MLS 2009 Team Preview: Colorado Rapids

By John Zielonka

In his 2008 season-ending comments, head coach Gary Smith identified three main goals for 2009 . One was to win the MLS Cup. Two was to play in a manner that fits the style of his players. Three was for everyone, including supporters, coaches and players, to enjoy themselves and create a sense of excitement during the upcoming season.

In order to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence, the Rapids now have stability in their coaching ranks. Smith needs to address a number of problems that frustrated Rapids supporters. Colorado had issues on the road, total letdowns after the opposition scored first. The squad also needed to add another proven goalscorer besides Conor Casey.

Recent history: Gary Smith took over the coaching reins in mid-season from Fernando Clavijo. He kept Colorado in the playoff hunt until the last regular season game of 2008. In dramatic fashion, Real Salt Lake netted a game tying 90^th minute goal to end Colorado’s playoff hopes.

In 2008, the Rapids earned at least one point when it scored first and was winless when the opposition did. Smith also inherited a horrid road team. In its previous 19 games, Colorado managed one win. After Smith’s appointment to the top job, the Rapids made a run for the playoffs by winning three road games in a row.

With Clavijo in charge, Colorado’s record was a disappointing 6 wins, 10 losses and 3 ties. The Rapids improved their record to a respectable 5 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties in the final third of the season.

A surprising development was the loss of keeper Bouna Coundoul. The Rapids reportedly offered him a generous 2009 contract. Coundoul and his agent decided to reject the offer and left him out of contract.

High profile 2008 acquisition Christian Gomez, a former MLS MVP, stayed for less than a year and made little impact before his trade to rejoin D.C. United was worked out.

New faces: Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe (F), Ivan Guerrero (M), Matt Pickens (G) and Gregory Richardson (F).

The most significant pickup was keeper Matt Pickens. He and Preston Burpo are fighting for the starting goalie spot. Pickens participated in the last two U.S. National Team training camps and, most recently, played in England with the Queens Park Rangers.

Season storylines: The team will have stability compared to last year’s coaching drama that ended with Clavijo’s mid-season departure. With fewer distractions to worry about, Smith has a foundation of experienced MLS and U.S. National Team members Pablo Mastroeni, Cory Gibbs, and Conor Casey to build his team around.

On offense, the recent addition of forward Gregory Richardson, a member Guyana’s National Team, should provide another much-needed scoring threat. The defense appears solid with keepers Preston Burpo and Matt Pickens both solid choices in the nets.

Smith’s emerging cadre of young players may be nucleus for a consistent playoff contender in Colorado. Mehdi Ballouchy (M), Steward Ceus (G), Colin Clark (F) , Omar Cummings (F), Greg Dalby (D), John DiRaimondo (M), Kosuke Kimura (D), Nick LaBrocca (M), and Ross Schunk (F) all have the potential for years to come.

The Rapids had momentum towards the end of the 2008 season. Gary Smith’s challenge will be to maintain this success into 2009. The answer lies in correcting last year’s road problems, not letting down after the opposition scores first and increasing their offensive firepower beyond one player.

Predicted placement: The Rapids win as often as they lose and place towards the bottom of the playoff pool. They get past their first opponent but lose in the second round.

Did you know? Burpo was recently featured on the Fox Sports Net show “Sport Science.” He tested his reflexes against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson, Carolina Panthers quarterback Josh McCown, and Toronto Raptors guard Jason Kapono.

John Zielonka is a regular correspondent for Goal.com