Rapids Class VI

The Sun is Shining Again!!

Welcome to camp sunshine

Did you know on Wednesday an incredibly large result happened? That's right, the piss poor Fake Salt Lakers actually scored a remarkable 17.6% of their season's goals in a single game to whoop KC's Johnson (if you know what I mean!).

Who cares you say???

Well, we may have not won in 10 games - but our current 3 game WINNING streak has brought us back into the playoff picture!! This is no joke.

Right now we're sitting in 8th place tied with Columbus (we'll get to Fat Sigi's team in a second) and chasing 7th place Kansas City.

We are now FIVE POINTS BACK with a game in hand.

That means going into this weekend's game against Fat Sigi's team - a team that hasn't won in four games (Maybe Sigi ate Schelotto thinking it was a some kind of cookie to go with his tea?)- Fernando and the boys have a chance to go from a team that looked to be as good as Spice's boy's - to being in the thick of the playoff picture.

Be at the Bulldog to witness our rise to 7th!!! And remember, 6th place is only 6 points away.

Sunday 1 PM - the corner of Stout and Broadway - cheer the boys on to a 10 game undefeated streak!

Oh yeah - and after watching Super Liga - and dreaming of the Rapids hosting a game they actually play in - let me also say out loud: Only 9 points back from a Super Liga birth!

Scratch your head

This is one of those articles that I don't quite get. How did it happen? Who is this yahoo writing it?

Dunno, and don't care are the two answers.

Anyway, enjoy a slightly odd piece written by Rogers Und Hammerstein.

It's got more quotes from Dicktator Plush than I can recall seeing together in one place. I leave it to you to make of the content what you will, but basically he explains why Denver sucks. Gee, thanks Plush! Couldn't disagree more.

As for me, it's weird, until you realize what the article does *not* mention. It doesn't mention, for example, that the Rapids can't seem to actually sign a DP like many of the other clubs. Suddenly it seems a lot more like an excuse-y backup story for why we won't spend money in Colorado.

Ooohh. Did I just say that? Not really. Soon-to-be former Coach Fernando Cluevijoless did in the newspaper a couple days ago.

Ultimately, what I need to see is a quote like this: "Yes, Colorado is a different market, but that's no excuse. There are plenty of people who play in crappy, dreary conditions around the world (ahem, England) and still manage to enjoy themselves. We are sorry for not signing a DP sooner. We'll get right on that."

Someone's got a phallic phocus!

I'm not one to spend too much time on The Dick jokes. Frankly, we've already stretched this more than I thought possible. Pulling out old jokes just seems like a soft way to deal with a hard situation ... blah blah growing problem ...blah blah... foot-long...blah blah.... cock 'n' bull pub.... blah blah blah.

But sometimes the joke is printed by the Colorado Dept. of Transportation:

Normally I don't like to combine posts, but I'm feeling lazy today after donating blood yesterday.

Marcelo's From The Pitch airs on radio this evening! Check out the guest lineup and get ready to call in with your snarky questions!

Blogger's Creed

"If you can't say something sarcastically, or with a world-weary bitterness, or perhaps something good with a hugely negative tone, then don't bother saying anything at all."

The gloves are coming off!

Oh, yeah! It's like two boxers sparring for the first 14 rounds of a 15-round bout (forgive my ignorant boxing metaphor).

Now it's the 15th round... or at least the end of a 3-year contract.

Headliner: Rapids Management (a.k.a. Dicktator Plush) is squaring off against Head Coach Fernando Cluevijoless.

We all know that Fernando got things rolling with his fan-slapping put-downs about how we were hurting his children: a clear indirect body-slam against the Rapids Management.

For some reason, the fans are smack dab in the middle, absorbing body blows by both sides.

After FC's sucker punch, Dicktator Plush came out swinging. "Jeff said FC asked for 3 years and will be given the full three years. It's hard to argue with participants in such an agreement honoring their commitment," Plush stated in a recent conversation with fans.

As well-known Rapids watcher Greenie noted about this legalistic argument, "As I've said before, while it's clear that the FO isn't about to fire Clavijo's ass, they're not making any statements in support of him either. Not even the dreaded 'vote of confidence.'"

Oooohhhh!!! Smackdown In Progress!

Now it's Fernando's turn in the latest Denver Post

"The picture here is very clear," Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo told (Mark Kiszla) recently: "L.A. went around the world to find all kinds of players. The same thing with Chicago. We (in Colorado) have Americans. And there's a reason for it. A clear reason, and it doesn't come from me." Money.

"If they gave it to me, I would spend it," Clavijo said. "But I don't have a dime."

Alrighty fans, what's next in this 15th and final lightning round? Let's just keep monitoring the latest news rags for more information.

Took one for the team

...Something that the actual team isn't willing to do.

If I were Fernando, I would have fallen on my sword after 10 sucky games in a row. In this case, doing the honorable thing means resigning.

If I were Jeff Plush, I would have pulled the ripcord on my golden parachute after 10 craptacular games and moved on to my next executive washroom.

If I were Kroenke, I would have fired my hair-piece manufacturer after learning that Arsenal lost that Henry guy, then I would have made the entire Rapids FO lick my cowboy boots, just for fun.

But I'm not. I'm the BilFish.

So the only thing I could do is attend the Season Ticket Holder Party on behalf of Class VI and file this visual report...

First up...

The "party" itself. Held on the West concourse, quite a nice little foody event with about three hundred and eleven more people than I expected.

I was soon gored by the newest Rapids mascot "Marco" Polo.

Are you kidding me? Just look at this mane! The buffalo chicks are going to go (falsetto) kuhRAYYYY-zeeee.....

Before wandering into the locker room area, I took one last glance at the beautiful grounds...

Apparently, this hasn't proven to be enough of an inspiring sight to the players.

Time for the self-guided "tour" ;-)

And BilFish...

Mmmmm, what's that great smell?

The Rapids Boot Room. The title's more impressive than the unstained wood on brick room itself.

Moving on...

This is where the team listens to the coach blather on about something or other.

And this is where Pablo is during those speeches..

The Pablo Mastroeni Wing of the Rapids Treatment Room

Looking for inspiration.

The Rapids Players work(out) to find a reason to keep playing. This view should inspire them.

And if that doesn't do it, this sure as shit should:

It inspired me.

So did this.

East Stands

No tour of The Dick would be complete without a final pitstop before heading home...

Ahhhh.... Now that's refreshing!

Posted by BilFish at 07:47 PM

2008 Pricing Comparison Confusion

Good Deal or Raw Deal?!?

It turns out that a lot of people are confused about the new Rapids ticket pricing deal...not the least of whom is myself. As prices relate to what we've paid in years past, things get a bit confusing.

In the post a few days ago, we compared traditional MSRP on 2007 tickets to 2008 tickets.

As many of you know, by purchasing 2006 season tickets, you would be grandfathered in for pricing for 2007 (in some fashion, obviously seats aren't exactly the same). Our estimate is that this pricing was in effect for approximately 1200-1500 season ticket holders. The other 2000+ season ticket holders that signed on for the first time for 2007 would, presumably, pay the normal 2007 rates listed in my last post.

(note: the Rapids announced they had sold 3500 or so season tickets as of a month or so after the Beckham announcement).

I don't have the comparison 2006 prices off-hand to throw into the mix to see if your ticket prices are going up or down. The comparison becomes more difficult (although favorable) when we realize that parking was included for all customers in 2007.

To increase complexity, if you are a member of Class VI, a new price was negotiated, giving us season and 1/2-season VIP Midfield seats at the less expensive Premium price ($450 vs. $540). This was better than the carryover rate from 2006, and could be based on that carryover rate...

Finally, the C-Firm was given an interesting new package price ABOVE the 2007 prices for their seats, ostensibly including extras worth *much more* than the extra dollars they would spend ($330-ish? vs the normal seat price of $270). Bus rides to Salt Lake (one-way?), beanies and hats and scarves and other stuff like that. I'll leave it to them to decide whether they got value for money.

I also seem to remember that season ticket prices in 2007 went down sometime in May, so the graphic we show in the post a few days ago was an *updated* version of 2007 season ticket pricing. Again, this is from memory, but I do recall a change.

So, for 2008, how will you make out? Sorry, but each of us will have to answer that for ourselves.

Just focusing on the finances and not on the *value* of tickets to see our management ruin the team further in 2008, I'm currently doing worse than last year. In fact, my invoice I received is for 24% more than last year.

I'm hoping that our account exec will be able to clarify some of this once he's done dancing on the piles of bonus money he's getting for Beckham sales day.

School Daze!

School Daze!

Good morning! Both of my boys are off to school for the first time, and I'm off to the Bulldog in an hour or so for the 12:30pm kickoff of US vs Sweden!

Tonight's Guests @ The Bulldog

It's Rookie Night at the British Bulldog!

We've finally gotten confirmation on who the From The Pitch guests will be tonight...

And if it's not truly rookie night, it is new addition to the team night. Besides, I'm not sure you could legitimately call Tony Sanneh a rookie at anything.

Anyways, Tony and Mehdi Ballouchy will be joining Marcelo Balboa at the Bulldog tonight from 6-8pm, so stop on by!

Check the From The Pitch page for updates, details, and links to archives of all the shows.

Weekly Fishwrapper (now free!)

Quality news, before it smells

News of the weird? Nope, just news from a weirdo. Our Grand Poobah speaks from his refuge in upstate New York. What does the Class VI guru of summer vacations have to say?
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Tonight - From the Pitch with Marcelo Balboa will be live from the British Bulldog from 6-8PM. Also available at 1060 AM - word is Ballouchy and Sanneh will be the guests. Come give the new boys a warm welcome to the team and say hello to Marcelo.

There will be giveaways and drink specials.

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Wednesday - Yep, tomorrow night at The Dick! Mexico vs Columbia 8PM. Mexico's first appearance in Denver since 2002 against the US Men's National Team. Note: There is no tailgate for this game.

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Sunday - 5:00 PM at The Dick - Beckham is coming to town and bringing his lackey Landon and the rest of his merry band. Tailgating starts at 3 PM - the game is going to be full, and there will be a few out of towners coming - including our friend Shooter (You know the Purple Pimp from the first LA game!).

Bring food to share and make everyone feel welcome.

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We need two volunteers to assist in tailgating. The duty would be to bring the grill to the tailgates (which start two hours before kickoff). There are two so that if one person cannot bring the grill, the other will take over the duty. Please email me if you'd be interested.

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It's not too late to join the crew traveling up to Salt Lake City to see the Rapids win the Rocky Mountain Cup!! Cheer on the boys on the enemy's turf - the ultimate sign that you support the boys. The team greatly appreciates it - and it's wonderful fun.

email: roadtrips@nofanalone.com to get information.

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The Rapids are only two points out of the playoffs - let's give them a warm welcome and big support Sunday!!! Three in a row would certainly help erase the 10 games without. I'm missing this game as well since I'm in NY - but that seems to be the recipe for a win.

Mark
Class VI
http://NoFanAlone.com

Experience the World's Game

Now that we've experience the World's Game at the World's Newest Stadium (The Dick), it's time to rethink 2008.

I'm not sure if it's the horrible run of bad luck and coincidence which has led to the Rapids being 2nd worst in MLS right now...

Or whether the Rapids FO knows that once they've jacked everyone with the "New Stadium Smell" premium price...

But prices for 2008 are, in a sense, going where the team is not: in the right direction.

Compare these two documents, obtained at great personal cost by secret spies for the Rebel Alliance:

Now that's what I call a good start towards reconciliation.

There's no word on special discounts and benefits for "true fans." We'll be in touch if our spies return. They are already 5 days overdue with this vital information. For those who can remember the beginning of the season, Class VI members got a VIP Midfield seat for the price of a Premium seat.

For those of you who can't read blurry photographs....

here's a quick comparison of season ticket prices. Note that what was the 9-section corner flag price range now includes ALL of the south stands, leaving the north corners as the only remaining low-ball crap seats for away fans.

Full season "Burgundy Package"- 18 games
2007 VIP Midfield: $30 ($540)
2008 VIP Midfield: $27 ($486)

2007 Premium: $25 ($450)
2008 Premium: $22 ($396)

2007 Corner Flag: $20 ($360)
2008 South Stands: $17 ($306)

2007 Endline (south): $15 ($270)
2008 North corners: $12 ($216)

Half-season "Blue Package"- 9 games
2007 VIP Midfield: $31 ($279)
2008 VIP Midfield: $28 ($252)

2007 Premium: $26 ($234)
2008 Premium: $23 ($207)

2007 Corner Flag: $21 ($189)
2008 South Stands: $18 ($162)

2007 Endline (south): $16 ($144)
2008 North corners: $13 ($117)

Now let's start the conjecture. I'll go first. If the Rapids still enjoy the concept of us Class VI fans showing up every game and give us the same discount as last year?

(wishing on a star) Class VI prices for 2008
18-game season: $396. (Save $54 over 2007)
9-game 1/2-season: $207. (Save $27 over 2007)

British Bulldog weekly Planner

Like many of you, I spend each Sunday morning watching an EPL beatdown and planning my weekly schedule down at the British Bulldog.

This week? Extra fun for Rapids fans!

Turns out the pub will be hosting From the Pitch LIVE on Tuesday, August 21st, from 6-8pm.

Even if you can't show support for the show, please show support for the British Bulldog's decent food and cold beer on tap. Time to put it on your calendar!

Note: werd on the street is that there are a KaZILLion giveaway items, so get down there early and stay late!

Programming note: Check here for updates on who the special guests will be for the show.

Unfortunately, Tuesday night is "back to school" night for JeffCo and I'm not sure that missing my son's first meeting before starting Wednesday would go well on my karma charts, although I presume that I'd get to spend plenty of time understanding the angst of the friar monk.

Luckily, I kept looking for more Bulldog opportunities and lo 'n' behold! Just the next morning, it's US Men's National Team Time! We're playing Sweden in Gothenburg and Pablo will be on hand to ensure he's not at full speed for the Beckham game come Sunday.

Gametime: Wednesday, programming starts at noon I believe, game at 12:30pm. And unlike Tuesday night, both kids will be in school, so it's party time!

I hear Beckham will make a token appearance for the English National Team as well on Wednesday, playing Germany @ Wembly (gametime 1pm MDT).

In any case, a good wind-up to get ready for next Sunday evening's BeckhamFest @ The Dick.

I apologize

Occasionally I go overboard.

I suggested that the esteemed and ancient Tony Sanneh was comparable to a horse that should be forwarded on to the glue factory.

Apparently, he was incensed enough by my words to come out Thursday evening with a fantastic 90 minutes of play, at altitude, after not playing any competitive matches for months. I'm happy to apologize for being so wrong.

Wow. Turns out he may just be quite the gift horse, and I apologize for looking at him in the mouth. errrr.... something like that.

Congratulations to the Rapids for a convincing win over the Ralston-less New England Revs. We had a great time with the Revs fans pre-game, swapping similar stories of Fernando's ability to eye good talent... and then destroy the team before moving on.

Mmmm.... good times, good times!

I even have to suggest that Kirovski did two things I never thought I'd see. First, he scored in the run of play. Second, he almost scored a hat trick. Holy shit! I didn't think the entire Rapids team could score one of them tricky hats, so to watch Kirovski nearly do it? I and my entire 18-person crew of family members were astounded.

Great job, gents. I'm assuming Fernando has threatened to get rid of more fan-favorite players if they didn't start wailing on league-leading teams. Whatever the case, it worked.

Fernando Speaks (Unfortunately)

Clavijo chuckles with reporters

JasonMa goes cross-eyed analyzing the unprofessional remarks of the Rapids' soon-to-be ex-Coach.... Let's take a look at these quotes:

Quote:
"I question those fans. How really true fans are they?"
Ah yes, questioning if the most passionate fans are really "true fans." Nice, I guess he's taken the KSE line of getting rid of the troublemaking supporters' groups.

Quote:
"This team, with the lowest budget in the league, has made the finals of the Western Conference two seasons in a row. And you see other teams in the league who don't even make the playoffs, they don't fire their coach."
Hmmm... Here are the teams who haven't made the playoffs the last 2 years:

FSL - Promoted their coach this season after a 4 game winless streak, and after they had missed the playoffs the last 2 seasons. Fired him once his presence wasn't enough to keep Adu.
LA - Fired their coach last season after a 2-1-8 start and a 6 game losing streak when it became apparent that continuing in the same way wouldn't lead to the playoffs. This was a coach that wom MLS Cup the previous year. Still didn't make the playoffs and in bad shape this year to make the playoffs. Current coach on the hot seat.
Chivas - Fired 2 coaches after it was obvious they weren't making the '05 playoffs.
KC - Fired their coach after not making the playoffs the last 2 years.
CLB - Fired their coach when it was obvious they weren't going to make the playoffs in '05. Still has Sigi after missing the playoffs last year, but Sigi has a coaching resume of success so his leash is longer.
Chicago - Fired their coach this year after he put them in a position to not make the playoffs this year.

And for good measure:
Dal - Fired their coach after making the playoffs the last two years and getting beat by the Rapids.

Quote:
"I noticed. I was disappointed. But not for me, for my kids, my two sons. They worry."
I understand being worried about your family, but let's be honest, that's the life of a professional sports coach.

Quote:
"Buying a ticket doesn't give you the right to insult people."
Ahhh! We only want Up With People style supporter groups. To be fair, there are insults that are over the line, but once again, insults are a way of life for a pro sports coach, and asking him to be retired isn't insulting when it's true.

Quote:
"But this is nothing. The day that I'm not able to feed my kids, that's pressure. Soccer is not pressure."
He's right, but hauling out your kids twice in one interview begins to sound like you're using them to deflect the pressure.

Quote:
"Fans really don't know. You want to try to get a megaphone and go out and explain to them that this is the way it is. But you can't," Clavijo said.
You "explained" to us that you had a 3-year plan and at the beginning of the season you said that you finally had the team you wanted to win a championship. If that wasn't the right explanation, then what else do you need to say?

Quote:
"The only way you show them is a result like this (3-0 victory). That's the best way to shut them up."
True, and I wasn't going to say anything anti-FC until the next game (or next bad trade), but then you had to go and give this interview.

Quote:
"At the end of the year, after we make the playoffs," Clavijo vowed, taking a final shot at his angry detractors, "I'm going to send all those people their money back for their season tickets."
Sorry, but just making the playoffs isn't good enough. We've made the playoffs 9 of 11 years. If you win MLS Cup then you can slap us around. But it's time to win a championship. You put the pressure on yourself by stating you had a 3-year plan and that you had the team you wanted. Now deliver.

Jason

Tonight's game

Time to get our game on Class VI'ers!

First, remember that the game time has been changed to 7:00pm (from 8pm).

Second, remember that we'll be tailgating starting at 5pm... or whenever we can all get to The Dick from work!

Third, remember that I'm bringing my whole damn family, so I want everyone on their best behavior!

Finally, if you decided to go with the Pint Pack promotion for tickets, remember to get over to the Craptina before the game to get your glasses and free beers.

Prescience...

A couple days ago I brought up the topic of the glue factory.

Yesterday, the Rapids signed Tony Sanneh to a contract.

Coincidence, or simply prescience on my part? You decide. If you don't want to decide... just wait for tonight's game!

Sure, the Galaxy got Beckham, but we got a guy who played for the US NATS 5 years ago and retired once already! How cool is that?

Last month, Tony was seen signing with the (last place) Minnesota Thunder of the USL.

Gift Horse or glue factory?

My grandpa used to tell me something about looking a gift horse in the mouth.

I didn't pay much attention because I'm allergic to horses. And besides, I don't care what someone's teeth look like.

Mostly, I'm interested in how well they can score goals and play soccer. I leave it to you, fellow supporters, to choose why you watch soccer.

There's another saying, this time more in tune with soccer. "You can't win if you don't score goals."

Turns out it's just another myth perpetrated by the Man. You can win while playing singularly unattractive soccer. We knew that. We didn't know you could win without scoring.

Just another part of the creative genius that is our idiot coach, known as Fire Clavijo Now!

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead!!!

Man, you take a little vacation and everything changes in a heart beat!

The Rapids are now sitting ahead of Toronto and Chicago with their victory over the defending champs. (Though they have played more games)

But whatever!! A win is a freaking win!

Now the goal scorer wasn't wearing our colors - but we'll take it all the same. From what I have gathered, Cookie and Clark provided the necessary service and finishing remained a problem.

Our friends in Big Soccer have pointed out there may have been a blow out between Petke and Fernando - hopefully Mike won't be wearing the colors of the Metrostars - er Pink Cows next week!

And it looks like a good chunk of supporters from CVI and the C-Firm decided that enough was enough, and they were going to let everyone know it.

See a larger version, and more images from the protest here

Next up the Revs. Another win, and we could be looking at a playoff push? Hey look carefully in that picture ... "Help me Believe!"

Good luck, laddies.

Good luck. You're going to need it, guys.

Because skill & coaching aren't doing the trick. Time to pull up some 4-leaf clovers off that pristine home field and hope for the best.

It's too hot for me, I'm heading to the mountains.

Don't forget to enjoy every second of the tailgate. It starts at 5pm, you may need to start earlier if you're worried about things getting ugly when Houston rolls onto the field at 7pm for the ultimate challenge.

Cheers!

School starts soon; Fall is here.

Fans celebrate new low in style

For my sons, it's a bright future with school starting in just a couple of weeks.

The Rapids, on the other hand, got absolutely schooled last night by the Seattle Sounders USL club. On the bright side, they set the record for the worst defeat by an MLS club in Open Cup history, losing 5-0.

Right now, the team reminds me of nothing more than my Freshman year at the University of Arizona. I stayed in the crappiest dorm, in the basement, in the jock wing. It was me, an architecture student, and 22 guys trying to win Nintendo Baseball all semester.

Many of those 22 wouldn't be back after the xmas break. Washed out during Fall. One of those not to return? The RA who was supposed to be in charge of our gaggle of guys. He was the biggest failure of them all.

Yep. Good times. Good times. Sometimes I wonder what happened to them all, but mostly I was just relieved that the Resident Assistant was fired.

I understand that you can see "highlights" from this stunning, amazing trouncing on the web. Here's a nice recap of the game with links to articles.

Can you...?

Class VI: Can you post a link to internet feed of the game tonight on nofanalone.com? It is http://usl.playonsports.tv/.

Also, the post that fortcollins put in the thread “Viewing for Rapids @ Seattle Sounders - US Open Cup” is priceless:

“Hey even Mr. K. can't stand to inflict another episode of Fernando-ball on the dozens of people who actually watch Altitude. The way the team has been playing, a random collection of tennis players, bull riders, golfers and probably even Funkiphino could probably outscore the Rapids anyway.”

Thanks.

a Class VI reader

Yes. We can post that for you. --Ed.

From the Pitch radio news

The hottest new technology in soccer?

Radio. Radio. Radio.

Werd. News on the forefront of bleeding reality (MaMaMaMax Headroom) is that From the Pitch has gone down a man against the fight to stay relevant. Apparently Dino Costa wasn't working out (rumors have it he's a giant Fake Salt Lake fan in disguise) and he's been (choose one:) kicked-off/resigned/fired/let go/left for artistic differences/mutually separated from the show!

Now it's up to Marcelo to keep up morale with good shows and it'll be his job to add a spice of controversy to an otherwise rah-rah couple of hours of Rapids Radio.

Anyone see the show last week? I heard Beckerman was going to politely suggest that Coach FireClavijoNow was perhaps a bit daft in letting go of our top player for some git who elbows people in the face, gets red-carded during exhibition matches against Real Madrid, and can't score or assist to save his Sophomore Slump of a year.

But enough about me... let's talk about my favorite watering hole, the British Bulldog. Turns out the pub will be hosting From the Pitch LIVE on August 21st, 6-8pm.

Show support for the show, and show support for the British Bulldog's decent food and cold beer on tap. Time to put it on your calendar!

Programming note: Tonight's show features the soft, crooning voice of Ethan Zahn as well as USMNT stud Claudio Reyna.

Note: Home Game Time Change

Please note that we have confirmed that the Thursday, August 16th home game against the New England Revolution has been changed to a 7:00pm start time from the original 8pm.

You can see the change already reflected on the Rapids official schedule page.

We will work to incorporate this into the tailgating scheduling, moving it as close to 5pm as we can.

Monday Morning Manager

Quality news, before it smells

I hate to sound like a Monday Morning Manager, but I've got a few things to discuss here. Most are Class VI-related, but first a few comments about Saturday's loss to Dallas.

First, I like to be surprised. I know that we can't win in Dallas without something to spoil (like the Steer's ability to get home advantage for MLS Cup). But I'd like to be surprised by the effort of the lads we send out there.

Not surprised this weekend. Not surprised at all. Let's fix that for this Saturday's game when Houston comes to town all hoity-toity, #1 in the league right now. Surprise me! Show up and play! And I'm looking at the youngin's as well as the "pros" we usually bag on.

Ultimately, I've seen some great MLS soccer lately. None of it from the Rapids.

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Tailgate this Saturday!
In these trying times, stay the course, if we can just hold on, it's not over 'til it's over...and other platitudes. In any event, now more than ever Class VI tailgates are what hold us together.

Let's get out there with a great effort! Put the finishing touches on those fantastic dishes, and do what you can to buck up the spirits of your fellow Class VI-ers!

Remember, our Grand Poobah is on vacation from reality right now. In his honor, let's push through to the end!

Eurotrash Soccer rant?

Soccer rant, or just the bitter truth?

From the Couch weighs in. The answer... is up to you.

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Soccer season is here!

After a long off-season it's time for some soccer! I know Class VI has a range of teams that they support. We have some Man U fans, some Arsenal fans, even a Blackburn fan (me!). And that's just in the EPL.

Well, it's soccer time again! It's nice to see the beautiful game played again, even if it's only on TV. Wouldn't it be nice if Colorado got a top-level team someday?

It's hard when you only have the All-Star Game and a Superliga match to watch between the end of one European season in May and the start of the next one in August.

What's that, you say? Colorado has a team? I don't think so. I'm pretty sure there hasn't been anything resembling soccer in Colorado this summer other than the ASG and Superliga, unless you count the Boulder Rapids Reserve... errr, Rapids U-23.

JasonMa

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Ed note: I have to say. Of all the things that are buggin' right now, bad play trumps them all. A good loss? Yeah, I said it. A good loss? It's better than what we're seeing every week. And that is the true shame that hurts everyone.

ABCs....

Have we mentioned T-shirts to you lately? (You can’t get the sale if you don’t ask.)

As they say: Always Be Closing.

Oh, what? I wasn't supposed to mention that to the customer?

Okay, how to make amends... look. You're good people. We're in the hole. Please do what you can to help out!

Oh, and don't forget tonight's viewing party vs. Dallas at the Bulldog.

URGENT: Official Road Trip Notice

Go here now: Road Trip Page

The September 22nd road trip to see Fake Salt Lake nosedive is soon to be upon us!

There are important deadlines if you plan to fly there with our group (August 8th deadline, 5 days!) or stay in one of the hotels (September 7th deadline).

Please check now for all the details and to get signed up for the flights, tailgates, etc.!

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Roadtrip Details: official letter from your Roadtrip Hosts!

No, not those two! They're just the FSL pizza delivery guys from a previous roadtrip.

PLEASE ask any and all questions to the Class VI Roadtrip Committee ... roadtrips@nofanalone.com

If you are not a season ticket holder, don't let all Rapids Season Ticket holder perks hold you back - though the bus is only for season ticket holders, but everything is on the light rail and people will accompany you to everything - the bar/restaurant, where the tailgate is, the hotels, and the stadium.

TAKE NOTE OF DEADLINES. Right now, I believe there are about 20 people committed to this trip - we want 30 more!!! Believe me, this is an absolute blast of a time. And while the team may be struggling, you'll forget a lot of it when the Rapids hoist the Rocky Mountain Cup in front of you at Rice Eccles!!

I'm going to be on vacation ... so please ask your questions to the email above ... and seriously consider this trip. You can pay for your flights online right here!

Big thanks to Tina, Kelsey, Marcus, & Chili for organizing this

Thanks,
Mark
Class VI

Colorado Rapids Fan Group trip to Salt Lake City set for September 22nd!

The Colorado Rapids have graciously organized the festivities and accommodations in Salt Lake for the big match on September 22nd. Your supporter groups have arranged a group flight to get us all there. Notice there are TWO deadlines for the trip. The first is the group airline deadline of AUGUST 8th; The second is the hotel reservation and RSVP to Marcus of September 7th.

Airline Transportation
We have secured a special group airfare, but we need payment and a commitment by Wednesday, August 8th! That is next week! The rate is on Southwest Airlines for $140 per person, round trip. Class VI members, C-Firm members, and other interested road-trippers should contact us at roadtrips@nofanalone.com to arrange payment as soon as possible.

Denver to Salt Lake flight #2814 departing at 8:40 AM arriving Salt Lake at 10:20 AM on Saturday September 22nd.

Salt Lake to Denver flight #2339 departing at 3:35 PM arriving Denver at 4:55 PM on Sunday September 23rd.

Accommodations
The Colorado Rapids have secured the following special hotel rates for this trip. Reserve your room by September 7th by calling the hotel directly and specifying that you are part of the Colorado Rapids Fan Group:

Best Western Garden Inn (supporters usually stay here; it is downtown and convenient to the light rail)
154 West 600 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.521.2930
Rate of $59/night double occupancy; only $10 for 1 (or 2) extra adults
(Rate includes airport transportation and continental breakfast)

The Radisson Hotel at the Airport
2177 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
801.364.5800
Rate of $89/night double occupancy; $10 each extra adult
(Rate includes airport transportation; restaurant on site but no breakfast included)

Festivities
Pre-Game Tailgate: If you are a season ticket holder you are invited to the tailgate, which includes charter bus transportation from the hotels to the tailgate, the match, and back to the hotels after the game. This offer also includes a ticket to the match!

You must contact Marcus Myrick with any questions or concerns about this offer and to RSVP: call him at 303.727.3541 OR email him at mmyrick@dsgpark.com. The tailgate includes free food and soft drinks. The party is at a restaurant with a bar if you are interested in purchasing alcoholic beverages. Since it is a restaurant, all ages are welcome.

If you are not coming to the tailgate and would like a ticket with our group contact Kris Katseanes at Real Salt Lake and tell them you are with Colorado Rapids Fan Group. Feel free to ask for any details about the trip by emailing roadtrips@nofanalone.com we’ll be happy to supply more information.

Sincerely,

Class VI Road Trip Committee (Kelsey & Tina)

Strangest article ever...

The Denver Post is not known for ground-breaking sports journalism.

And after this article? They still aren't. Nonetheless, it's a fun read if you don't focus on the dismal record we have in Dallas.

Pizza the Hut

Top 10 lists...

What to write, what to write.... Can't think of anything. Okay, what's the easiest way to write a blog post...? Ahhh, yes, the infamous Top 10 List!

Top 10 reasons to buy a supporters' t-shirt from the 2007 All-Star Game

10. They’re cheaper than the crappy food at The Cantina, and probably more edible.
9. They feel better than the team is playing.
8. You? Yes. You look gorgeous in the color taupe. Goes with your eyes.
7. Take advantage of our mistake! We’ve got plenty of shirts in plenty of sizes.
6. It may feel like the team doesn’t love you, but CLASS VI SURE DOES!
5. If you’ve been drinking: stop reading, and go here now and buy three.
4. This space left intentionally blank.
3. If you like Celtic, buy one.
2. If you like beating Celtic, buy two.
1. Hey, I know some of you can’t remember the game… so at least you’ll have the t-shirt to prove you were there.

Buy one now!

Or...

Buy one later, they'll make an appearance at the next couple of viewing parties and games.

Posted by BilFish at 12:13 AM