Wondering what kind of moves we've made for the upcoming season? We've asked some Class VI soccer die hards what they think of our team - and for this first entry - we'll be having them ring in on defense.
First we'll check in with Ben Woolf who also writes From College to Pros
If anything on the Rapids didn't need improving during the off-season,
it was the defense. In 2007 Bouna Time was in full effect. In 30
matches Bouna and his defensive brothers surrendered only 34 goals.
That may sound like a lot, but only Chivas USA and Houston were better
and the Supporter's Shield winning DC United were the same. I know,
too bad the offense wasn't better in '07. But we'll get to that in a
couple of days.
So where are we starting in 2007? The core of the defense returns
with Bouna back in the nets, Erpen, Prideaux, Petke and Ihemelu all still on the roster. Erpen and Petke formed a solid tandem in the center and I look to see the same with no significant upgrade having come in the off-season. The outside backs should look different come March 29th.
On the left the Rapids signed veteran Burciaga and MLS newcomer Hilgenbrinck.
Burciaga is a significant upgrade over Prideaux on the left and the position should be Burciaga's to lose. On the right there is still much to question because Ihemelu is still recovering from off-season surgery and Gargan, who showed significant improvement in '07, is also rehabbing an injury. Kimura played the right back position towards the end of the season and he'll need to do a lot
to earn that spot over a health Ugo or Gargan. Prideaux can fill in
on the right side if needed.
Next up is Deron White with his view of the D corps
If there's one defining characteristic of the Rapids it is the team's central defense. With a history that has included Balboa, Trittschuh, Vermes, Frasier, Borchers, Karanka, and Petke the team has always had solid central defenders.
Petke stepped into his place among the others with his performance in 2007, and if he repeats his 2007 performance in 2008, the team should be tougher to score against in 2008. The choices to play alongside Petke are Erpen, Ugo, and Keel. Erpen and Ugo are good pacey compliments to Petke's positioning and organization skills. Keel is simply waiting in line, and is more likely a replacement for Petke's backline marshalling, than a compliment to it. With Petke as anchor the trio of Petke, Bouna, and most likely Erpen will make life difficult in front of goal for the opposition.
Joining Petke and Erpen will be Ugo on the right and Burciaga on the left. Burciaga has been forgotten as an early signing, which is unfortunate since he fills a clear hole the team had on the left side of the defense last year. He also gives the team a third player who is safe with the ball, when passing out of the back. Ugo's the weakest link in this regard, but as the man behind Cooke his attributes will be called on often. Cooke is not the consistent pest that Clark is on the right, and Ugo will find himself on his own more often than not. His pace and defensive skills will be called on often as teams head up the left hoping to exploit space there.
It takes a special mind set, but Rapids fans need to embrace and celebrate the team's stingy defense. Who cares what other teams fans want to see. It is the one area that the team performs consistently, and the players filling the roles do their jobs well. This year may be the best group, on paper, in the league. With Gargan, Kimura, Keel, and Prideaux we have ample back up, and should feel comfortable with that the defense will give the offense the chance it needs to win games.
Here comes Nick Thomas' view ... check out more of what he has to say at We Want Rapid Man
We always get more excited about the potential of the attack, or even midfield, not least, in the Rapids’ case, because of the signing of Christian Gomez, but we surely must not overlook the importance of the defense. The Rapids were already strong in this area and recent additions have further strengthened this core part of the team.
Burciaga is probably the one defensive signing that stands out the most because of his attacking flair. This is something we haven’t really seen from the Rapids’ defense in recent times and will add genuine excitement and anticipation.
The heart of the defense is likely to remain much as it did last season with Ihemelu, Petke and Erpen staying strong and reliable. And, of course, we have an MLS All-Star goalie in waiting in fan favorite Bouna. I really think that his Africa Cup of Nations performance against South Africa for Senegal may almost guarantee his tenure in the national team for years to come, injuries and sudden loss of form excepted. At least, it would be hard for the Senegal coach not to give him a consistent run in the team.
Add to this the consistency of Keel, the return from injury of the ever combative Gargan and new signing Hilgenbrink and we are looking not only solid at the back but we also have more than tinge of excitement in our defensive play, a style that could really launch attacks from the back and link with the stellar-looking midfield.
Daniel Clark checks in from his luxurious leisure time in Iraq
Looking forward to 2008, we see the MLS' third best defense return without the versatile Ugo, who is sidelined with a hip injury. The defense is anchored by the recent starting Senegalese GK, Coundoul. The exposure he received at the African Cup of Nations is sure to get the attention from scouts across the pond. Bouna was statistically the third best GK last year, posting impressive stats with his 120 saves (ranked 2nd in the MLS). He also recorded 9 SO (ranked 5th in MLS) with a 1.08 GAA. Hopefully, Justin Hughes will be ready in case the right offer comes for Bouna.
The Rapids’ defense brings in newcomers Burciaga (trade from KC) and Chase Hilgenbrick (Chile). Also, keep an eye out for Keel (2007 Reserve Player of the Year) to make a few first team appearances. All the additions are sure to improve an already solid defense. If the Rapids are to make a run into the playoffs, look for the defense to be carrying the load once again. The defense allowed only 34 goals last year, which was an improvement on the 49 goals allowed in 2006.
Last but certainly not least, Dave Ferrey
If there was a bright spot exiting the 2007 season, for the Rapids, it was Coundoul. Bouna began and ended the 2007 season as the Rapids number one keeper. His style can best be described as cat like. He's athletic, quickly leaping to parry a shot like a kitten batting a dancing string. But he also possesses cat like curiosity and was often found chasing prey well outside his territory. Bouna time was for me, the best part of the 2007 season.
Bouna anchored a defense that was greatly improved over the 2006 version. The 2008 version of Bouna promises to be even better. Bouna is one year wiser and it should show in both his decision making and command of the defense. Petke returns to anchor the central defense bringing his usual combination of grit and savvy. The Rapids added defender Burciaga in a trade with Kansas City. While known more for his powerful left foot and offensive contribution then defense, he should help the offense while not hurting the defense. This should push Erpen into central defense along with Petke. I expect Ihemelu to hold down the right back slot, a position better suited to his speed and tendency to roam.
Hopefully, this group can stay healthy long enough to gel in front of Bouna. If so, they have the potential to be very solid defensively as well as contributing to a revamped offense as both Erpen and Jose can take advantage of inattentive keepers with long range shots.
Competing with the back four listed above are Gargan, who should be fit after his leg injury, Kimura, who finished strong in 2007 at right back and Hilgenbrinck,a U.S. expat brought in from Chile. In additional Keel, two time Reserve MVP, is patiently waiting his chance to do for the parent club what he's done for the Reserves the past two years.
The 2008 Rapids defense looks to be a strong combination of athleticism, skill, experience and depth and should keep the team in every game.
Coming up next - our midfield preveiw
Posted by mark at February 18, 2008 05:52 AM