This kid Casey Schmidt deserves his own thread. What's the story on him? Why did he last so late in the draft? Can he dribble around players? What were his stats at Boston College? Here is what Gorilla (in another thread) says about Schmidt: "I've played against him and watched him a few times. He's an impressive guy on and off the field--someone you want to be your teammate. "He's very fast and comfortable facing the goal, and tends to like to get the ball on through balls on the ground or check into holes where he'll be able to turn without someone on his back. He can get knocked around a bit checking back, but once he turns he is dangerous taking players on and creating space for creative passes or shots. Casey is not just a finisher but will provide great chances for his teammates. He's also a strong defensive forward in that he'll create chances by working hard and intelligently when the other team is possessing in the back. He'll go up for balls in the air to the best of his ability but that's not his strength. The knock on him was always that he didn't finish enough of the chances he created--though he seems to have rectified that situation in the preseason."
what round did the Rapids get him? 5th? 6th? at this point the Rapids have three sure forwards (I would think): Spencer, Carrieri and Roberts. I would think Schmidt has moved to the front of the line for the 4th forward slot. Is there anyone else even battling him for the position? What other forwards are there in camp? The kid sure is taking advantage of his opportunities so far.
Don't know about battling for position, but Alex Blake the Jamaican international was also drafted in the Superdraft. I haven't seen him mentioned recently but I believe that's because he went back to school. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Yea, he's back in school, I believe until May. I thought he was a midfielder but I could easily be wrong. I see him as filling a developmental spot, especially considering his late start and everything.
From today's Rapidfire: (note to mod: not violating TOS for posting this information as it's not available elsewhere and quite frankly, the Rapids don't exactly make it known how to subscribe to Rapidfire and new subscribers wouldn't receive this anyway) EXCLUSIVE RAPIDFIRE INTERVIEW WITH CASEY SCHMIDT RapidFire conducted a special Q & A just for our email subscribers with the Rapids’ 2003 SuperDraft pick (48th overall), 21-year-old Casey Schmidt from Boston College. Schmidt has scored 9 goals in the early pre-season games in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Here's the Q&A with Casey: Q: How does it feel to be participating in an MLS Spring Training camp? A: “It’s kind of like a lifelong dream that’s sitting right in front of me now. I’ve always wanted to play professional soccer, since I started playing the game. To actually be here with the team, having fun with the team, and playing well, I couldn’t ask for a better situation.” Q: What has allowed you to succeed in the early parts of Spring Training? A: “It’s a combination of everything. It’s a coaching staff that has been very supportive and really want me to do well. Same with the team, it’s so incredibly close that it’s just a real comfortable environment. At the same time, I’ve been developing a lot of confidence. Those three things together have been allowing me to do real well.” Q: Is college the right step in preparing young players to play in the league? A: “Well, I think it depends on your program. In Boston College we had a great program and I learned a lot from my coach, Ed Kelly. It’s not like I got to college and I was 18 years old and I stopped progressing. I definitely progressed in my four years and I’m very happy and please to come out of Boston College.” Q: What the biggest challenge encountered in your short time here so far? A: “There are two things. I’ve always been kind of a power forward, known for my speed. But in MLS, everyone’s pretty quick. You just don’t have a lot of time on the ball. At the same time, players are so much stronger in MLS. So I need to learn how to use my body more and get used to the physical aspect of the play.” Q: Speed was your game in college; has that been the case so far this spring? A: “All the goals that I’ve been scoring have been one-touch finishing in the box. Receiving crosses and finishing as it comes. That’s been the strength of my game right now, getting myself open in the box and having the wing midfielders and other strikers find me wide open.” Q: Any other thoughts for the fans back at home in Colorado? A: “It’s been a lot of fun, we’re building a lot of team chemistry and it’s a great start to hopefully a successful season.” Casey Schmidt’s Bio: Position: Forward College: Boston College Ht: 6-0 Wt: 175 Hometown: Newbury Park, CA Born: June 16, 1981 - Two-time team captain named to the 2002 All-BIG EAST First Team and the NSCAA All-New England Second Team - 2001 All-BIG EAST Third Team honoree, despite playing in only four of 10 league games - Selected to the 2001 NSCAA All-New England Regional All-America third team - Started 61 of 65 matches played
greenie, do you know if he's the main, if not the only, competitor for the 4th forward slot on the team? i was just curious if there were any other forwards competing for this spot in camp.
Not sure if this will work, but the Rapids site had a pic of Schmidt this afternoon. http://www.coloradorapids.com/images/uploads/CaseySchmidt.jpg