Spot on. It is a very fine line between mediocrity and success. I don't think it would take megamillions to raise the Rapids to the competitive level of Sporting Kansas City. I do think it would take better soccer knowledge at the top of the organization. KC seems to acquire the right players. Colorado seems to acquire nearly the right players. As Mark Twain put it, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word ... a large matter—'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning."
Maybe we need to ditch the critter mascots and get a deity like KC's soccer Jesus -- bring back his holiness Rapidman?
Forgot to mention a couple of things we discussed. I asked directly about why Doyle hadn't been playing recently for Wolverhampton; his response was something to the effect that once Doyle had signed with the Rapids he was out of favor with the team - that is a very loose paraphrase on my part. Also he stated that Doyle was flexible and thus could play not only up top but in other roles as well - he was making a point that the formation doesn't matter once the match begins as things are very flexible on the pitch. My guess is that if we see Doyle on Saturday night it will be in a reserve role. But with a games on Wednesday and the following Saturday both Doyle and Solignac will have the opportunity to prove themselves.
We'll find out our first USOC opponent tonight at 5pm. Odds are we'll be in the one MLS vs. MLS matchup (because that's how these things work when it comes to Colorado and the USOC) or we'll get the Colorado Springs-FSL2 winner.
No, Springs-FSL2 is Round 3, we enter in Round 4, most likely against the winner of that matchup unless we end up in the MLS vs. MLS match (they haven't announced how that matchup will be determined).
Brown's agency airing some "dirty laundry" on Twitter about his move: @Rapids_News Badji was supposed to develop into new cheaper Deshorn Brown. Rapids didn't want to give Deshorn new contract hence his exit.— CAA Stellar Soccer (@caastellarna) May 23, 2015 @Rapids_News Dillon was worthy of new contract but Deshorn was not. Clear double standard not appreciated by Deshorn.— CAA Stellar Soccer (@caastellarna) May 23, 2015 @AndyEdMLS @Rapids_News Time to pull the curtain back a little. We won't twist the truth here.— CAA Stellar Soccer (@caastellarna) May 23, 2015 Deshorn enjoyed time with Rapids and was pleased to move on. No hard feelings in the end but wake up call to the business side of the game.— CAA Stellar Soccer (@caastellarna) May 23, 2015
Seems like a defensible decision to sell Brown instead of give him a new (and bigger) contract given his apparent lack of progress in his two seasons. The timing of his replacement has been a problem, but that's a different issue.
Kind of misleading in their argument: Brown had a GA deal coming into MLS, Powers had a no leverage, graduating senior contract. But he is upset Powers got a new deal after rookie season...Think he should of spent time working on his finishing and not what guys got new deals.
I will now agree that Bianchi is trying to create controversy when none exists... "consistent in approach to young player development."
I don't quite understand all the ins and outs of Twitter but I don't think Bianchi retweeted these, I think Brown's agency responded to Bianchi's initial (lame) statement about consistency. So its not really Bianchi creating the controversy around Brown (unless Bianchi knew ahead of time this was going to be the result and he was playing the setup man).
I don't understand why this would even come to light. Seriously, what does anyone have to gain from it? Brown doesn't get anything from it. The agent doesn't get anything from it beyond (maybe) scoring brownie scout points with their client. The transfer happened months ago, so the water went under the bridge a long time ago. I don't understand the why there is a need to compare Powers to Brown. They were in the same draft class, but anyone that considers them equal in ability is simply being disingenuous. Brown is a good guy and a decent player, and this is completely unnecessary. Unprofessional move from his agency. And seriously? "Consistent in approach to young player development." A typical idiotic statement from the buttmad weathermanlet who knows nothing about soccer.
Not sure I want consistency. Needs are addressed or they're not. On another note.... O'Neill and Serna are off to Toulon http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...tabs-five-mls-19-man-toulon-tournament-roster
How different is this team from the one that will play the qualifiers? I guess it might be hard to tell who might not be released from their teams in the fall. Edit: apparently a lot of guys are missing...Gil and a bunch of other MLSers, for example. So I feel a little better about the U-23's now. Not that Gil is all that great but I was worried it was a team full of guys not getting playing time.
With Sjoberg doing so well, and being European, it doesn't seem like he'll be with us for too long, does it?
Wasn't this basically the thought O'Neill at the end of last season? Not to say it won't happen, but I think we'll see him for at least one more full season before he gets a lot of attention from Europe. And there might be a variable here in that he went to college in the US, likes living here and unlike many US born players doesn't feel a burning desire to get a Euro experience.
The best thing about O'Neill when he was starting was that he was so young and the Rapids' record with him starting. It was never obvious why they won with him in the lineup. Whereas, Sjoberg's strengths seem to be more visible. It helps that Sjoberg is 6'7" and has been dominating in the air. There are probably already tapes sitting on Tony Pulis's desk. Sjoberg might not have a burning desire to get a Euro experience, but he might appreciate the raise.
Sjoberg has done a decent job but it mostly consists of clearing the ball. That's not a bad thing but at this point it's pretty much his only thing. I think he'll need to show some composure with the ball and ability to move it out of danger under control before he gets much attention elsewhere.
Really? He has done well in the air, but I don't remember O'Neill being horrible in that realm. Is his positioning that much better, passing out of the back that much better, or destruction of plays that much better. I think they are fairly even except I'd give O'Neill a nod in connecting passes out of the back just based on the eye test. The lame looping corner kick to Sjoberg at the back post has been terrible and a downgrade from corners last year. I'm guilty of WANTING O'Neill to succeed. That is my bias and I'm aware of it, but I'm getting a little frustrated at the lack of O'Neill in the lineup. We need the cultural shift to developing guys in our system rather than drafting college seniors. We need a win for the homegrown player. I think we have it in O'Neill but mustache prefers Sjoberg for some reason I'm not seeing. Serna behind Ramirez makes total sense. There is a difference in quality there.
I'm indifferent, really, when it comes to O'Neill vs. Sjoberg. I think they are quite even. Sometimes when the defense is clicking why mess with chemistry?? It seems to be working. We are tied with Seattle for the best defensive record. It sucks for O'Neill but sometimes you have to go with the hot hand and right now that's Sjoberg. I would love to see them paired together but we all know, Moor, like it or not, is not heading to the bench anytime soon. I will say, one thing I do not like about Shane is his tendency to go to ground first when he does not need to. Staying on his feet, in a better defensive position, can benefit Shane. On top of that, he tends to get a little heated and will pick up cards whether it's through descent or a rash tackle. Sjoberg seems a little more cool, calm, and collected. I love Shane, I really, really do and desperately want to see him succeed but right now he's behind Sjoberg. It doesn't help his case that every time you turn around he's off with the U-23's. That just gives Sjoberg more opportunities in training and matches .