Since camp starts today we are officially into the preseason. Time for a new catch-all for all the camp comings and goings.
I heard one new defender (sorry no name on his jersey just number 1/2) came in late, overweight, and out of shape -- couldn't finish the 'beep' test, actually couldn't start it, wanted to use the equipment guy's golf cart?
So, my wife pointed out something very true to me last night. Basically, she said something like... "You spend more time searching the internet for Rapids coverage in the preseason and seem more excited about them now then you do in the regular season." Hmm... she is totally right. My excitement the last 2-3 years during preseason has been much greater than what it is during the regular season. Unfortunately, it seems like I always get my hopes up with rumors of new player signings, etc. and start thinking that my team is going to have a great year. Then, after the first couple months of the season, reality sets in that while we might win or tie a few games here and there, this team has a slim chance of making playoffs and I settle in to the acceptance that all of my preseason excitement was a false hope and my disillusionment is clear. Maybe this year will be different... ...but probably not. Cheers to preseason hopes!
Two notes, one slightly negative (sorry). Yann Ekra of the Independence will be in Rapids camp http://scratchingthepitch.com/2016/01/22/ekra-signed-in-charlotte-but-could-land-in-mls/ And this IMO is a bit out of line. There's a lot of reasons to go after the FO but not because of a one-line PR reaction to an award: http://www.burgundywave.com/2016/1/22/10810610/the-group-sales-fortress-colorado-rapids-mls-
Seems like a real misunderstanding of what is meant when DSGP and 'Fortress' are tossed around in various discussions usually not related to marketing other than the idea that winning will put butts in seats (or standing in front of them). To me it is first and foremost about the altitude that the team trains at that many opponents are not prepared for and a style of play that would/could/should (usually doesn't) take advantage of that. The second part of it would be a full stadium of engaged supporters a la Seattle, KC, Portland, (to name three at random). Achieving the second one probably requires a better winning tradition that can probably be furthered in part by the first one but it is a bit chicken and egg as a problem. Right now it seems like all of the FO administrative side is just interested in numbers other than win/loss so in that sense group sales make great incremental sense, but may hurt rather than help the fortress aspect? In general after reading the article most of my interest was on not-Karen from not-Accounts (updates, pictures?) so if they were selling anything there I guess I didn't buy it. ;>)
Colorado Rapids 2016 Preseason Dates Friday 1/22: Players report to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Monday 1/25: Training begins at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Sunday 1/31: Travel to San Diego Thursday 2/11: Media Day in Denver Friday 2/12: Travel to Sacramento Saturday 2/13: Friendly vs. Sacramento Republic FC Monday 2/15: Travel to Tucson Wednesday 2/17: Match vs. Swope Park Rangers Saturday 2/20: Match vs. Houston Dynamo Wednesday 2/24: Match vs. Sporting Kansas City Saturday 2/27: Match vs. TBD Sunday 2/28: Return to Denver
It doesn't look like the preseason games will be broadcasted on Altitude (don't think they ever have been), but if anyone is interested, you can find a link to the regular season here.
Wow, 4 Altitude 2 games. That's an increase. And what could Altitude be broadcasting on July 9th that trumps the Rapids? *Insert joke about getting the rights to the Blake Street Tavern dart tournament here*
I wonder if its not even supposed to be announced yet. The Rapids didn't send out a press release or anything.
I love the analogy of the rake and KSE...i wish i had that a photo w/Bob in a Pids jersey...that would make the best TIFO ever!!!
Ha! Overweight isn't the problem. Scrawney, yes. And I still was more fit than the dude in the corner with the stab wound or the dude with the Philly accent who kept saying "What did I ever do so wrong that I ended up here?"
So sorry but you sort of put yourself out there. More seriously this Chivas 2.0 club probably could benefit from a Sueno Rapids type of tryout competition. There are probably some talented players that played everyday growing up, and maybe still do as young adults but never played at any High School and because of that didn't get on any colleges scouting list. But still have talent and skills that just need refined, disciplined, and channeled. Small towns and cities with meat packing plants would be where to look -- and yes to me they are that desperate. Realistically they would be looking for academy talent not first team but still ...
9 days till the International transfer window closes. The MLS window for free agents stays open much longer, but just sayin'.
Altitude should start a streaming only service like espn3. That way they can steak every game live and leave the tv for the more popular fishing shows.
The only reason the window closing for big European leagues (its not an international window) matters is if we're waiting for a club to sign a replacement before we sign somebody (like say, Bedoya). Otherwise we can sign anyone from anywhere until early May. Oh, and if we want to see somebody it matters but I think Ramirez would be the only possible candidate for that.
Pappa was highlighted in a Rapids Facebook photo today with Azira, so we can now confirm he is alive and smiling. It is quite impressive the number of Guatemalan fans his acquisition has attracted to the Rapids' social media.