Rapids Class VI

Ahhhh....

He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory

And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high.

John Denver was a Rapids fan

Anyway, at least I'm getting a chuckle out of the Rapids, and that's a good thing with the creativity, scoring, and winning lacking from my experience with them lately.

On the ride home from the Bulldog, I was recalling a comment from the game. It was either Rapids TV announcer Stout or Crookham, but one of 'em said something like, "After 88 minutes of perfect play the Rapids made a mistake."

It was the "perfect play" bit that made me chuckle most of the way home (and not the beer, or only having one hand on the steering wheel, as you dirty-minded bastards might reasonably suspect).

The really sad part is that now I have all the ammunition for biting, sarcastic, droll, seemingly negative posts, but I've lost the passion to organize those thoughts swirling through my head.

For example: Mehdi's (hair is) Ballouncy.

And don't get on my back about trying to find a bad picture of him... the Rapids are the ones who posted it. I'm just spreading the love. Geeez. That expression makes me think the ball's already smacked Ballouchy upside the noggin'.

More importantly, this image allows me to talk about tonight's starting line-up. If you didn't see the game, I've got a quiz question for you. Who did soon-to-be-former Coach Fernando Cluevijoless start in the attacking center midfield position?

I'll give you a hint. It wasn't the massively expensive acquisition from Salt Lake.

Actually, I'll give you another hint because otherwise we're going to be here all night guessing. It wasn't Zach Thornton. Zach is too young. By a couple of years. In fact, this guy is just 4 days younger than me. YiKeS!?!

Still give up? He's an ex-Fire guy. His last name is *not* Cancela, Osorno, or Niko. Okay, even with the hints you're still too skeptical to come to the right (wrong) conclusion. Yep. Sanneh started as our attacking midfielder.

Sure, some of you may want to scream, "We gave up US Men's National Team midfielder, Kyle Beckerman, beginning to peak and come into his own, for this nice Mehdi guy -- in a straight-up bloody swap?!?!?!?????."

And then Fernando went and started 36-year old Sanneh in the über-physical attacking mid position best left to younger guys?

It's true. Now, don't get me wrong. My beef isn't with Mehdi. It's with the Rapids for trading a top American prospect with tons of experience for a Sophomore Slump guy who will become a Senior International liability next year. Without asking for the sun, the moon, and the stars in return.

And that seems to be the sentiment of everyone I talk to. "Mehdi, it's not you. It's me... and the problems I have with Fernando's decision on this."

Anyway, Sanneh pulled up lame about 10 minutes into the game. As a veteran player *he* obviously realized the stupidity of what was going on and bowed out quietly.

I know: The Beckerman Trade Is Over. Get over it. Yet.... it's tough when I see Beckerman is off enjoying Bright Lights, Big City in New York this weekend.

And thanks to the combination of young-defender errors committed in the 88th minute by Ihemelu and then Bouna, we may have a long off-season to learn to get over it.

That's not the booze, you'll really see two Rapids teams!

Bouna Bouna Time time!

I know, I know. Sometimes it seems like we've seen two different Rapids teams all year...

In any case, your alcohol is working just fine, and so are your eyes.

The Rapids have announced that the game on October 7th against those Canucks is now a late-night, school night, old-fashioned baseball double-header!

The Highly Successful Rapids Reserves game against the Toronto FC Reserves, originally scheduled for Oct. 8, has been moved.

The match will now be played approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first team game on Sunday, October 7 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

First 11 to pound the Canadians at 6pm, undefeated Reserves kick-off approximately 8:30pm.

All fans are encouraged to blow off work and study the next morning and stay up realllly late to cheer for the undefeated Rapids Reserves as they attempt to defend their MLS Reserve Division Championship.

Hey, I gots an idea. How about letting the Reserves play the first game, since they are undefeated 'n' stuff? Just a thought.

And just who is the mastermind coaching the Rapids Reserves?

Saturday Night Showdown @ The Bulldog

Grrrr.....

We're just one day and two mournings away from a great night of Footy at the British Bulldog!

Yerp.... Tomorrow night is away-game viewing party time. That's Saturday night down, 5:30pm or earlier, down at the British Bulldog.

Remember to just put it on my tab. My secret bar tab name is "Mark."

Saturday, September 29th 5:30 PM - Class VI away viewing party at the British Bulldog - corner of Stout & Broadway in downtown Denver.

We'll need all the good spirit (and spirits) we can get, so come join your fellow fans. Excepting the actual gameplay, we had a fantastic time last week trying not to watch the hideousness which is "soccer" at Rice-Eccles "stadium" when it is "pissing down."

I'll be there with spurs on. So don't stand behind me.

And then there were 3!

We've all had that feeling. The one where nothing could go wrong and you get a bit Laissez-faire about events and then BLAMO! Reality strikes you upside the head like a Dario Sala sucker punch.

Last time this happened to me, I fell off the roof of my house. Luckily I couldn't afford 2 stories!

Well, it looks like the Rapids just fell off the roof of The Dick. Ouch. That cement ain't soft.

The Terrible Threesome?!?

What am I talking about? The Rapids playoff hopes are no longer in their own hands. In fact, they've slipped from the final spot, to being envious of the Columbus Crew! Ugghh. That is disgraceful. And sends us to the bottom rung of this 3-ring circus battle royale for the last playoff spot.

CrApiCago!
With only four games left in the 2007 MLS season, let's take a gander at how each of the three teams' might crawl into the playoffs:

Leading this pack of uninspired MLS Cup contenders is the Chicago Fire. Chicago appears to to be cheating. Apparently they've found some way around the rules applied by the Rapids Management Team, and added some top-notch players to the mix in Blanco, Wanchope, and Conde, as well as hiring a top new coach mid-season (a coach once considered to lead the Rapids to MLS Cup Glory).

With a single win and three ties in their last four games, they certainly haven't been burning the league up with their play, yet they have still jumped into the final playoff spot ahead of the Crew and Rapids.

Upcoming, Chicago has two very difficult games with visits to Chivas USA and DC United, and they host a good New England Revs and a last place LA Galaxy. Let's hope they flub them all.

Columbus, under guidance from Sigi Schmidt, has taken his team from last place winners in 2006 to just a single point out of playoff contention in '07. Big & Tall Men's store spokesman Sigi (also once considered to replace Tim Hankinson) needs only one more win to match last year's total of eight, but they have an equally difficult job to do. Their next game is a must win against Los Angles at home (okay, that's not the difficult part), followed by hosting Dallas and visits to New England and DC United (what we might call "three the hard way").

Our Colorado Rapids are mired in a four-game winless streak and haven't won a road game since May 13th, but our schedule gives us some reason to be optimistic. First, we can't go on another 10-game winless streak this season. Second, we're just a win out of the playoffs, so at least one win and a tie is essential.

We've got two of the leagues worst teams with Fake Salt Lake concluding the third edition of the Rocky Mountain Cup in the last game of the season at The Dick as well as hosting those hosers, Toronto FC. The bad news is we have road games against New England and Chivas USA.

The Rapids are going to have to win at least one of these games (one of these days) and need four points minimum to finish the 8th seed if the planets were to somehow all line up and the Dodo bird were to be rediscovered.

Realistically however, they're going to need six points and and a handful of four leaf clovers at the very least, which means two wins or one win and three ties in their last four games.

A Grande Macchiato order indeed considering our inability to win big games lately.

As a side note, New England is four points behind DC United for the Supporters Shield and a guaranteed Champions' Cup berth, so don't count on them to B team us.

Now who was it that was coaching the Revolution before three-time runner up Steve Nicol? Wonder if he's ever thought of plying his trade out here.

From the Pitch update

Make sure to check our From The Pitch with Marcelo Balboa page for an updated lineup of guest stars for this evening's program!

Entertained in Salt Lake?!?

Class VI member Cindy joined the ranks of Rocky Mountain Cup road-trippers for the first time on a brave adventure. She confirms that there's nothing like a great road trip with good friends to take the sting out of a loss.

"Well, we were entertained...in Salt Lake City, that is. That’s the beauty about the game of soccer: win or lose, sunshine or rain, we were among friends, enjoying a few brews and watching a soccer game together. Happy as a peach.

I’m sure there will be photos attached to this article, please take a look and see what you missed! Centennial Firm's own Chilistrider took some great snapshots of the weekend's action.

(Ed. note: most Class VI and C-Firm members flew together for this 24-hours of roadtrip adventure. Flap. Flap. Flap.)

We took a short flight early Saturday morning to SLC and enjoyed lunch at “The Pie”, a basement-level pizzeria with 'zas as big as the sun. In fine tradition, we also left our markings on the stale mustard-covered seats. Then the Rapids sponsored a bus (thank you “Rob the Driver” for the beer run) taking us to the pre-game party.

With a buffet of treats and drinks for all, we bonded and filled our bellies before the big game. A huge thank you to the Rapids FO for supporting us and treating us well. The Rocky Mountain Cup trophy was with us the whole time, shining brightly in the lights, at least until the rain started.

Raincoats in hand, we arrived at Rice-Eccles stadium ready for battle. We cheered on the players during warm-ups and gave them signs of good luck as they returned to the locker room. Although we were drowned out by the drumming section, our voices were loud and supportive. Did you see Tori and Danielle on the pre-game show with their awesome signs?

The rain continued to pour down on us the entire game…Leo the Lion mascot tried to ruin our fun with Silly String, but we stood tall and proud… In fact, we invite the Lion to come to our house next time….maybe without the bodyguard in front of him, protecting his little tail.

What’s it like being a Leo? Well, we are typically defined as very dignified and regal. We are determined, confident and admire our pride. All this being true, as a Leo, we love the game of romance. We are sneaky when flirting, however Leos are highly attracted to the partners of their choosing. So, to sum it up, Allen, I think Leo the Lion was lonely and just flirting with you. Too bad he couldn’t fight his battle face to face. Fake Leo in Fake Salt Lake.

Though we left the game with a bit of sadness, we held high and were right back in to watching more soccer Sunday morning. ManU vs. Chelsea at “Fiddler’s Elbow,” an establishment (in the alley) that we are now proud members of (for only $8.00).

If you haven’t traveled to an away game, we collectively suggest joining us next time. An awesome time was had by all.

(ed. note: brings a bloody tear to me eye it does. I'll be there with ya next time!)

Rapids T-Shirt Designer

I was looking around for someone to print some shirts, and apparently there's a Rapids T-Shirt designer out there already!

THE TIME FOR ACTION IS PAST.
Now is the Time for Senseless Bickering!

The good folks over at Despair.com must be Rapids fans!

Another one reads: I Expected Times Like This: But never thought they'd be so bad, so long, and so frequent.

Of course, if you actually want some great T-shirts, head over to where Class VI gets all of our fantastic gear that gets handed out at tailgates... and don't forget to say HI! to Max & Patrick over at Go West t-shirt company, where they have an interesting business model: "Cotton with a Conscience."

And finally, to actually talk soccer for just a second before returning to the regularly-scheduled sarcastic programming:

Last year, it was FSL that almost overtook us and knocked the Rapids out of the playoffs. It came down to about the last game if I recall.

This was not taken as the wake-up call that it should have been. Instead, we slept in for the 3rd year and now it appears likely that Fake Salt Lake actually managed to knock us out of playoff contention.

Damn. My lungs hurt. Like when I tell my kids, "get your hand out of the milk cup," I never grew up thinking I'd have to say that sort of nonsense.

It's ... I don't know, like talking dirty without the happy ending.

Don't worry.

There are people out there thinking I'm going to rip into the Rapids, their management team and coach.

And normally, I probably would. It's a joy I rarely forego. Heck, on the drive home from the Bulldog I actually came up with 23 negatives that make it hard to be a Rapids fan before deciding to focus on getting home safely.

But tonight, I'm giving it a rest. Why? Because none of it really matters, does it? It's not about the specifics, positive or negative.

Nope. It's truly about just one thing: entertainment.

And everything has culminated to create a situation where the Rapids are not providing me with the entertainment that I expect.

I'm sorry. I know the Rapids are a "business" as people keep pointing out, but the business owners don't seem to realize what that business is: entertainment.

Sorry to be repetitive, but I'm hoping the message gets through. This is about entertaining people. I am an American consumer with many competitive options for my time.

I am not satisfied. And that should scare the Rapids more than anything else I can say.

What time is it?

It'sRockyMountainCupTime!

What time is it?

It'sRockyMountainCupTime!

Oh, yeah! It *is* gameday in the heart of the Rocky Mountain region and we're all very excited for another emotionally-charged battle-rific game tonight.

Our traveling warrior fans are on their way to the airport as we speak. Our chief sarcastic writer in evidence is gearing up with a *double* espresso, and our players are hopefully still sleeping off a round of Halo 2 and dreaming sweet dreams of re-creating Halo 3 on the field tonight (with Mt. Dew Game Fuel, of course).

Good luck Road Warriors, good luck!

And Ballouchy? Let's make that return to FSL triumphant!

What time is it NOT?

It's not Women's World Cup time. That was this morning. It's over, and you missed out on it. I was smart enough to Tivo it, because unlike the 2002 World Cup TV schedule, I'm not willing to stay up that late anymore.

Anyway, I'd tell you the score, but I'm watching GER-PRK and engrossed with the feeling that I should be telling the German women to stop pushing around those poor little Asian girls.

Back on topic. Kyle Beckerman? Not that upset about the trade anymore. I'm guessing he found that just as much pot from Oregon rolls through SLC as DEN.

Ritchie Kotschau is just happy to prove he can still play in MLS, and good for him. He was always one of the "normal" good guys on the Rapids. We miss him.

Chris Wingert, based solely on his one comment during the AYLsoccer.com radio interview, seems more interested in video games.

In any case, this all bodes well for us. Coming off a mediocre tie where "FSL had the best of the Galaxy" the FSL teammates think they don't need to change anything to beat the Rapids.

They tied the worst team in MLS and they're not worried about US?!? That's the sort of arrogance that quickly gets abused when teams like New England, Houston, and DC come to town.

The Rapids have a nice little article on the RMC up today for us to peruse before the game.

Remember.... Good Friends from Class VI and the Centennial Firm will be enjoying the game tonight (gametime: 7:30pm) at the British Bulldog in downtown Denver. See everyone there!

FSL Wants to be like us

We knew that, of course. Yup. I'm not really sure why, but Fake Salt Lake just wants to be like us. It's like having a younger brother who keeps wearing your old soccer cleats.

They've ended up with three players who have won the Rocky Mountain Cup. Hmmmm.... maybe this is their secret attempt to finally claim the RMC? Who knows.

Note: If you get a chance to listen to the radio show (above link), the former Rapids stars show up at the end of the 19th minute for your listening pleasure. Total run time is 47 minutes for this mp3 audio file.

In any case, I think it's going too far when they even start recruiting our retired players!

FSL's so hopeless they are now
stealing our retired players!

BTW - Don't forget to have a listen to Marcelo Balboa's radio show From The Pitch from this Tuesday. I hear it was a Rocky Mountain Cup special as well, with Pablo & Beckerman making an appearance!

Better Broadcasting?!?

I don't do a lot of game recaps. To be honest, most games are watched via Tivo while I get my kids dressed for school, long after most of all y'all have seen the game. But I actually got to see the Thursday night game on Thursday, thanks to having the kids home early enough that I could spend some significant quality time building a beautiful shrimp quesadilla.*

Anyway: Fernando Palomo. ESPNDeportes. Broadcaster.

Nice quote by Palomo last night: "(Blanco) knows Segares has a yellow. He's going to try and protect the guy. He's going to try to get somebody from the other team (a yellow)."

Hmmm. Sounds better live, perhaps. So, Fernando was an addition to the ESPN Thursday Primetime broadcast lineup since 1/2 the players on the pitch were south of the border additions. Fernando himself was a great addition! Excuse me, addiciones!

Anyway... I have to say that the improved broadcast quality of Thursday night games, along with Eric Wynalda not talking about "his days as a forward" have really paid off in creating an enjoyable atmosphere to watch a mid-week game.

Add a few stellar international players (Denilson, Toja, Blanco, not Wanchope) and suddenly you've got some interesting MLS soccer to watch, even when the Rapids aren't playing. Huh, felt weird saying that.

Good stuff. Oh, sure, Palomo's a clear Blanco apologist, but it's interesting fare, I tell ya!

Mind you, some people are off enjoying all the Sierra Mist commercials and sideboards during the game, but I find that watching Steve Morrow look shocked is better when enjoying the Irish Mist or perhaps a touch of the Tullamore Dew. Or both!

* Yummy Quesadillas du Miercoles
Get a good pan. Carmelize some garden-grown sliced onions, organic red peppers, choped Champignon mushrooms, and diced home-grown neighbor's zucchini in a pan. Let it go for an hour. Add spices (such as paprika, cumin, powdered chipotle and cayenne peppers, fresh garlic, etc.). Use a bit of homemade chicken stock, perhaps a hint or three of white wine to de-glaze. You are welcome to add a hint of Tequila, although I forgot to this time.

Simmmmmmmer down folks, simmer down.

Throw on some non-overcooked shrimp (i.e. not rubberized like most bad shrimp dishes). Add slightly grilled sun-dried tomato and basil tortillas with a blend of shredded queso and topped with freshly-made guacamole, a touch of sour cream if that's your gig, and cilantro.

Mmmmm..... Enjoy!

And enjoy the ending of last night's game... Dallas did us another favor, and in fact I'm cheering the play of Carlos Ruiz! No kidding. My favorite line was the broadcaster saying that, "Chicago has now pulled 4 points away from Colorado in the playoff race..."

Woopsie daisy!

The Rapids are Democrats?!?

No, I'm not talking about the Billionaires and Millionaires in the Front Office & Ownership. Duhhhh....

So, the above headline was simply meant to be similar to those billboards that scream, "Made you look! Your customers see this gaudy sign, too!"

You know, like a teaser? Hello? Bueller? Nothing? Awwww, come on. Don't be harshin' on my buzz.

Anyhooo... Before you click on the link below, please take a few seconds and consider how this quote came to be published in a newspaper...

"It's exciting because you can see the soccer players beside you and they can teach you how to play soccer," said Stephanie De Leon, 12, who said she wants to be a soccer player or a hip-hop dancer when she grows up."

You never call, you never write... :-(

Poor Grand Poobah.

He asks everyone to email him to confirm their Class VI membership. Did you do it?

NO. Of course not. Because you are an independent-minded person. When you joined, it was appealing that there are no meetings, no fees, no obligations.

And then what does Mark do? He asks you for something.

W-e-l-l-l-l, I say that just this once we should humor him. If you haven't emailed yet, please do! That's M-A-R-K@noFANalone.com.

It's away game viewing party time this Saturday night down at the British Bulldog. Where everybody knows your name.

Saturday, September 22nd 7:30 PM - Class VI away viewing party at the British Bulldog - corner of Stout & Broadway in downtown Denver.

Sure, the *real* away-game viewing party is in Salt Lake this weekend to boo on the Fake Salt Lake team and have the league's "best" fans throw liquor bottles at us and the FSL mascot lion spray us with fire extinguishers.

However, for those of us with prior commitments for our time and/or money, the Bulldog will happily welcome us into the soccer haven it is, to enjoy good times, good company, and a good smacking around of those bastards in Salt Lake. Ahem. I meant an earnest and friendly-played game in the competitive spirit that made our country so great.

Remember what's on the line.... It's Rocky Mountain Cup week!.

In the first two years of existence for the Rocky Mountain Cup competition, the Rapids have convincingly triumphed over FSL, taking home the trophy and guaranteeing the FSL fan's complete ignorance of what it feels like to hold such a beautiful example of triumph.

With our coach's inexplicable trade of Beckerman to FSL, things could be different this time around. Let's hope Kyle choose to have an off day on our behalf, instead of being pissed about getting traded willy-nilly and choosing to stamp his midfielder's will all over us.

The Rapids lead 4 points to 1, and could clinch the 2007 Cup win with a victory Saturday night. With a tie or loss, the final match at The Dick in October will be the deciding game.

Let's resolve it now lads! Get the victory, get into the playoffs, and no worries!

*Oh, and we'd like to thank the Galaxy for ensuring FSL has nothing much to play for this weekend. They aren't coming back from a "tough loss" and they aren't on a roll after beating the team's worst team. In fact, they are idling. And that's how I like my foes.

Lightning Strikes!

It's always tough for a player to step back out on the field after a mid-game weather delay. I mean, just look at how well Chivas adjusted! But our players came out of the locker room with some fire in the belly.

Amid flashes from the sky, a new Rapids Hero was born!

Cookie gets the ball to our target forward, Conor Casey who sets up a beautifully-threaded ball. And that's when Lightning Struck! Colin "Lightning" Clark keeps the season alive by tearing through the defense and getting onto Casey's pass to create the Rapids tying goal.

The thunder rolled from the heavens and down through the electrified crowd as Clark stunned the Goats with 1000 Watts of pure energy.

Ahhh! Sometimes it's good to be a fan. Clark's goal highlights two of the reasons the Rapids have a chance to make the playoffs this season.

Casey came to the Rapids described by a team insider as "very out of shape" and sometimes it can take a player time to settle into a team and a league. Though Casey is American, he's never played in MLS, having gone straight to Germany's Bundesliga from college. Hopefully, this is a sign of great things to come from Casey. If he's the target and can combine with a speedy striker, the Rapids offense may finally flourish.

Lightning to the Rescue!

"Lightning" is the kind of guy fans have been calling for since early in the season. Clavijo tried Jacob Peterson and Herculez Gomez early on, but neither player is a true left midfielder and it's been a glaring crater all season. It was a hole last season as well, and the only off season move was to bring in foreign players such as Yherland MacDonald who never saw the field, and was subsequently released, and... We all know what happened to Roberto "El Bombadero" Brown.

The question begs to be asked, why didn't Fernando see he had Lightning in a bottle sitting next to him on the bench?

To Fernando's credit, he eventually stopped playing people out of position, and Lightning was finally given his chance. His play on the left side has taken much needed pressure off Terry Cooke on the right, and opened up a tremendous amount of opportunities on the field. You know, like, 1/3 more!

So hats off to Conor Casey and Colin "Lightning" Clark for putting the Rapids back into the playoff hunt.

Jumping To Conclusions

Our Grand Poobah has been reading again...

We've been trying to bridge the gap that has been growing between the Rapids Front Office and Rapids Fans. Initiated by Chili of C-Firm fame, the RFO has been holding meetings between the leadership of CVI, C-Firm, & the RFO. The RFO host was none other than Managing Director, Jeff Plush.

Background: We fans love the Rapids, MLS, and Soccer, but let's not fool ourselves - it's not considered one of the big sports in the United States. Subsequently, the coverage by the main stream media severely sucks. In a sense, that's okay. Most of us don't even bother to get the newspaper anymore, and TV news is nothing more than the nightly police report.

Internet news has replaced all that old school crap with news that means something to each of us. Google knows everything, right? Yes, except when it comes to the Rapids.

The CIA could learn a thing or three about keeping secrets from the infamously close-mouthed Kroenke Sports. Even in the NHL world, Kroenke's Avalanche are known for being tighter than a turtle's ass.

This has a big impact on the relationship between the fans of MLS and the league itself. I can't speak to all markets, but certainly the coverage of the Rapids in Denver isn't stellar by any means.

What is particularly lacking is the investigative journalism that other sports get. If a fight breaks out in the NHL between two teammates, you will hear the exact details of what happened shortly after. If a Manager in Baseball has a blowout with one of his stars and is traded soon after, you'll find out the exact reasons why. This isn't the case with MLS.

(ed note: That goes double for the Rapids. I (BilFish) covered the Rapids for over a season, and was stymied at every turn from reporting anything interesting or controversial about the team. In fact, the team finally threatened to pull my press access if I didn't stop speaking with players directly as I was getting too much information the team didn't want public. Staff members were threatened with their jobs.)

Without all the detail, People often think the worst!

Anyway, that's why BigSoccer is electronic crack to Rapids fans! BS is where the rumors are spread and the fanatics are able to share anything from inside secrets, to rumors, to just blatantly imagined events. It is, in fact, BS.

So.... what kind of stuff are we talking about?

Take the game this weekend against Chivas USA (which we tied, way to stay in the game guys!). It was seen on the sidelines that Jovan Kirovski & Terry Cooke had a heated exchange of words. This was reported on Big Soccer. One person even commented that it looked like it could have turned into a physical confrontation between the two. Will we EVER know the truth of what happened? Nope. And in that vacuum of information, people will start jumping to conclusions.

In the absence of reliable information, I've no doubt that Jovan Kirovski will be deemed to be at fault or the asshole. Why? Because there's much unhappiness among fans about what he brings to the team, whereas Terry Cooke is very much loved for his skills and contributions (and Englishness).

So what does this have to do with meeting the Rapids Front Office? Patience, grasshoppers, patience.

The trade of Kyle Beckerman was one of the topics discussed. The perceived notion of why Kyle was traded away was that he and Fernando butted heads. In the complete absence of information, this seems reasonable.

There was even the slightly critical comments made by Kyle in the mainstream media to support that theory. FOF (Friends of Fernando) supported the same rift and suggested it was forced on the coach. The team press release laughably suggested that Ballouchy was "younger" and this somehow counted as a reason to trade.

But did any journalist find out the real story?

Here's what Jeff has offered to help fill in the non-existent explanations given so far about Beckerman's departure: There absolutely was no animosity between Kyle and Fernando nor the RFO. In fact, they love the kid so much, they made him the center of their marketing campaign. Jeff stated that it was a difficult decision to trade away such a good person. They had even turned down the exact same trade that was proposed at the very beginning of the season.

But Jeff states that Kyle was in fact deemed a luxury. They already had the best defensive midfielder in MLS, and Kyle is seen as another holding midfielder. Disagree that Kyle could be the center of attack? Jeff also states that in the National Team picture, that's the role Bob Bradley has Kyle defined for as well.

Thus the trade was made as most trades are made, trading a position of depth for a position of need. Now, did we get a fair trade in a straight swap? Dunno.

In coming days we'll talk about more communication items to see how we can help with this massive deficit of information.

What do you think? Discuss this Post

Open Letter to Don Garber

Uncle Don,

It's been nice out here in Colorado this summer. The weather's great. We've had some fun times at the new stadium; thanks for coming out to see The Dick earlier this Spring!

Sure, some of the lads at the camp have gone in the middle of the night, but those of us who are left are enjoying the tailgates and shows being put on nightly here at Camp Colorado.

One thing.

Me and the guys & gals (it's exciting around here at Camp Coed) have talked, and we think you've made great strides in competition in MLS.

Real progress. Good stuff. And we'd hate to see any of that "two steps forward, one step backward" kinda thang going on.

Don't mess with the new playoff format. Along with adding new teams to the league while keeping the same number of playoff spots, going to a wildcard system is the best thing for generating regular season interest and tension. Trust me, we're all Rapids fans here. We know tension!

Again, we applaud recent efforts to improve competition, and with San Jose coming (back) online next year, it would be a shame to simply revert to "4 out of 7" per conference gets in.

Again: we're the Colorado team that has taken advantage of the former system... so if *we* like stronger competition, then I'm guessing the old boys network in DC and New York and New England are just peachy keen with it all.

Let me be clear: Fighting for playoff spots is the best possible scenario. The odds of getting into the playoffs have gotten worse the past few years.

And that's a good thing:
2004: 80% of teams made it
2005: 67% of teams made it
2006: 67% of teams made it
2007: 61% of teams make it
2008: 57% of teams make it
2009: 57% of teams (projected)
2010: 50% of teams (projected)
2011: 50% of teams (projected)
2012: 44% of teams (projected)

From 80% to 50% in just 6 years? Bottoming out at less than half? Wowzers!

Keep the conference system. That's fine, I don't mind. But all the stuff that simulates single table synergy? Pure Guinness.... I mean, Genius!

Like I posted back in April, I'm proud of all the things making MLS a more competitive, fun place to play:

• Supporter's Shield award for winner
  
• Champion's Cup play next year for MLS Cup winner and reg. season winner
  
• SuperLiga entry for top 4 teams (with $1 Million on the line)
  
• Improved chances of a playoff birth for top regular-season points holders
  
• Adding more teams and *not* increasing number of playoff berths
  
• Full-time referees hired (now you just need to hire good ones!)
  

Boy oh Boy, there's a lot to look forward to. Anyway, it's time to get back to our strip poker game here at Camp Con, so I'll sign off now.

By the way, the weather really is usually nice, you should visit again some time.

Love,

Your Nephew BilFish

Time to Take Action!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I truly didn't want to make Class VI political. But I can hold out no longer! I must ask each and everyone of you to TAKE ACTION.

This issue affects us all. It doesn't matter if you're a Catholic Priest or a Radical Hippie.

It's time to start writing our Congressmen and demanding action now!

I was sitting on my couch growing the belly and watching a movie, when it hit me like bolt of lightening! I didn't get the Keg!

I jumped on the computer. Liquor Mart in Boulder closes at 11:45 - OH MY GOD - it's 11:45!! Forget the 10 game winless streak - this was going to trump it. They'll run me out of section 108 - they'll hang my boxer briefs at the tailgate (YES Mr. Tighty Whitey, it is time to switch over).

Luckily, I headed to the nearest Liquor Store in Boulder. The guy was locking up, but he let me in. I kid you not, while I was in the store he told over a dozen people to get lost because they were closed. But I came through for YOU!

How does this affect you? Well, it means two things:

1. It's time to write your congressman and tell them Colorado's Liquor Laws are affecting Poobah's life when there is a game on Sunday! Sell REAL BEER on Sundays for the good of Class VI.

2. You're not drinking Fullers tomorrow. I hope you like Killians.

The Audacity of Ives

It's always disconcerting to have someone 2,500 miles away point out the failings of your club's management team and ownership.

On the other hand, Ives is right on target when he talks about the continuation of the hot race for the final playoff spot.

Well, mostly right. He says it's not an exciting race, but when nearly a quarter of the league is racing for one final position? That's excitement, and no doubt. If you saw the Fire-Pink Cows game and result last night, you're nodding your head in agreement with us.

Anyway, Ives had the audacity to call the Rapids ownership "cheap." Wait, did Soccer by Ives say that? Lesseee.....

Yep, he did:

"Want to know the most interesting aspect of this playoff race? The fact that the Fire added three impact players for the second half of the season while the Rapids and Crew have managed to add nothing. It is no secret that Colorado and Columbus are two of the cheapest clubs in MLS but to watch these teams sit by and do nothing is sad. Their frugal ways will likely cost them this time around and fans of those teams should be asking some serious questions of their owners."

One of the comments to this entry made a good point:

In the old playoff format, KC/Fire/Columbus would be battling for the final playoff spot in the East. Colorado would be skating by in the West with a 10-point lead on FSL & LA.

In the new playoff format there are now "4 teams battling for two spots...so thanks to the rule change, we've given one more team (Colorado) something to play for."

It's all for the greater good. Just remember that.

The Goat Express arrives @ 1pm Tomorrow!

This goat is starting to smell like an on-rushing locomotive!

We all know that the Goat Express has done a number on us this year. Which is to say that they have gone #2 on us. Yep, with a 2-0 loss behind us and a two-game possible shellacking to look forward to, Rapids fans have a reason to Fear The Goat.

In the Goat's six games in August and September, they have scored like a cute frat boy at the Eta Beta Pi sorority house. 14 Goaty Goals sunk with only two scored against them (by the best team in MLS), resulting in one measly tie in this 5-0-1 running of the bulls, errr, goats.

Damn. We may have to think of a new nickname for the Goats. I'm not sure that "Free Points" remains a good name for this four-legged critter.

We all know goats are bitter, mean, and ugly creatures. But why so dangerous?

Ante Razov. He actually scored (hell, he actually *used*) his right foot! Unbelievable. You should have seen the look on Cannon's face when THAT one went by him.

Maykel Galindo. First, I lied. I didn't remove him from my Fantasy team. And I'm glad I did. So there. That guy reminds me of a couple of Cubans that used to play for the Rapids... until he gets in front of goal. Pure composure.

What's worse? Hello-o-o-o-?!? Haven't you been listening? The Goaty defense has allowed 2 goals in the last 6 games. Wow. With "El Guzano" the white boy in the back and Jesse "Kick You" Marsch holding the mid, it's going to be a tough go of it down the middle.

I suggest we use a strong defense including Dan Gargan and Greg Vanney in the back, everybody's favorite Kyle Beckerman anchoring defense in the mid, and Hercules Gomez and Roberto Brown up front.

If they're not available for some reason? I say we drop back 20 and punt.

Our Class VI "Brand the Goat" Tailgate Party
starts early mañana - 11am in the morning.

Get Well Soon!

Warning! Injuries Alert!

---

If you hadn't heard, Herculez Gomez is out for the season, joining Dan Gargan on the IR List.

Terrible news for our boys. Those young knees just ain't what they used to be.

Hercules went down during practice on Wednesday, and is expected to be out for 6-9 *months* (yes, months) after surgery is scheduled (probably for next week).

Two players that laid it out on the line game in and game out. Time for Jacob Peterson and Omar Cummings to step it up and show they not only belong in MLS, but are ready to make a big splash.

Best wishes from everyone in Class VI - and here's to hoping Herc and Dan recover well and quickly from their injuries and both find themselves in the starting 11 next April.

The Nehru Championship!

What more can a coach achieve after finishing second in the European Club Cup Final? Why, winning the Nehru Cup of course!

What the hell is a Nehru Cup? It's a National Team soccer tournament in Asia, and it was won by India for the very first time.

Yes, I know you're confused. If you watched the movie "Bend It Like Beckham" then you'll know that India plays Cricket, not soccer.

Anyway, this is one from the Rapids History Vault. Normally we don't like to unlock the vault, but this just sort of slipped out.

You'll remember Bobby Houghton, of course. You know... the coach that quit before the end of the first MLS season, giving us an asterisk next to interim player/coach Roy Wegerle in 1996 (Roy lost that game FYI).

You know, the one that led the Rapids to an impressive 11-21 record to finish dead last in MLS. Well, after he blew off the Rapids, he got a gig coaching the Chinese National Team. Watch out Greenie & Soccer Joe, they're coming to get you!

He had about the same amount of luck with the Chinese, for which we are all grateful.

But two weeks ago, Bobby Boy guided the Indian National (football) team to a championship.

Congratulations Bobby Boy, here's to hoping they make you into a Hindu God! Again, this is once they all realize that India actually has a footy team and we're not talking Cricket.

Bashra Bobby

VI Questions with Mary Katherine

Okay everyone, it's time to get to know another of your fellow fans! Here's VI questions with another CVI die-hard:

Full Name: Mary Katherine Schenk
CVI member since: 2007
City you call home: Denver even though I grew up in Nashville
Favorite Player: Do I really need to answer this one???? (editor: keep reading - you'll soon find out)

I. I've noticed you sometimes wear the wrong color jersey - it's black or grey or something. You supporting other teams?

Well, sweetie, the jersey in question would be NICO'S practice jersey. I bought it with my rent money at the Class VI raffle at the kick-off party. And as I recall, YOU were the one raffling it off. And here you are accusing me of supporting other teams. By the way, to show my true support when I wear my maroon t-back t-shirt, I always wear my light blue undergarments. Now who has team spirit???

II. It's been an up and down season for the team. With seven games left, can we make the playoffs?

Of course we can. But even if we don't, what a hell of a ride this year has been!

III. What's your favorite moment from the season so far?

Anytime Nico bends over in front of our section and ties his shoes or pulls up his socks. No, seriously, Inaugural Day was a blast (and I'm not talking cold air either!) Love the camaraderie of it all.

IV. You've got to be the biggest Nico Fan Alive. Have the two of you been introduced yet?

Well, as you can imagine, the language barrier proves to be a bit of a problem, but hey! What he doesn't understand can't hurt him (too much anyway).

V. The Bourne Ultimatum, The Simpsons, or Harry Potter?

You mean Gone With the Wind isn't a choice? Who's asking these questions????

VI. Who should the next CVI profile be of?

HMMMM, I think I would have to go with my comrade in arms, Sistah Mary O'Neill since she's the one who wrangled me into this.

Official Team Update

From the Rapids themselves ... TEAM UPDATE

Can Lightning Strike Thrice?

Okay Mr. FireClavijo.com, I'd like to see your thoughts on this opinion:

Coach Clavijo claims success at having made the conference finals both years he's been gaffer of the Rapids. If you read FireClavijo.com, they'll present that he's done so without actually winning the games. But a conference final is a conference final, RIGHT?

Sure, making it one time certainly can be considered lucky.

Making it twice indicates that someone's got bloody knuckles from knocking on a lot of pine. Lucky, indeed!

But making it three years in a row??? Fernando would have to be dying his skin green and exchanging his Uruguayan accent for an Irish one!. I mean, even Lucky's Charms got nabbed every now and again! So here's the question:

Is it lucky if you do it 3 times in a row?

Now, it's understood that we're standing outside in the cold rain at the moment looking to find a way inside to the nice, warm, dry playoffs, but if Clavijo does indeed get us there and takes us to within a single game of the MLS Cup title match again, would the nay sayers finally start disappearing?

Perhaps it depends on what success means to you. In any case, Feel Free to Let Us Know What YOU Think:

Let's Not Forget!

It certainly has been a year of extreme Ups & Downs. From the wonderful new home of the Rapids with the excitement of a year with great expectations to the 10 game winless streak where we're not on the outside looking in to the MLS Cup Party.

But while the team itself is giving coronaries and migraines to the passionate fans, Class VI has done nothing but rocket to the stars.

We've continued our growth and the tailgate has been outstanding. People are making wonderful friendships - and the internal debate on how a supporter should show their colors has been passionate yet respectful.

I was recently emailed this - and I think it's a testament to every single member we have that forms Class VI. Remember, it's YOU that makes CVI what it is ... and this is just special:

My name is Nate and this is my first time as a season ticket holder. My family consists of a wonderful wife and four fantastic kids (2 boys, ages 16 & 11 and 2 girls, ages 7 & 5). We are devote Colorado Rapids fans and enjoy each and every time we’re in Denver.

Nate

Welcome to the family Nate!!!

Ask the Dicktator

Yes, yes, we know. It's rare that anyone gets to question an autocratic ruler in the real world.

But this is sports! And Class VI has gained a special dispensation to ask questions of the Rapids own Head of State! Yes, Jeff Plush (official title: Managing Director) will answer your questions!

Who's Jeff? Well, he's the ... HEY! You almost tricked me. Maybe that could be *my* first question!

We will post Jeff's replies on our website. Please email our Grand Poobah your questions by Wednesday Sept 12th.

Ground rules: It's fine to ask tough questions, it's fine to ask non-soccer questions, and it's fine to throw up a softball or two (even though that's a different sport) - but please keep the questions polite.

From all of the questions we'll pick a batch to forward to him and post the answers here!

Alright, this is getting ridiculous

It is time for *somebody* to brand this dang goat we have hanging around! He's eating all the grass, taking out teams from both coasts, and needs a little talking to.

To support this effort, we've decided to start our "Brand the Goat" campaign. Let's put our stamp on these folks and call it a day.

Goat. Tastes like chicken!

This is going to be no easy task. This Goat is slippery.

And we all know how randy goats are. This Goat likes to score! A plus-14 goal differential? Aye Dios Mio! We're going to need to convince him to keep it in his pants. Petke, we're looking for you to be the GoatMaster for the evening.

Many of us have Maykel Galindo on our fantasy soccer teams, but it's time to put that guy in negative territory for the week. In fact, I'm removing him right now!

We also need to muck out the dang stall, put the goat back in his pen, and get him to stop eating up the turf like it's going out of style. I suggest keeping Klejstan behind the barn doors, and spending more time showing Brad "El Guzano" the American player how to get into the back of his net.

Ultimately, we need to press aggressively against this Goat's forward line. They move up like a swarm of goat lice, spread out in formation, and then blast through confused back lines like Germans marching through a forest of French Vichy sympathizers!

Ouch! I think I strained my brain on that last one, so I'll leave it to all y'all to come up with more thoughts on how to humanely kill the goat.

Top 10 List with a Hangover

Fans celebrate new low in style

The Rapids' website headline says it best: Rapids Squander Opportunity vs. League's Worst Team"

So.... Anytime I have nothing coherent to say, it's time for a top 10 list.

Top 10 Positivities from last night's "game"

10. We're two hours closer to watching the US play Brazil today in Chicago. (2pm MT)
9. Without the possibility of overtime, I wasn't worried about missing out on the Bowflex infomercial after the game!
8. Rebalanced Karma: we don't have all that game-saving goalkeeping pent up and waiting to cause problems anymore!
7. I had a great time hanging out with fellow Class VI fans down at the vibrant, but not-too-rowdy British Bulldog for the evening. Good times!
6. After a couple games where Cookie seemed to be lagging a bit on effort (possibly injury-related), he was running his tail off last night, good show!
5. The staff over at FireClavijo.com has new job security!
4. Backing out of those pesky playoffs means our players are fresher for next year! And Dallas fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
3. LA was down in the dumps, so it's good that they feel a bit better now. Glad we could help with that.
2. Mehdi finally scored. Monkey hanging only precariously on his back.
1. As a team, we proved that the broad side of a barn really is a tough target to hit! So much for that old saying.
0. Rapids fans get to show their true character in sticking by the team. Hey! It's eee-zzz supporting some championship team with lots of silverware.

Brian Jennings rounds up some good news

Get it. Soccer365.com? He rounds up the news? Ehhhhh... forget it.

Anyway, every Rapid Fan's best friend, Brian Jennings reports on the health of key Rapids playas.

Long story short: Good news.

Waxing nostalgic

No... that's not a strange, hairy body part you've never heard of.

But clearly I have this urge to go back to a kinder, gentler, more innocent time.

March 06th, 2007 for example.

Another one was April 3rd, 2007.

My favorite quote from one of the articles linked to... (you guess who said it):

Alrighty lads! Let's make a good run for it. We'll be at the British Bulldog tomorrow night to cheer ya on!

Note: Class VI meeting starts at 7:30pm tomorrow night at the Bulldog (Join us!), gametime starts at 8:30pm.

Scent of the week

I think we know what David's been doing during his time off for injury! :-)

Do I smell like money?

Have a better caption for this picture? Email it to Intense@nofanalone.com and we'll post winning captions when we get around to it.

Ahhh, the complexity of little ol' MLS!

Just thinking about Mark's excellent synopsis of our current playoff hopes, it reminded me of a couple of pertinent posts. I think the new playoff format is a fantastic way to increase the tension in MLS, and I'm glad to see it's already paying off. Not so glad to see that *we are* the team causing so much tension at the bottom, of course, but we're going the right direction.

First.... You gotta enjoy new competition rules for MLS Playoffs

Second... If you missed this post on following MLS as a "single table" in terms of playoff hopes, SuperLiga dreams, Champions' Cup wishes, and Open Cup excitement, now's a good time to check it out.

Pssst.... we're in the running for at least one of those competitions!

The Boys are Making Their Move!

Well Coach Clavijo has said it all year - you need to get hot at the right time and just make the playoffs. He may prove himself yet!

I'll be honest, I thought the playoffs were an impossibility at the end of July. I mean seriously, 10 games (one third of the season!) without a win should bury anyone. But this is MLS isn't it!

The team has taken 10 of 12 points in the last four games. With the additional poor form of KC and Columbus, the team has brought themselves back to the surface. Now it's time to sink or swim.

The playoffs are going to boil down to the following teams:
Colorado, Columbus, Chicago, and Kansas City. There's a chance that Toronto could get hot or NY get cold, but TFC hasn't won in 9 games and NY is 4-3 since the All-Star Game.

Colorado has the most favorable schedule with 7 games remaining. They have four games against the bottom teams in the league and play host to Chivas.

Barring a return to the dark days of June and July, the team should be able to take 10 points from these 7 games.

Kansas City is 5 points up with only 6 games left. They play host to Columbus and LA in the next three games. They're going to need 5 or 6 points from these three games because the final three are DC, @NY, and @Dallas. The next three games are going to be vital for them. Hope for a nice tie with Columbus to aid the Rapids. A Rapids LA win this weekend really puts the pressure on KC.

Columbus is in 9th but tied on points with our boys. Seven games remaining and their fate could be determined in the next four games. Two big games with teams they are in contention with, Chicago and KC, followed by two against Toronto and LA. They finish off much like KC with Dallas, @NE, @DC. They can't lose to Chicago, and they need seven points in those four games to stay healthy.

Our biggest concern, I believe, is Chicago. KC has the points in hand already and if either Colorado or Columbus don't get the job done, they're gonna be in. The Rapids have an edge on Columbus from a scheduling standpoint as well as recent form.

But Chicago is probably the favorite to sneak into the last spot. They've got Blanco and are in decent form heading down the stretch. They've also got that pesky game in hand which means the Rapids playoff fate currently isn't in their control entirely.

The good news is, however, that Chicago has the toughest schedule. One game against a cellar dwellers, and six of their eight against the top teams in the league. If they can beat Columbus and gain another seven points, this team is probably locking up 8th.

It's coming down to the wire where every result will change the picture for the Rapids. We've got as good a chance as any of the remaining teams, now we just need to keep the ball in the other team's net.

Fishwrapper & Beer

Quality news, before it smells

Straight poop from the Grand Poopbah himself!
____________________________________
Saturday, September 8th 8:30 PM - Rapids and Class VI away viewing party at the British Bulldog - corner of Stout & Broadway in downtown Denver.

Since Beckham isn't going to be playing, we extended an invitation to him to join our viewing party. We asked him to bring Posh as well. So, take a chance - I bet you'll get to meet the royal couple! ;-D
______________________________
Same Night (Saturday if you've already forgotten) Starting at 7:30 PM (one hour before game time) at the British Bulldog, there will be a Class VI Meeting open to everyone that has an interest in discussing CVI business.

One specific topic is going to be the website. I was part of a sit down with Jeff Plush - and that was one of the topics.

While CVI is independent, it did get myself and other CVI committee members thinking about the content and tone - and we'd like to hear other's opinions. And if you too would like to be a contributor to the website - it'd be great for you to be there. Please join us and bring your ideas and opinions!!! CVI is what YOU make of it - so get on board!

We may also bring up the topic of beer choices and other tailgate considerations in light of financial issues!
__________________________________
Finally, we'll be confirming everyone's membership in Class VI. I know there are people that are on the roster but never materialized, or perhaps left, or are leaving for greener pastures (Philly?), or something.

It's important to keep an accurate count when dealing with the Rapids Front Office - specifically in regards to how many seats in Section 108 to reserve for CVI non-season ticket holders.

Please, drop me an email confirming your presence as part of CVI, or if you'd simply like to stop receiving all the emails and be removed from CVI.

Thanks everyone & as always - let me know if you have any questions!

Mark
Class VI
NoFanAlone.com

Hello? Didn't you just read above? It's away game viewing party time this Saturday night down at the British Bulldog. Where everybody knows your name.

Aaack.... gag.....

Jeff Carlisle rubs it in

BTW. Screw Fake Salt Lake.

Life as we know it will go on

For Rapids fans, constant winning was a way of life: big games, big goals, big wins.

It's disheartening to realize that our guys might actually need to come back just to force a tie against Columbus.

:-)

On the plus side, it's nice to see late game spirits staying high with the team. After some laughable defensive lapses contributed to make us look much worse than we were last weekend, it's nice to know our big guns are starting to try, try, and try again until we get a better result.

I'm not going to nitpick too much about Casey's inability to handle a gift one-on-one opportunity. I'm not going to sweat Hercules' inability to *go* one-on-one.

Instead I'll breathe a sigh of relief that in the most critical playoff points race in MLS, we stayed tied with Columbus, and I believe are ahead of them now on some esoteric head to head differential. Goals maybe?

Let's discuss these positive events on tonight's From The Pitch with Marcelo Balboa, 6p-8p. Check the link for the latest guest lineup.

Werd on the street is that Mr. Giddyup, Frank Yallop, will be making a sacrificial appearance.

If The Rapids Were Muppets

I ran across this mash-up of sorts of Pulp Fiction as Muppets characters. It got me thinking, which Muppets would the Rapids be? Would Conor Casey be Fozzy? Who would be Beaker? Or the Swedish Chef? Kermit? Miss Piggy?

The Salary Fallacy

I'm working on getting updated numbers for new players in the MLS such as Paulo Wanchope and Daniel Osorno. But with the numbers I have right now, the Rapids have outspent 3 of the top teams in the league. DC United, New England and Chivas USA all have spent less on player salaries than the Rapids. This isn't some magical salary cap massaging of the numbers, this is straight up salary totals. So why is this team went 1/3 of the season without winning a game?

What prompted this research?

Clavijo has consistently claimed that he has nothing to work with. Fernando recently said, "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."

What technicality is he pulling to claim this? Did DCU spend big bucks to bring in Fred and Emilio? They didn't. Fred came for peanuts as he was almost available on a free. They got Emilio on a free. So what budget is Clavijo talking about? And how is it that Fernando has access to a comprehensive list of these numbers when the rest of us do not?

Or is Fernando simply making a claim that isn't true?