Which of the new boys will make the biggest impact in 2005?

I agree about Cunningham. My prediction is the rest will be on the development roster with the possible exception of Freeman. Luchi is interesting, but my impression is that he really didn't get anywhere in MLS initially and may not be so hot on coming back just yet.

I don't remember Chung ever not cheating to the middle going back to the Metros and KC.

 

Agreed, Cunningham is #1. That said, I believe Cullen and Freeman will make solid contributions. IMO - Leo Cullen was a great deal for a 3rd Round Draft Pick (33rd overall).

 

Since Freeman is P-40, he'll definitely be on the developmental roster - of course, Nat Borchers and Jordan Cila prove that doesn't mean DP's can't have an impact.

Nevertheless, the answer is clearly Cunningham, who's got to be a starter. After him, it's a competition between Luchi and Freeman - considering Luchi doesn't really have a position, I'd definitely bet on Hunter.

 

I think Cunningham will be our marquis player.

 

I'm hoping that Leo Cullen at least tries to comeback and that Steve Nicol didn't completely hoodwink us.

Otherwise, I have no doubt that of the new boys so far, Cunningham will have the greatest impact barring anything negative happening.

 

Marc Connolly put out a draft day recap and winners and losers analysis. Here's what he had to say about Colorado as a winner.

 

Another Marc Connolly article gives decent marks to Colorado draftees.

I like seeing that last one. Maybe this is a statement to how shallow the Rapids rosters is, but I like thinking all three Rapids draftees might make the team as opposed to last year when one did.

 

I think the player that will make the biggest impact is yet to be signed. Clavijo is famous for bringing in some new foreign talent and we'll be seeing his latest come April.

 

Without a doubt Cunningham will make an impact for us. How can he not when our attack stunk so bad last year. Unless he catches Zizipowitis, but he is not a SI so he has some natural immunities I hope.

 

I'm with Rei here. Cunningham got 9 goals and had 4 assists for 22 points last season. That was in 1,856 minutes. Remember, there are 2,700 minutes in a 30 games season like we had last year not including the playoffs, which these numbers don't. That is 9.3 games worth of time he didn't play in. If he can repeat his production, with more time he'll go over 10 goals. That will be better than anyone on our 2004 roster. Heck, he had a better 2004 than anyone on our roster. He's going to contribute and he's going to improve this team.

In addition there is virtually zero chance of him getting called up for WC Qualifying as The Bruce has passed him over for youth (unless Ching, Landon, Mathis, McBride, Razov, Buddle, Eskandarian, E. Johnson, Wolff all go down injured at the same time). We don't have to worry about him being gone or playing a tough summer schedule and getting tired. So long as he works hard and stays healthy we're good.

 

The PDL Kraze of central Florida have said that Eric Vasquez, who trained with the Rapids before the '04 playoffs is still talking to the Rapids about a contract. This guy was a pre-season nominee for the Herman Trophy then didn't go back to school because of personal reasons. I'm not sure if he was trying to sign overseas or what the deal was. He helped lead the Kraze to the PDL title over the Rapids Reserve. He'll be an interesting candidate for the reserve squad but I wouldn't expect anything too solid since he's basically been taking a year off soccer since summer '04.

 

According to a thread on the Yanks Abroad board, Luchi G. is coming back to the MLS playing for the Rapids.

Hopefully, he has a good impact, not only on the team, but the league, i.e. we need more "marketable" american talents, with the loss of Beasley, Donovan, etc.