2004 Colorado Rapids Newcomer of the Year Award, to the player who made the biggest impact in his first season with the team.
Without Pedro we wouldn't have scored too much. In 18 games he got 18 points, good enough for 19th on the top 20 MLS list (no one else on the list played in less than 20 games). If this guy can stay healthy and get some service next year, we'll all be impressed.
Pedro probably had the biggest impact, but I have to say, I was tempted for a minute to go with de la Torre, who breathed some life into our set pieces and attacking defender role.
If, If, If. No dig on you Bonji, but I'm tired of playing the game where our strikers are given excuses such as injuries and service to explain their mediocre output. We've long said the same things about Pedro's predecessors: Bartlett, Harbour, Wolde, JDV, Agogo... even Spenny and Carrieri. The Rapids' midfield and defense may not have provided the best service to forwards that MLS has ever seen, but in the past few years it's been above average. This year in particular has seen countless opportunities wasted by forwards despite outstanding balls to their feet and heads. Just once I'd like to see a striker come into this team who keeps himself healthy (or simply plays through the pain) and earns at least 30 points (more, please) regardless of anyone's opinion of the service he receives. Pedro can make a big step towards this by knocking in a few against the Galaxy in the next few weeks... and gets himself healthy.
heh ... I thought listing him! And I agree about your sentiment on a striker. I'm sick of injuries!!!!! I'm sick of excuses (though I do think the midfield is the problem mostly). I want a player that is going to put our club in the eyes of the general MLS fan ... Spencer is the only one that has been close to doing that. Now I suppose it's Cannon's time ... but I don't want to be known for being the team that has the guy that saves our goalless asses week in and week out!
I'm going to give my .02$ on these polls one by one, starting here... I think this award is most deserved by Jordan Cila. When he got time he produced. Kept himself available and healthy. Pedro is a good choice if he gets it, and I wouldn't argue it one bit. I just feel that as far as this team is concerned, the size of contribution from a rookie outweighs that of an imported striker we knew should score goals. Pedro will get his scoring title for the team. I just feel with these awards you should recognize as many individual contributions to the team as these awards are tailored to do. Cila's play in one year has eclipsed that of Beckerman and that other pinhead with whom he played U-17's with. If I was Beckerman, that would totally light a fire under my a$$. I think Jordan has come in, and fit in nicely with the squad, and managed to own the Metrostars in the process... He gets my vote for Newcomer of the Year.
how can somebody not having Pedro has the best newcomer in their list,without Joe cannon and Pedro where would the Rapids be this year?
I don't think anyone knew Pedro would score goals. All of his experience is in Hati and low level league. IMO he's on the same footing as a rookie, just a year or two older.
Um, dude, the guy was THE striker for his national team, I think we should all have expected him to score goals. Judging by the color of his shoes, and his wont of numerous hairstyles of flare, the guy came out of the womb with one purpose in life... Score Goals... as I said before, I wouldn't cry if they give this award to him, I just think that he'll get his Rapids scoring title, and Cila should pick up the Newcomer award... Cannon was here in 2003, he was here long enough to ************ up a playoff match, even if it was through no fault of his own...Greenie, you're all pissed off about the if, if, if's but in this case, there is no IF about it. The man was here in 2003, he's not a newcomer. ....... [*Kramer*] You know what I think... I think you're in love with him... you are, you are... YOU LOVE HIM [*Kramer*/]
Pedro just brought a little bit more for me over the course of the season. If both played every game this season, I'm under the opinion that it would have been Pedro that meant more to the team than Cila - that's not saying Cila would mean a tremendous amount. Hopefully they both turn into MLS power houses for our team.
I know that but what club was he playing for? The Hatian National team isn't really a power house. He last played his club soccer with Haitian First Division side Don Bosco. You don't hear a lot about the Hatian first division. I also heard those orange shoes were because he didn't have any of his own and had to borrow someone's seconds. I remember a lot more skeptical posts on here than hopeful when his name surfaced. I doubt anyone expected 18 points out of him.
I also heard those orange shoes were because he didn't have any of his own and had to borrow someone's seconds. you really funny man, the guy was living in florida before going back to haiti to play in the first division.
[ribbing]Sir, I simply must protest the fact that DiGi is on the list.[/ribbing] A) he isn't a newcomer in the league, and, B) this is his second stint with the team. I'm torn between Pedro and Cila myself.
Hey, I'm welcome to have my own opinion of what "newcomer" means. Cannon himself says that last year he never felt he was actually part of this team, when he was given the starting nod. Although I'm not sure what you're implying when you say I'm all "pissed off about the if, if, if's."
Picked Cila, but tough call. Clearly Cila and Pedro are the choices. Just call Cila the top rookie, Pedro the top import. Though Peguero at 23 y/o is only about a year older. Picked Cila over Pedro cause of the long term potential. Don't see Peguero improving as much a Cila will.