No Fan Alone Colorado Rapids Podcast

Boy this post is going to go against the grain. I hope you can all recognize the truth of what I’m trying to convey to you and not think this is some kind of ass kissing exercise!!

What does a Rapids Supporter have to give Thanks for? Believe it or not, the 2009 edition of the Rapids Front Office! See, I told you you’d have a tough time swallowing it. But the facts speak for themselves. First off to recognize is the work and support Kieran Cain has given Class VI and Centennial Firm. Moving the tailgate in front of the Cantina was excellent, and having supporter parking was completely his idea. In addition, he’s supported and assisted in any initiative we’ve brought to him, especially in our efforts to elevate the content of our website (and Jason Gilham as well!), and he secured us a storage shed with Tuff Shed which has made the entire tailgating operation immeasurably easier. This past season, when you look to see things perhaps you’ve enjoyed that are getting better, Kieran had a hand in assisting us most likely.

And another big Thank You goes to Jeff Plush. Yes, it’s taken some years to come together and become a solid front, but we’ve finally fully got the backing of the most important person. In no other professional sport in our country do fans have such a direct connection to people such as Managing Director Jeff Plush, Commissioner Don Garber, and if you’re in most other cities (Seattle & KC come to mind) the owner.

Yes, we’re still working out 2010’s Centennial Firm’s section, but I think everyone is going to be very pleased with the progress that’s been made in that department. And Jeff is the person to thank for that. He’s supported my efforts to get the players that are unable to play a home match via injury or suspension, to come out to the tailgates and talk to their supporters. I’m in constant communication with him, and he has shown his desire to see us really get off the ground and growing.

In an move that is unprecedented in MLS history, Jeff sent their two Supporters Representatives to Seattle for MLS Cup for the Supporters Summit and Supporters Council. Unprecedented why? No other team paid to be sure their supporters were there, and missing from the Council’s voice were teams such as DC United, New England, Dallas, Houston, and New York. But the front office contacted me asking us to go and paying to have us there because of their growing focus and respect to us – the Rapids Supporters. They recognized the importance of, collectively, their most dedicated and passionate fans.

I know there are some of you our there rolling your eyes and questioning whether I’m just grateful for a hotel, flight, and game ticket to MLS Cup (I am grateful!), but I hope I can impress upon you – it was the Rapids priority to have us represented. So I hope we’ll see some real changes in 2010, especially in the Centennial Firm. And if you’re one of those lurkers that are waiting for the atmosphere to get up to snuff before you jump in – be a pioneer instead. Help us make Dicks Sporting Goods Park known as wonderful place to watch soccer and get off the sidelines.

Every team in MLS was represented at the Supporters Summit including supporters of the future teams in Philadelphia, Portland, and Vancouver. The crowd was mostly wearing the green of Seattle Sounders FC however, two men in Maroon represented the Colorado Rapids!

I hope you were able to see the live webcast – it was enjoyable listening to Don Garber. First
Commissioner Don Garber came out with his state of the League. And then minority Sounders owner Drew Carey came sat down with the Don and and conducted a Q&A on the fan’s behalf.

Supporters asked many good questions and Garber spoke to the leagues efforts in facilitating league relations between the teams and their supporters groups. He spoke to the credit of Seattle and Drew Carey about how the new teams were learning from the successes of past teams and building on those. Drew himself mentioned taking all the positives from Toronto FC and moving forward on them.

There was talk about having a league standard set for away fans and how they are to be treated at other team’s stadiums. One LA fan in particular recounted how the Rapids treated him and a further underground supporters meeting tonight that lists concerns to be addressed around the league specifically mentioned the treatment of visiting fans at DSG Park.

Drew Carey is fully behind building a “Super Supporter” membership where league supporters can ban together to gain stature with vendors around the country and using their collective weight to negotiate deals with airlines and hotels. Other ideas that were floated around were the leagues idea of each team having a dedicated employee that assists and facilitates all the needs and wishes supporters group memberships present.

Other league issues were discussed to, like the possibility of moving from a neutral MLS Cup venue to a system where the highest seed hosts the Cup. I’m a big fan of that since it would likely be the only way Colorado would ever host the game – as well as make the regular season that much more important. Garber spoke to how fans want the Conferences to be dissolved and moved to a single table, but it would seem that it’s not going to happen under his watch. He had the very valid point that without Conference Champions, only one team would ever celebrate their success for the season. He relayed the story about how David Beckham didn’t participate in the Western Conference Trophy presentation because he didn’t understand why they were celebrating when the Galaxy hadn’t won anything yet.

There was also another good story about how FIFA President Sepp Blatter visited President Barack Obama, where Blatter told Obama that his countries league had to conform the FIFA calander to which our President responded that he’s proud of the league and how soccer in America has progressed, and Go Chicago Fire.

After lunch, there was a presentation by the MLS Discipline Committee featuring about MLS’ fan’s largest concern: Officiating. They gave an overview of how officiating works within the rules of FIFA and their relationship with US Soccer and the CSA (Canada). They reviewed all the suspensions throughout the season and why the issued the additional penalties. Unfortunately Pablo’s flying elbow was one of the featured suspensions. However he was on the receiving end too when shown about how a player can get a suspension without a red card after he took that nasty elbow to the noggin against RSL.

We’re having a fine time, riding elevators with Preki and Jeff Cunningham. Wish you were here!! Hugs and Kisses – Mark & Quinn.

I’m turning in now – pretty late here in Seattle. We went to Fado’s to grab a bite to eat. Seattle is a very nice city indeed – everything I’ve heard is right on so far!

On the way back to the hotel, we saw Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush at the hotel bar. We wanted to stop over to thank him for sending Quinn and I to the MLS Cup final – all expenses paid (they even gave us a Rapids jacket for the weather!). Well, Jeff wasn’t alone, and we got to drink some beers with Peter Vermes and Mo Johnston.

Well, I’m about to turn in after getting my balls busted by Mo for the last two hours. He and Peter are very nice guys and we thank them for the drinks and friendly company. A few too many beers with work in the morning (software release ugh!) and we meet again with Jeff to discuss the seating situation with C-Firm 2010.

Very nice guys every one of them. It’s hard to remember everything said, but I can tell you this for sure: Mo thinks Jeff is a wonderful person and I should just lay the hell off of him. No matter how many times you agree – he’ll tell you again!

We’re back!  After a prolonged absence, we’re back to doing our weekly interviews.  This week, the newest Rapids player, defender Drew Moor more was gracious enough to take time to answer questions from Craig deAragon.