Every year, the objective is to win MLS Cup. With salary parity and too many worst-to-first stories, is a reasonable objective for almost every team every year. The answer is to be better and work harder, but that is a little too obvious. So the questions I have: Will Casey Schmidt be a good MLS forward? Preseason provides only a suggestion. Would new depth at forward provide the Rapids with a key midseason trade? Only once the season starts will the league-wide themes (better defense, injuries, better scorers, stupider refs, rainier weather) dictate the adjustments the Rapids will have to make to the roster. Will a prefered lineup emerge? Will the coach have confidence in more than 11 players to start? Does the defense need more work? Wither the roles of past young stars for the Rapids: Wes Hart, Chris Carrieri, Zach Kingsley, Steven Herdsman, and Jeff Stewart? Starters, key bench subs, or trade bait?
It looks like an emerging back line may be Kotschau, Fraser, Stewart, and Hart. They all have been playing back there the last few games, much of the time together as a unit. I don't know what's up with the left back Rizo from Mexico. I don't think he made the trip to Florida and his absence was not commented on in anything I read. The Rapids don't seem to give out much information on player tryouts. From the Greenie transmissions, I suspect that communication on D may still be an issue. In midfield, Grimandi and Pablo have still not played together. Grimandi was hurt. I have no idea if Pablo is hurt now or not. At forwards, Spencer has been injured and I think Zizi has been as well so I don't know if either will make the games in Mexico. I have to believe if they don't, Hankinson will start the season with Carrieri and Schmidt at forward.