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.
Posted by Bonji at March 20, 2008 09:08 AM