Who pays the money that is in the regular salary budget? Does that come solely from the owner/operator (so, KSE in the Rapids' case), or foes everyone pay in to the league some other amount, and the league pays it out? I found this part of the new CBA interesting, where they talk about TAM becoming more GAM, and the budget going up: Does mandatory mean that's a spending floor? If so, increasing the budget 67% from 2019 to 2024 seems like a lot. Is that in line with MLSes revenues? How about the Rapids' revenues? I'd guess the Rapids revenue has grown since there are more ads around the stadium. But that's a lot of growth in the salary budget.
So it looks like Commerce city wants more development around the stadium but they've got nothing from KSE. https://www.thedenverchannel.com/ne...esses-to-open-at-victory-crossing-development
The salaries up to the cap, the developmental player salaries, GAM, and non-discretionary TAM comes from the league salary pool. The discretionary TAM and DP salaries above their cap hit come from the owner of the team (so in our case, KSE). Essentially, yes. Teams are required to have 18-20 players on the senior roster and are penalized if they don't fill all the minimum number of slots, creating a salary floor. Since the money comes from the league pool the former is more relevant than the latter. I'm guessing the owners didn't agree to it without some belief that revenues will go up (probably in the 2023 TV deals).
Another Athletic article: How Latino players’ involvement helped unify the MLSPA in CBA talks Diego Rubio is featured prominently. The article says he is a member of the MLSPA Bargaining committee.
Looks like the Rapids have a 120 minute closed scrimmage v TFC today in California. Hope there will be some details and highlights at some point.
Only article I saw was the MLS one which was more Toronto focused. Based on the lineups, can't read too much into it. Although I hate dropping by 4 goals.....
True, giving up 4 goals definitely not good, and we had all of our regular defenders playing. Not in action were Rubio, Benezet and Namli, so I hope that they are injury free and at decent fitness levels. Probably Benezet and Namli just jetlagged and need some time training before participating in preseason game. Anyway... hopefully Fraser and other coaches are getting a great idea of who is playing well, chemistry, best formations for these players, etc.
Hear from Coach Fraser following the preseason match against TFC today.🔊 Sam Vines: https://t.co/yYb5ybYaFc📝 MatchCenter: https://t.co/TYBYbkeXG8 pic.twitter.com/1PRSY7oqzo— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) February 8, 2020
His nits were "attacking movement" & "decision making speed. I am not worried about any pre-season scores.
This is a v good take from @C38_Southwest & why we shouldn't read too much into preseason results #Rapids96 https://t.co/BTcR3ZyUxs— Burgundy Wave (@Burgundywave) February 9, 2020
Fraser is fairly clear and makes sense, providing details to back up his answers to questions being asked. I remember listening to Hudson when interviewed about team performances and he was vague and meandering to the point of being dismissive sometimes. Such a difference.
New #Rapids96 kit numbers:@austheboss3 5@ClintIrwin 1@DiegoRubio_ 11@drewmoor 3@Jon_lewis710 7@NicolasBenezet 9Younes Namli 21— Emilio E. Gonzalez (@_EmilioGonzalez) February 10, 2020
Ineteresting analysis on the rosters of the various MLS teams by Matthew Doyle: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020...d-status-western-conference-ahead-2020-season He's got a pretty decent write up for us, and here's his latest update on the Rapids: I had completely forgotten about Vint, but I wouldn't be surprised if we sign two-three, or even all, of the remaining trialists: Jeremy Kelly - RB Depth at RB behind Rosenberry, and provides competition with Seb Anderson. Has played in every preseason game/scrimmage so far Robin Afumafena Depth at LB behind Vines, Anderson, and provides competition with Wynne and Anderson both. Has also played in every preseason game/scrimmage so far Will Vint Depth at D-Mid / development. Spending time at ManU academy, and had 1g/1a in 16 matches in the USL 2 with Atlanta. Not amazing, but not bad for a development D-Mid. I imagine we sign him, and loan him out to see what he can grow into. Abraham Rodriguez We need a GK3, sign and loan maybe? Anyways. Glad to see everyone on the full roster is finally practicing in camp with around 3 weeks of time together before the first game - Benezet and Namli especially. I'm curious to see whether we settle into the 4-3-3 Fraser has been talking about, or the 4-2-3-1 everyone is always predicting we fall into. Heck I wouldn't also be surprised to see us in a 3-5-2 on occasion with our roster build. Hurry up week 1! I'm tired of not having Rapids soccer to watch.
For this team the only real difference between those two is how far forward the wingers push. Call it whatever you want, its going to be the same 11 players either way.
A Rodriguez- is already under contract with Co Springs. J Kelly- Would be silly to give up what we did in trade if he doesn't make the team Playing time, reason they are playing is to make the decision easier on signing them or not. You can't say "well he played every minute of pre-season so Rapids must be signing him"... Guess you have a way to watch them, the rest of us are SOL until KSE Altitude TV settles with other broadcast providers.
Sure, but we still have to sign a 3rd keeper. I know you don't think it will be Rodriguez but we're now less than 3 weeks from the opener and no other keeper is in camp. We alos passed multiple draft picks that could have led to a third keeper. Unless we're going to trade for a 3rd keeper already in another camp it seems likely Rodriguez is the guy. I agree Kelly is almost certain to be signed. Vint will go through whatever process he needs to go through to be considered a homegrown player, then he'll likely be signed. Afamefuna is the big question mark.
Did I miss it or have the Rapids not made an official announcement of their TV deal for 2020? I know we're all assuming its Altitude like always but by now they've usually announced it officially. Makes me wonder if the FO is working on something different due to the Altitude mess.
Hope they announce soon. I am holding my directv subscription just in case. Might be the last thing keeping me from cord cutting.
Looks like academy player Braden Fidalek was in the second half lineup for the Rapids v TFC the other day. He’s a senior at Niwot HS. #Rapids96 Academy product Braden Fidelak featured in preseason. He's currently a senior at Niwot High School where he's also competed in track and field.#COPreps #MLS https://t.co/C0S90vLFeK— Marco Cummings (@Marco_Cummings) February 10, 2020
if Fidelak is the kid I'm thinking of...... he's very raw but has a good foundation in which to work with. He plays as a d-mid for the Academy but I would think he's future lies as a CB. Great size at 6'3" or 6'4". Good passer, good with the ball at his feet, and defensively sound and pushes into the attacking third when afforded to him. However, he is kinda lanky and growing into his body which is why I would think he's a projected CB. I don't know if Fidelak is HG signing material right now. He might benefit from training with the 1st team this summer and a season of college ball in the Fall. Then I think he could be signed. I don't know if Fidelak is committed to a school in the fall. I should find out.
I think he's likely the replacement for Yapi from the first half of camp. Kids they have their eyes on for signing in a year or two but they want to give them their first taste of what being a professional is like. Fly them out to LA for a week or two, let them train with the team (while also giving them added numbers for scrimmages) then they'll go back to the Academy with an idea of what they need to do to get to that level.