And, relatedly... today is an MLS roster reporting deadline (not to be confused with public press release reporting of said rosters). Just six of the 22 eligible MLS teams have announced their roster decisions. Deadline to inform the league is today, which doesn't necessarily mean they have to announce today, though.For now: Austin look forward to year two and Dallas open two DP spots. https://t.co/7ZTpqRYmVy pic.twitter.com/QKRAefmH9k— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) November 30, 2021
Unfortunately, the timing for getting money out of KSE couldn't be worse: N.F.L. to Settle Lawsuit Over Rams’ Relocation for $790 Million https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/sports/football/nfl-st-louis-rams-relocation.html
I saw on the Switchbacks’ Twitter account that Brian Crookham was leaving his post as the Switchbacks GM. Someone can correct me if I wrong but I believe he was doing double duty the last few years as some sort of Sr. Direct of Soccer Ops (or something like that) for the Rapids while serving as the GM for the Switchbacks . Does anyone know if Crookham is just leaving the Switchbacks and concentrating on his role with the Rapids or leaving both organizations? He’s a long-standing figure that’s been associated with the Rapids as long as I’ve lived in CO - about 13 years. Just curious to know.
He's the Senior Developer of Soccer Development (aka, runs the Academy and youth squad organization) as well as USL GM according to his listing on the Rapids site. He pre-dates everyone in leadership, going back to the early Jeff Plush days in 2007. He also holds a USSF 'A' license. I haven't heard anything about him leaving so I would think that this means the Switchbacks want to have a full-time GM.
Second most-viewed club match on English-language U.S. TV in 2021 (behind 2.1m for Champions League final on CBS) and third most across all languages (2.99m for Liga MX final on Univision).— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) November 30, 2021
I kinda just assumed he was back at the Rapids full-time. I hope we don’t lose that relationship with the Switchbacks. It’s been a good landing spot for many of our youngsters needing a some professional experience.
Watching NE Revs vs NYCFC. Gil just dropped a Price-esque dime into the box off a set piece. Adam Buksa jumps up, and headers it from the PK spot perfectly into the far post. Goalie had no chance on it. How many clean headers did we hit straight into the ‘Keeper against Portland again - 2, 3? Seeing as how I already have my two front teeth…All I want for Christmas is a striker Highlight for your viewing pleasure: Assist king 🎯Carles Gil finds Adam Buksa and we’re level! What a start to this one.#NEvNYC // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gppWYVLFPz— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2021
Speaking of strikers and Buska….. I’d take a replicated version of him all day, everyday. Poland produces good, tall, athletic, and productive strikers like Lewandowski and Milik.
Thankful for the opportunity to work with the club over the last 3 years. Experiencing this season with this group of players & staff was truly special. The team is in great hands moving forward!Looking forward to spending more time with my @coloradorapids family. Stay tuned… https://t.co/XAJIpviEa9— Brian Crookham (@briancrookham) December 1, 2021
I assume that "stay tuned" is in reference to the leaked info that the Rapids will field a team in three divisions next season and the new Futures Legends Sports Complex in Windsor will be home for two of those clubs? I, again, assume Crookham will play a big part of it. I have no inside info but could one one of those teams could be part of the new USLW, the new women's 2nd division being spearheaded by the USL?
Is there someplace one could read more about this? I was under the impression that Hailstorm was going to be an independent club.
That’s what I thought as well. There is where I saw the rumor. I’ve heard the rumblings of a potential USL League One side for a few months.
I've been told that the Rapids are planning on fielding a team in the new MLS reserve league but nothing was 100% yet because the league plans weren't 100% yet (no hesitancy from the Rapids end, but until everything with the league is locked down things could still change on the league's end).
Hmmmm... my reading of that is that the "State of Colorado will field..." (i.e. Rapids/MLS, Switchbacks/USL, Hailstorm/USL1) as opposed to the "Colorado Rapids will field..." But I suppose it could be either.
That’s true. I guess I read that wrong or just assumed. I’m just so used to reading Colorado that I assume Rapids and couple that with the Crookham tweet, took it in my own direction. Hmm…..
It'll be interesting to see how the Rapids approach loaning out players once the new division is up and running. It depends on the quality of play in the league of course (and I'm sure there will still be some use for USL loans/the Switchbacks partnership regardless). If I had to guess, the level will likely be for guys like Hundley, Yapi, and Rodriguez, while players like Anderson, Edwards, and Rawls will continue to get loaned to USL teams. However, I could definitely envision a scenario where MLS wink-wink-nudges its clubs to decrease the number of USL loans in order to elevate the quality of play in the reserve league. Either way, can't wait for the reserve league to get up and running - I'll always appreciate more soccer to watch!
I think this was all pre-covid but was sure that MLS was mandating all clubs fielding a MLS "reserve" league team in their version 2.0 of it.
Long term I believe so, at least the U.S. teams (the Canadian teams might be working with the CSA on their plans). I think the timeline got extended due to COVID.
Anyone else sitting here thinking about a parallel universe that some version ourselves is getting excited to beat RSL this weekend and then host and hoist the MLS Cup the week after. A great season none the less, but a bit painful to think of what could have been.
Capt. Jack as Iron Man? Kellyn Acosta as Captain America Yarbrough as Thor Barrios as Hawkeye Bassett as Spiderman That’s just 30 seconds of thought, but the list goes on
Oof…. I don’t know. Spider-Man is my absolute favorite. But let’s be honest, Spider-Man’s web shooters are very rarely not on target. I can’t say the same for Basssett as much as I love the dude.
I mean, the keeper should be Spider-Man. He's even got a web (net) behind him. Danny Wilson should be Hawkeye, the one member of both teams every one is meh about.
Well, as of 9:49am Thursday, Dec. 2, the Rapids are one of four remaining eligible teams (no longer in playoffs) who have not publicly released their off-season roster decisions. Surprised? No. From player injury status/updates of key players to full roster status updates, the Rapids have to be the biggest black box of mystery in MLS. I get the strategy and reasoning behind this secrecy. But in terms of stirring up and sustaining one of the league's smallest fanbases, you'd think they'd be more transparent with anything/everything related to club news, as it's a key piece of the PR puzzle. (yes, you can sense the frustration of waiting in these words) https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-first-team-to-announce-offseason-departures
I was more going off the friendly neighborhood goofball that’s in over his head but is loyal through thick and thin, talented beyond most, and could use a little direction from a wisened old veteran as he grows into the hero he can be