June 29, 2007
It has come to this.
I know, I know. Some people will proclaim, "Stop the Hatin'!"
And yet, I think it's finally time to unveil, for those who haven't seen it, my personal approval of the newest soccer website. Why? Ummm, did you *not* see the thrashing last night from DC?
That makes 5 losses in a row, with 3 total goals. To fix things? Fernando just traded for another defender, Fecundo URRRRPen from DC. DOH!
I'm sorry it has come to this. As the website says, "Nice Guys Finish Last."
I have a lot of respect for Fernando as a person. Unfortunately, I believe he's the wrong person to lead the Rapids. His 15 minutes of fame are up. Again.
Getting Schtick at Work!
Okay - so I work with a bunch of Argentinians - you know part of the new Global Economy ... and this email is floating around:
Hi, monitoring shows that many US-based employees are having problems with the ARG4US1 server. Please address immediately.
Users in Argentina are ok with server performance this far.
Contact Info:
Users “root cause” of the problem: hernan.crespo@verizonbusiness.com.ar , hernan.crespo@verizonbusiness.com.ar (yes, again), Pablo.aimar@verizonbusiness.com.ar , carlos.tevez@verizonbusiness.com.ar
User experiencing problems: Kasey.keller@pleasestopthem.com
For any escalation contact: bob.bradleywhatareyoudoing@ohlordwhyme.com
Yup, I work with a bunch of pricks LOL
June 28, 2007
Positive Press for MLS?
Even more surprising, it comes from across the Pond!
The Independent sets down an interesting tale of MLS... and provides a few tidbits that maybe news to MLS fans right here in America.
Take a look and pick your spirits up after yesterday's smackdown.
June 27, 2007
Dos Amigos!
How much better can you get than the Rapids taking on their favorite men in black, DC United, alongside a Copa America matchup with an actual American team!
Suh-weeet!
On the other hand, the game starts at 5pm here in Denver. DOH!!!!
Official announcement: CLASS VI AWAY GAME VIEWING PARTY TOMORROW IS AT THE BRITISH BULLDOG
Wash those cares away, don't worry if you can't get there until halftime, let the Bulldog relax those jangled nerves.
Then watch the Rapids and see those nerves get tight as a drum. Unfortunately, our boys in burgundy have gone from 1st in the West to ... well, 4th, and currently out of playoff position! Bummer. Let's give them some long distance love and make it 2-0 against those lousy DC politicians!
What: Rapids @ DC United
When: Thursday June 26 at 5:00pm on ESPN-2
When II: US Men's game starts at 6:45pm (just after the Rapids)
Where: The British Bulldog (corner of Broadway and Stout downtown).
And remember there's a second game, with the US taking on Argentina. Ooooh, gonna be a "learning experience" for our young lads against the full power of Messi & Co.
6:45 PM - The US Men's National Team is back after a stunna of a game overcoming a deficit to beat Mexico (again) and win a spot in the Confederations Cup to be held in South Africa in 2009 as a warm-up to the World Cup there in 2010!
As noted, all CVI viewing parties are at the British Bulldog at Stout & Broadway in Denver. The Dog is our CVI sponsor. They have great food and are a true soccer bar. We hope to see everyone there!!
June 26, 2007
From the Pitch!
Marcelo Balboa and Dino Costa are back this week with another Radio edition of From the Pitch.
Tonight's featured guest?
None Other than Sad Sack Kirovski
See more details on our From The Pitch page.
June 22, 2007
Around the League
Lessee, lessee...
What's happening around the MLS world this week?
1. Lots of players still gone for USMNT duty as the US barely squeaks by Canada. Yes, you heard me right, we barely squeaked by Canada 2-1 last night. Suck.
2. Mr. Guppy fired Chicago Head Coach Dave Sarachan a couple days ago.
With a record of 4-6-2 the Fire cleared sucked balls.
We Rapids headed by Coach Fernando Clavijo are rockin' the house with no complaints. We have a decidedly superior 4-5-3 record!
Wait a sec. That can't be right. One more loss and we suck as bad as Chicago, the team that just fired a coach who has been named Coach of the Year and won TWO US Open Cups? Wow... I assume the wheels are turning, because no way could the Rapids be supporting FC 100% now that our true colors are showing.
Right?
Let's talk about it tomorrow night as Class VI improves our tailgating record to 7-0-0! See everyone at 5pm or earlier! Personally, I think 13 goals in 12 games isn't that, uhhh, bad. Of course, that doesn't make the 16 goals against sound very positive...
June 21, 2007
Home Again, Home Again.
"Hello? Hell-o-o-o-o-o! Is this mic on?"
Ahem. I'd like to announce the first regular-season Class VI tailgate of June, 2007.
Every home game brings a wealth of entertainment at the Class VI tailgate bonanza. Remember, sometime you need to make your own fun. And we like to make stuff :-)
Please join us Saturday at 5:00pm for the festivities, which will be rocking as usual in Lot AA. We'll have Fuller's London Pride flowing from the keg and snacks all around (note: bring snacks to share around!)
We're coming off a brutal road trip that showed off every deficiency the Rapids have. Unfortunately, the opposition seems to have our number. Even more unfortunately, we finally return home only to play Dallas who seems to enjoy the 0-0 tie when they play us here in Colorado.
If you'd like to come early, there's a W League women's game set as a double-header @ The Dick.
If you'd like to stay late, that's your prerogative.
Soccer Camp for Deaf/Hard Of Hearing
Please, pass this along to any kid you may know that is between the ages of 5-17 and is deaf or hard of hearing.
It's free!!!
Hosting the Camp will be Clavijo, Balboa, and current Colorado Rapids Players!!
Thursday July 12th at Dicks Sporting Goods Park - 12:30 - 4:00.
For More information: Kathy Matlack or Call 970-217-1943
Look at the Brochure
June 19, 2007
2007 All-Star Game: Where else to do the show?
CVI has confirmed that the Soccer Show From the Pitch with Marcelo Balboa and Dino Costa will be held two hours before the All Star Game on the field!!!
Guest will include MLS All Stars - Celtic FC players- as well as all the US Soccer big wigs at the game.
The show will start two hours before the game - and can be heard in Denver on 1060AM. There will also be a live internet stream as well.
Get all your From the Pitch information using the link on the right ---->
June 18, 2007
"From the Pitch" airs live tomorrow night
The guest list been posted ... From The Pitch with Marcelo Balboa
Be sure to tune in Tomorrow Night: Tuesday! 6-8PM on 1060AM or check out the link above for more listening options.
If you have some thoughts on how Fernando is managing the team, tomorrow night's the time to call in and let him have it! I mean, let him know your constructive thoughts on recent play by the Rapids.
June 15, 2007
It's Friday the 15th...
Do you know where your Rapids are? Well... hopefully they know the way to smoggy L.A.
More importantly... do you know where your Class VI friends are?
Official announcement: CLASS VI AWAY GAME VIEWING PARTY TOMORROW IS AT THE BRITISH BULLDOG
What: Rapids @ Goats
When: Saturday June 16 at 8:30pm on Altitude
When II: US Men's game starts at 2:00pm!
Where: The British Bulldog (corner of Broadway and Stout downtown). Remember, parking is available for free in the lot directly behind the Bulldog on weekends.
Got nothing to do Saturday??? How about sitting on a bar stool ALL DAY LONG watching the two teams you love like your own brother and sister!
Soccer will be rolling all day long at the British Bulldog and Class VI will be there to watch.
2 PM - The US Men's National Team's schedule gets more serious as they take on Panama in the Quarter Finals of the Gold Cup. This is a repeat of 2005's final match won by the US.
So far in this Copa Oro, the US team has won their group. They squeaked by Guatemala, did okay against T&T and smacked down on El Salvador. Panama finished third with a victory over the impressive Hondurans, a loss to Mexico, and a tie with Cuba. It's win or go home time, and with a victory the team would move to the Semis against the winner of Canada & Guatemala (which game plays at 11 AM at the Bulldog).
The Gold Cup is cool, but even more important this year because the winner qualifies for the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa - plus - any chance to make Mexico lose in soccer is important indeed.
But wait, there's more!! Isn't CVI about the Colorado Rapids??? Of course it is:
At 8:30 PM - The Colorado Rapids are at the Home Depot Center to take on Preki's Chivas. This game is big. Chivas has two games in hand and are one point behind the Rapids. FC Steer won last night. Can Fernando get this team into form? Or is it time to start packing it in?!?
As noted, all CVI viewing parties are at the British Bulldog at Stout & Broadway in Denver. The Dog is our CVI sponsor. They have great food and are a true soccer bar. I hope to see everyone there!! The Bulldog will have the Sunday Gold Cup games on too.
June 14, 2007
CVI Fan Profile
Okay everyone, it's time to get to know another of your fellow fans! Each week(ish) we'll profile a fellow CVIer - asking them six questions.
Max picked Susan based on her Enchiladas - so here we go:
Full Name: Susan Mourning
CVI member since: 2007
(The ugly one is Susan's husband Lin)
I. Season Ticket Holder since 1996 right? What's it feel like to be a decade-plus long die hard?
No RESPECT, not in the league, and not at home. Although I think with the new stadium complex respect at home is starting to change.
II. Word on the street is, you don't sit in 108. What the hell's the deal with that?
108, behind the goal, where ever, it's being a fan that counts. Having friends to party with before and after the game, that's the BIG DEAL for me. Thanks to everyone in Class VI that doesn't care where we sit.
III. On the field at Invesco or front row at The Dick?
Fieldside anywhere!!! If you don't get it, you don't get it.
IV. Yoda, R2-D2, or the Ewoks?
Ewoks. I'm a girl.
V. Who's the most underrated Rapids player today?
Underrated? No matter who I say half of the fans will agree and half will disagree. Most overrated? Connor Casey. A tempest in a teapot(pitch) running around doing nothing.
VI. Who should the next CVI profile be of?
The person who designed the Class VI web site.
So it looks like Bill Fisher is up next! Thanks for the photo Tina.
June 13, 2007
Looking for From the Pitch Archives?
Couldn't listen to Marcelo and Dino last night - visit the archive link ... From The Pitch with Marcelo Balboa
Each show will be archived when made available - and the next show's guests will be published when they are finalized.
CVI finds a couple of friendy Canuckleheads!
It turns out that Dicktator Plush and Charlie Tuna are actually Canadian!
It's true. Just look at the picture of the two suits. Class VI representatives Dave, Cindy & Tina were on hand recently to witness the Rapids first MLS game ever in Cananada, Canadia, errrr, Canucka, ummm, Toronto.
The house was rockin', the stands were shockin', the beer was frothin' and the players were ....exhausted apparently.
On the plus side, the Rapids Front Office guys mustered up a smile for the fans back home.
June 12, 2007
Rapids fans, this one's for you!
Rapids' supporters are no stranger to punishment.
For that inner-glutton, here's a realllly large picture of Mr. Kroenke wrapped inside a wee bitty article about meeting the Arsenal F.C.U.K. chairman.
Warning: Graphic material of an adult nature if you click through
From The Pitch This Week ...
The guest list been posted ... From The Pitch with Marcelo Balboa
Be sure to tune in Tonight! 6-8PM on 1060AM or check out the link for more listening options.
"Preki!" "Hiccup!"
June 11, 2007
In Dire Need of Some Excitment?
I mean certainly our beloved boys in Claret haven't been showing it as of late.
So I feel the need to keep you posted on the talk around the rest of the world ...
Yes, the believers of the dream that Messi is the next Maradonna are smiling worldwide.
June 10, 2007
Rare political foray
It's not often that we in the soccer world get to comment on world political systems.
It reminds me of my dusty Political Science degree in International Relations. It pops up occasionally, is fun to have a glass of wine and sit around talking about it, but ultimately serves to be fruitless at the end of most nights.
As a matter of discourse, I'm talking about the Rapids fans who were kicked out for doing exactly what other fans do at every MLS game ever held: they brought flags.
Not, you know, political statements. Just flags. Flags that are actually permitted in countries respected by and in alliance with the US. Not axis of evil flags. In some cases, political, economic, and military partner flags. Taiwan is a MASSIVE military aide recipient of America. $10 Billion a year for many, many years. A friend of ours, as they say.
Yet the fans were selectively picked on and kicked out. I have to question how Commerce City plans to run their stadium and, frankly, whether they truly have the option of selective enforcement of the rules of free speech.
Interesting question. The answer doesn't really matter, though. Kroenke and the Rapids tipped their hand as to how they feel. You can make up your own mind about that.
For some interesting reading that harkens back to my poli sci past, check out the idea of one country, two systems.
Also enjoy the article on Sino-US relations. (a.k.a. Chinese-US relations). It used to be called Soviet-Sino-US relations, the all-powerful triangle of politics in the 80s.
As for me? Here's my answer: I didn't attend. I want the Rapids to understand that bringing some crappy two-bit hack of a national farce of a team in here and calling it an "epic" exhibition is a joke. Chinese national team. Evs. I just couldn't care less.
Even Yahoo! has had dealings with Chinese free-speech issues recently.
And now? Having learned that we actually lost against these, ummm, yahoos?
Clavijo. Duuuude. You're a nice guy. Nice guys finish last. Step it up. We're playing like crap. Apparently it was even worse tonight.
BYOF
It's "Bring Your Own Flag" day for tonight's exhibition against China.
I hear T&T flags are popular. And I don't mean Trinidad & Tobago. Despite paying off the referees, the Soca Warriors went down without a wimper yesterday against a surprisingly restrained US side.
Anyway... Tailgate Note: Bring Your Own Food & Drinks. This is an unofficial tailgate, so just come on out and enjoy the beautiful afternoon with everyone!
If you don't have a ticket, I would personally expect the Rapids FO to be standing out at the tailgate enticing you with 2-for-1 coupons and an escort to the stadium, so feel free to show up and snag a ticket at The Dick.
Gametime: 6pm
Tailgate time: 4pm
June 09, 2007
Fair weather fans
I guess I'm a bit confused about the "fair weather fan." I assumed it meant a fan from Colorado, where the weather is always faire and joyous.
In any event, it's another beautiful June afternoon here in Colorado and we'll be out at the pool or walking around the outdoor malls or perhaps hitting a farmer's market.
The most effort we'll be making is simply trying to avoid hearing the score.
Yep...at home, our DVRs will be hard at work recording the USMNT beating up on poor Trinidad & Tobago's "B" team. Game starts at 3pm, FSC "commentary" starts at 2:30pm for those who hate themselves.
If the US doesn't destroy T&T as if they were using TnT, then you can click on over to USsoccer.com to see some amazing backpedaling and discussion about how strong T&T's 2nd string player pool is.
We had a bit of a brain fart over at NoFanAlone.com's world headquarters. They burned down.
But, as luck would have it, we've rebuilt (most) of the important stuff and are back on track with your weekly and sometimes daily dose of mediocre Rapids news and views.
Images should come back online soon.
Remember... if you can't be with the one you love.... love the website you're with.
Donations have been pouring in, but I would ask everyone to hold up. There's literally no room to stash all the money and well wishes from around the world.
Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our glass!
June 08, 2007
Best way to watch a Rapids game
And, of course, a US Men's National Team game on the other telly. Yes, it was down to the British Bulldog for Class VIers, and an enjoyable Thursday evening was had by all...of the people who didn't focus on the Rapids too much.
Perhaps not one of the better USMNT games either. "Smashing" Guatemala 1-0 while getting Gooch red-carded and the rest of the back line yellow striped was not the most impressive showing.
And the Rapids? Whoosh. Fernando proved that his new lineup of Cancela, Peterson and BilFish (I mean Conor Casey) was at the same level of effectiveness as his proven line of Niko, Jovan and Cookie.
Not sure how that makes me feel better, but in some way it does. I guess it means we wouldn't be at the top of the table in either case. However, I felt Casey looked decent, for whatever that's worth. Peterson vanished. I liked Cancela's vision. Grow some long, crazy hair like Beckerrama and that should make old-school Rapids' supporters more comfortable.
June 06, 2007
Critical Viewing Party Update!
According to the Rapids (so take it with a grain of salt)...
Tomorrow night's away game against Houston 1836 has been pushed back to 7:30pm local time for us!
What does this mean for the Rabid Rapid Supporter?
Yep... an extra 1/2 hour at the British Bulldog!
Official Class VI away game viewing party double tomorrow night, starting at 6pm. See the Rapids finally (hopefully) get back at Houston, who seems to have our number lately but has also been struggling mightily.
Frankly, it's time to put our stamp on the ugly stepchild of the MLS Texas Twosome once and for all.
More importantly, we'll all need a drink to lessen the neck strain that will come from watching multiple TVs at once! Yep... the US Men's National Team opens up their Gold Cup run. The US will play sans Pablo Mastroeni, who is suspended 2 games and will play vs Houston.
7pm start time for the US as they open their defense of the Gold Cup title against Guatemala live from the Home Depot Center.
June 03, 2007
Oops!
I knew I should have focused on the Woot-off instead of fantasizing that the Rapids would suddenly start to look attractive.
I won't repeat my thoughts on how poorly the Rapids played in the win against short-handed LA, I know there are fans of the Rapids out there reading this who thought we played well.
I'll simply point to our loss against a bunch of bloody Canadians, eh.
Congratulations, guys. You officially can't score more than once in a brothel.
June 01, 2007
Woot-off!
I know, I know. We have a game tomorrow.
I know, I know. It's a whole new MLS chapter, facing Toronto FC for the first. time. evuh!
I know, I know. It's great news that Pablo was such an airhead at last year's World Cup game against Italy that we get him for an extra two MLS games as he serves a 2-game red card suspension.
I know, I know. It's cool that we are playing in Canada for the first time, and even better news that Toronto FC is facing the loss of 3 starters for National Team duty.
I know, I know. We want to wish Tina & Co good luck in visiting the 51st state for this rowdy matchup. Good luck, don't drink too much, eh!
But this is infinitely more important!
It's a Woot-off! and I'll be spending every waking moment in front of a web browser refreshing like mad.
See you there. Oh, crapola, I think I just missed another product. Gotta go!