This issue doesn’t apply to the Rapids, but does to the teams in group A. So MLS designed a tournament that puts six teams at a significant disadvantage before a ball has even been kicked.It’s an overlooked flaw with a simple, harmless solution… that nobody is talking about:https://t.co/mE5Kwk3QR0— Henry Bushnell (@HenryBushnell) June 15, 2020
Nice writeup on the Tourney: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/15/armchair-analyst-how-win-tournament-take-lessons-world-cup Interestingly, the Rapids get a decent amount of "air time" or whatever you call it in print..."article time?" Anyways, while I agree his point that the Rapids were un-freaking-believable (as the "armchair analyst" likes to use that expression alot) on set pieces, I think Doyle is making the same flaw that I'm sure a lot of teams will be making.... The Rapids under Fraser - while still successful on set pieces - are not focused on simply winning set pieces to win the game. We're really good at it, and of course we should be. Price whipping 'em in, Kamara jumping everywhere? Deadly. Our last several games under him showed this much, and its something that seems to be overlooked constantly. We've done a lot more than just sit back, defend well, and hope to get a counter attack that will win us a free kick somewhere. If all people expect out of the Rapids is set piece goals, then I think we are going to take a lot of people by surprise. Namli, Benezet, Acosta, and Shinyashiki all like to play possession ball as well as break out with speed. Lewis and Nicholson have speed on the wings, but can also do more than "just wait for a counter and hope to win set pieces." Kei likes to pressure, but he also plays it smart and makes sure that he's in a positive position at almost all times. Rubio and Mezquida are hot-heads who like to get physical in the game. I'm tired of people calling us a set-piece team. But at the same time, I'm thankful for it. While we kick some serious butt at set pieces, and seem to win a fair amount of set pieces each game, we are A LOT more than just a set-piece team. People seem to miss out on all the work it takes to get into positions where you're winning set pieces in places where you score 20 set piece goals. That's more than just "dumb luck" or "quick restarts" as the majority of writers seem to be implying about us.
Fans might make that mistake. Writers (fans who get paid) might make that mistake. Coaches (at least good ones) won't.
A few issues with broadcast rights. ESPN has to sub contract to Fox and Univision and this is holding up the scheduling. Also, MLS is not concerned at this time about the Covid spike in Florida. https://theathletic.com/1879320/202...cations-between-the-tournaments-broadcasters/
Wiebe likes the Rapids as a dark horse, which he defines as a team who didn’t make the playoffs last season but could win the MLS is Back tourney. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/06/17/my-four-mls-back-tournament-dark-horses-andrew-wiebe
From my piece earlier today. MLS teams are not required to announce when players test positive for COVID-19. Relevant in light of Orlando Pride news. https://t.co/rXbEYcdo9t pic.twitter.com/agZhXQqmdP— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) June 22, 2020
Per source: FC Dallas GK Jesse Gonzalez, who was suspended June 5 following an allegation of incidents of domestic abuse, remains barred from all team activities as MLS works through investigation and Gonzalez goes through SABH program.FCD plan to travel to Orlando on weekend.— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) June 22, 2020
The Athletic leaked the schedule: Rapids games (MT, all on ESPN): July 12th vs. FSL - 8:30pm July 17th vs. KC - 6pm July 22nd vs. Minnesota - 8:30pm
Welp. That's unfortunate: News: Colorado Rapids player tests positive for COVID-19.— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 24, 2020
Sunday, Friday, Wednesday. For those of you that didn't want to look at the calendar. *shurg* While the player is now out for 2 weeks at a minimum now, I think we should consider the fact that testing positive versus showing symptoms are different things.
Very true. Unfortunately this means that training is also temporarily suspended - which sets the team as a whole further back. And if it were a key player like Namli, Kamara, etc., that two weeks of no training shortens the already short "preseason-esque" training all the players are going through - meaning less time working on fitness, and less time as a group working on tactics, etc. Hopefully no one else tests positive. The Orlando Pride had to pull out of the NWSL because of too many positive tests. Would hate to see that happen to the 'Pids.
Really we seem to have solid depth, my concern would be if Kamara or a starting outside back, otherwise I think we can easily “replace” them.
According to The Athletic piece, all Rapids matches in the group stage will be aired on ESPN. It could be a lot worse, when Orlando Pride players recently tested positive the Pride pulled out of the NWSL competition in Utah scheduled to start soon. Asymptomatic/presymtomatic transmission seems to be a major reason why Covid is so hard to get a handle on.
Ugh! I’m afraid we are going to see more players test positive as we inch closer to a return. Gut feeling. I hate my gut feeling. In fact, I think this whole bunker down in Orlando is going to be a mistake for MLS and NBA especially with Florida’s numbers are on the rise. All I can do is wish for healthy and precautious players, coaches, and staff.
100% agree with you. I'm *really* having a hard time not going off on a rant about putting profits/money over health/life, but this isn't the right forum for that so I'll refrain.
Think it's about minimizing losses. The idea of 2020 being profitable for MLS probably went out the window in March.