Rapids Class VI

CVI Questions with Coach Clavijo: Sunday Victory!

After a hot day in the Sun coaching the Rapids back to the top of the Western Conference, Coach Clavijo checks in with Class VI

I. editor note: Question not answered.

II. The first half was played very with the Rapids controlling the game in just about every aspect. But a poor header by Rafael Gomes, Pablo Mastroeni catches a Conor Casey elbow, and suddenly with thirty fortunate seconds for Dallas at the end of the half and the game is even. What affect did that goal have on the players heading into the locker room and what did say or do at the half to get the players back on track?

Every time you give up a goal at the end of the half is not a good thing, but the boys knew that that was a fluke and we could correct what happen with a different approach.

We talked about our intensity and what we need to do to get a result.

III. Casey gets his first MLS start and goal of the season this game, but he was taken out of the game at halftime for Omar Cummings. Was was the reason for that substitution?

Precaution, he has not play a 90 minute game in over 7 months, when at half time mentioned to me that he may be able to go for another 20 minutes because of his hamstring. I pulled the trigger there… no need to risk anymore.

IV. Jose Burciaga, Jr. hasn't played in a while and wasn't on the bench this Sunday. What's the issue with Burciaga?

Jose Burciaga is healthy right now. Something he was not in the last couple of weeks, he is a very good player and will make us a better team when healthy.

V. With one third of the season down, you've got the team in first place in the Western Conference with a 5-5 record. There have been some spectacular games and a couple stinkers. What do you think is working well with the team, and what do you think needs improvement or change. How do you feel overall about the team and their performance so far?

Consistency is the biggest obstacle for us, changes in the line up has worked for us, sometimes because of tactical reason others because of injuries. But we need to find out a way to be at a level of playing and maintaining it.

VI. Well you got a very, very well earned victory Coach. What did you do with the rest of your day? How does Coach Clavijo celebrate after a game like that?

Most of the time I go home and look over the tape 3 or 4 times before I can make a clear evaluation of what happen.

The only way for me to disengage from Thinking about soccer is with my wife and my long time friend Marcelo Balboa, get my Harley Davidson and go to the mountain and later a dinner in Boulder is the weather is right.

P.S

I was approach by many people to thank me about the shirt for Preston, the kid with cancer.

Make sure that they know that I also want to thank them and especially Preston for give me the opportunity to help in any way,

My prayers are with him and his family

Fernando Clavijo

Thanks Coach and good luck in the Open Cup Qualifier this week!

Posted by mark at June 3, 2008 10:58 AM