Join Class VI and the Pid Army for Colorado’s finest tailgate before you watch our Rapids knock the stuffing out of they Houston Dynamo.
MMmmmmm beer …..
Kick off is at 7:30 and the tailgate starts at 5:30. Join the Rapids most faithful and celebrate with us before the game.
Inquiring minds want to know: why isn’t the highly-praised Claudio Lopez in the starting lineup? Why doesn’t he get more playing time, given the high expectations for his potential contributions? He has loads of experience and technical skill, so why not capitalize on his talent from the get go? I got an explanation for the current state of affairs, although not from any coaches or players. According to these knowledgeable Rapids observers, Lopez is more of a attacking presence on the field. The starting midfield must include a strong defensive element, and Lopez would not be able to fulfill that role. Therefore he gets playing time later in the game, particularly when scoring chances become more critical than defense.
How is Gary Smith feeling after the loss in Columbus? “OK”. No, how are you really feeling. ”Disappointed”. He doesn’t think the scoring reflected the way the team played. The statistics were all in the Rapids’ favor – except for the goals scored stat – but mistakes were their downfall. ”We haven’t converted raw possession into goals.” Smith is frustrated about those mistakes, which raise the stress level and wreak havoc on confidence. The only possible good news would be that the players take this loss as a serious wake up call. The bad news would be that the wake up call just creates more rattled nerves, stress and pressure.
The Rapids have scored fewer goals so far this year compared to last year, when the team was falling apart thanks to injuries. When asked about his own stats this season, Omar Cummings observed that they need to be making chances as a team. Are the missed chances getting to him? He said that, as a professional, he should be able to immediately erase the missed shots from his mind and play on. But sometimes it’s difficult.
The Rapids need at least 4 wins to have a chance at the playoffs. Supporters to the rescue! We have a great list of suggested songs for the inspirational CD, some of which are, well …. interesting. Most of your suggestions will be used, as long as the tracks are available for download. Once the CD is finalized, I’ll publish the list for everyone to see.
By: Derek Rhoades
In desperate need of a win to move up the table, the Rapids traveled to Columbus to take on the Eastern Conference first place team. A lot of teams have struggled against the Crew this season, but after beating Columbus at DSGP, the Rapids were sure to have some confidence; unfortunately, things just would not go their way.
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As is typical with Colorado, the team came flying out early, attacking down the wings and trying to create some space in the center. They would however stretch themselves a bit thin at the back, after a Columbus player got through into the box only to be brought down by Pickens. It was only the sixth minute and Colorado fans were already putting their heads into their hands as Barros Schelotto stepped up to convert the penalty and put Columbus ahead.
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The Rapid players would keep fighting, and at times display some brilliant bit of footwork. Omar Cummings had a few chances that narrowly missed, one after a spectacular solo effort once the striker beat the off-sides trap. However, it would be Colorado’s captain, Pablo Mastroeni, who would step up above the others. Gathering the ball about thirty yards out, he would set up a give-and-go with fellow midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy to get through on goal and put it past the outstretched keepers reach.
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Going into half-time on a high-note was very important for the team, but the second half would see all of their hard work undone after goals by Gary and Lenhart of Columbus in the fifty-third and eightieth minutes respectively.
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Conor Casey was back in the lineup, but it would appear he was still lacking some match-fitness, being a bit slow to some of the balls played in his direction. Time will improve upon this but right now Colorado needs to focus on scoring some goals, something Gary Smith has constantly high-lighted during the post-match interviews.
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Currently Colorado sits at sixth place in the Western Conference with only nine games left in the season. Points will be paramount as the team hopes to reach that play-off spot that has been a thorn in the teams side for much of the club’s history.
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The next game will be against the Houston Dynamo at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, a team the Rapids will hope to do well against after an agonizing draw in Houston back on June 26th.
Craig de Aragon brings us and interview with who many of us affectionately refer to as “The Beast”. Julien Baudet, the Rapids second year French Center Back takes time to talk about the Rapids. Enjoy.
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This week’s line up is a good one including Former Rapids Great John Spencer, the coach of expansion Portland Timbers. Enjoy!
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Well everyone, after a much needed win last week the Rapids were unfortunate to not bag another three points away at Philadelphia. However, the general play did look promising considering our injuries and the running of a new lineup.
It has been a few weeks since I have done a report, and I apologize to all of you. My family has recently gone through the passing of a friend, and my dog has been incredibly ill, as such my time has been strained due to various tasks. I have received a very warm welcome by members of the Fan Association and a lot of praise for my writing, and I thank you all for that. So I promise, next week the game reports will be back, full of the interviews with players and coaching staff that you all love to read.
If any of you have some questions you would like me to ask Coach Smith about, or any of the players, feel free to talk to me. I usually show up to the tailgate about forty-five minutes before kick-off, usually wearing jeans, a button-up shirt, and my media pass. So feel free to come up to me and offer suggestions or submit questions.
Once again I promise for the lack of reports, but they will resume and be better than ever.
Cordially,
~Derek Rhoades
Here’s the third installment of Bleeding Burgundy. After a bit of a hiatus due to participants vacations, Craig de Aragon hosts Deron White and Mark Bodmer as they discuss the current state of our beloved Rapids.
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The Brazil vs. USMNT friendly on Tuesday was another awkward soccer moment for the US (the other one being the MLS all star game). The US team always looks grim. Perhaps this is a reflection of coach Bradley’s general demeanor and they just pick up on it. Whatever the reason, they never look like they’re having fun. By contrast, the Brazilian players were always smiling and laughing. Maybe it’s helpful to have fun while playing.
The Rapids haven’t looked like they were having much fun either recently, as if there were a big figurative storm cloud of doubt hanging over the pitch. As Gary Smith observed: “I’ve always thought the group are just a bit of confidence away from being a really successful team.” There is such a thing as trying too hard, so perhaps we fans can help lighten the mood and boost that confidence.
1st plan: a CD of fan-selected Get-Pumped-Up songs, for the team to play in the locker room before games. I’m soliciting suggestions from all you supporters, some of whom have already provided ideas, such as:
Country, rock, hip hop, pop, soul. Whatever. Send your ideas to our Grand Pooh Bah Mark. I’d like at least 12 good choices, no lurid lyrics or profanity please.
2nd plan: Gary Smith shook things up by wearing a shirt and tie last week. It was a new look, and don’t discount little things like that for shaking up the status quo. He should continue the effort, but clearly needs some new ties to spice up team spirit and inject some fun into the proceedings. With that in mind, we can help by suggesting new ties for Gary to wear. It’s easy to search online, if you don’t have a handy supply at home. Send your suggestions (link to the photos if possible) to GPB Mark.
You can go with a soccer theme: 
He hit the post AGAIN???
This will get their attention.
The tailgate last weekend at the San Jose game was very special and very successful. The 1st annual “Pitch to Pint” was tapped and finished off with a Rapids win! The home brew competition sponsored by “Beer at Home” included five outstanding home brews.
• Beer At Home’s Brian Bissell provided a Strong IPA (Exhibition beer only)
• Perry Nitzsche brewed a Sinful Wheat with Lemon (Exhibition beer only)
• Blake Whittenberg made a Raspberry Wheat
• Andy Riedel whipped up a Strawberry Steam
• Noelle Lord brewed a Pale Ale
And the winner is…..
Andy won a homemade “Pitch to Pint” trophy, an Octoberfest ingredient kit from Beer At Home and, of course, bragging rights!
Blake took 2nd place and won a $15 gift certificate to the Beer At Home store.
Noelle took 3rd place and won a Beer At Home T-Shirt and brewing magazine.
A big thank you to Beer At Home’s Brian and Chris for sponsoring the event and bringing the prizes. Thank you also to Blake, Andy and Noelle for brewing some fine and delicious beers!
Many who attended the tailgate commented on what a fabulous idea it was to have the home brew competition. Most said it was something new and exciting and very enjoyable. They can’t wait to see what brews will be at the 2nd Annual “Pitch to Pint.”
A special thanks to Perry Nitzsche for creating, organizing and running the home brew competition tailgate. I have inside knowledge that he worked very hard and was very committed to the event . His goal was that everyone have a great time and bring together home brewers in Class VI. He even relinquished his most prized Grillmaster post to our own Susan Mourning. Thank you Susan and thank you Perry!
The Class VI committee is committed to any ideas or suggestions for future tailgates. Your input is much appreciated and please let any of us know what you’d like to see at upcoming tailgates. (Don’t forget the Chili Cook off is coming up!)
Who was the Man of the Match in the 1-0 victory over SJ?
End Date: August 20, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
Loading ...Who was the Defensive Player of the Match in the 1-0 victory over SJ?
End Date: August 20, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Loading ...Here’s the latest from Marcelo Balboa and his show From the Pitch.
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