had an inauspicious debut. He should have buried one shot where he was wide open and could have been more creative and created more offense, but he showed he's still learning about his new teammates. He did show he will be able to maintain possession and start the offense.

Kosuke Kimura looked solid in central midfield. He looks like he'll be a dependable backup.

Ciaran O'Brien had a nice debut. He is fast and can play on the ball. He certainly won't come out and be a starter from day 1, but he'll be a solid MLS prospect.

Ok folks, back to work. I'll try to help get some more content out here on a regular basis. I'll do my best to bring a different perspective from the regular posters. In the meantime, check out my main blog From College To The Pros.

Another TD bails on Rapids

Let me start by apologizing to Mr. Chris Henderson. Sorry Golden Boy. Perhaps I was wrong about you.

Why? Because Juergen Sommer has left the Rapids. That's the second person in a row who has deemed Technical Director of the Rapids to be a position not worth the compensation, prestige, or challenge.

Pucker up Rapids!

So what's going on here? Two well-qualified candidates. One was at the point of an imminent announcement (Henderson) and the other deal was actually completed (in Sommer's case), and yet both walked away.

This speaks loudly for the situation at hand. It's no secret that the rift between Jeff Plush and Fernando Clavijo could comfortably fill an aircraft carrier. Could it be that taking the Technical Director position would be more tortuous than spending a weekend in a snowed-in cabin with Hillary and Obama?

The situation is dire. Winning organizations never have this kind of political madness in their front offices, let alone the locker room. It would appear that being a subordinate of Jeff Plush would be even more difficult than being the boss of Fernando Clavijo.

The Colorado Rapids have a terrible situation at hand - and if we fans ever want to see success on the field, either KSE or Jeff Plush is going to have to settle this embarrassment.

It's time to start focusing on winning and give up this power struggle that has infused this team, from director to coach and from coach to players. We cannot move forward with both of these men in charge of our team. At the very least, one must go.

(Ed. note: Given that Mark has vociferously defended the Rapids management regarding the Hendo debacle, I think it truly states how bad the situation has become that he now advocates such a drastic potential move).

Sunday Party & KC Road Trip

There's still time to join us for a quick weekend trip to Kansas City to see our Colorado Rapids play the Wizards. We're renting a bus so just kick back, enjoy the company and contemplate the important things in life. Like why Kansas City signed a player known as "The Louse" (Claudio Lopez; pictured) or if Jimmy Conrad will cry more that night than his baby daughter.

Reminder: Sunday is our pre-season party.

What: CVI Preseason Party, A chance to get together with your CVI fiends and get primed for the 2008 Season, featuring 2-4-1 Drink specials, Door Prizes, Raffles and Auctions. We will also be unveiling and hanging the 2007 CVI Player of the Year Plaque awarded to Bouna Coundoul by CVI members!

When: Sunday, March 16, 3-7 PM

Where: At the British Bulldog, 2061 Stout ( Corner of Broadway and Stout, Downtown Denver) Admission is free.

Who: All Class VI members invited; bring family and friends who you feel may be interested in CVI. Not a CVI member but you'd like to see what we're all about? Come join us!!

Why: Not only will you see your friends and hash out the Rapids' 2008 prospects, but you will have the opportunity to bid on auctioned items donated by the Rapids and others, with the proceeds going to other great CVI projects, such as road trips and tailgates! It's a win-win situation for dedicated Rapids fans!