Heard that the rapids played the burn today at 4pm. Score was 2-0! don't know who scored but do know it was more starters for the burn this time.
Unconfirmed info, culled from a few locations: Casey Schmidt scores both goals for the Rapids, and the Rapids midfield/defense simply didn't allow the Burn to threaten to much. One very good chance on a breakaway was well blocked by Garlick. As one person pointed out to me, the Rapids have now gone 340 minutes in preseason without allowing a goal. Starting lineup: Carrieri Schmidt Chung Pablo Becks Crawford Kotschau Fraser Herdsman* Hart Garlick Others did play -- both veterans and rooks -- but not sure when and for who. Also can't confirm Herdsman as a starter in that lineup. Supposedly Dallas played Kreis, Vaca, Pareja and Bonseu... haven't heard about others, only that Broome, Deering, Martinez and Rhine and Morrow played instead against Chicago in Dallas' morning match, a 1-0 victory over the Fire (that much according to a Chicago press release). I'm sure the Rapids will have a writeup on our match at their site before too long (great job so far by Jurgen and German in this area). Sure you can only take so much out of preseason matches, but I think we do have three very clear things: - Rapids certainly look like they'll employ a 4-4-2 - Opponents aren't generating chances - Casey Schmit is a consistent finisher
Just got an email message from another person who mentioned that Kotschau made a run up the left and overlapped Carrieri to feed Schmidt in on a breakaway for the first goal... and on the second goal, Hart wins possession and feeds a great ball forward to Crawford who crossed in for a Schmidt header.
Dallas Burn stinks big time! I went to their training session yesterday and i felt i was just watching a high school team. They're terrible i don't know how the MLS dumped the Fusion and left a crapy team like dallas around. Anyways, do you guys know the timing for the Rapids daily training? I'm trying to go watch the practice but i don't have enough info about the timing ... i only know the location. Also i will give u a full report of their training if i make it there. So if u know the timing LET ME KNOW!!
Good news on the shutout streak. To me, a solid defense is the big question this year, as it looks as though we have plenty of attacking talent to make sure we get goals on the board.
Report from the Rapids now on their site http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=320 Of note:
Herdsman in at central defense, Hart out wide. Greenie, you are killin me. I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about, and I get shut down. "I'm not worthy, I"m not worthy".
can someone remind where Schmidt is from? how the Rapids acquired him (or why he's in their camp)? and more importantly, has anyone actually seen him play? i mean 9 goals in the pre-season, that ain't too shabby, i don't care if they're playing the girls' U-13s!!
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.
Thanks G Gorilla, thanks for your post. I think the opinions of people who have played against these new guys are very valuable. It's good to know how they look in a practice, but it's great to know the impression they make on their opponents on the pitch.