MLS 2010 Preview: Colorado Rapids

Thursday, 25 March 10, 01:15 PM · Comments (0)

Another club that missed out on the last day of 2009, Gary Smith felt the need to make a change or two heading into a new season.

The dynamic duo of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings couldn't get Colorado into the playoffs, so Smith made a move to bring in Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson to beef up the midfield. Two foreigners came in as well, with Oscar Murillo and Danny Earls brought in.

Whether those small moves can make the difference remains to be seen. No matter what, the club remains the Casey-Cummings show, and if those two aren't clicking the Rapids will sink fast.

Impact Players

Looking past the obvious two reveals a decently stocked roster. Mehdi Ballouchy and Colin Clark provide some of the width, along with Scotsman Jamie Smith. Former U.S. men's midfielder Pablo Mastroeni has seen the end of his international career but will play a big role in this season's campaign.

Defensively, the departure of Cory Gibbs to New England opens up a starting spot in the back line -- one that is likely to be filled by Drew Moor. One thing that Colorado lacks at the back is pace, though the acquisition of Marvell Wynne today alleviates that some.

The lack of depth at striker could end up being a big problem. The club waived Pat Noonan earlier in the week, leaving second round pick Andre Akpan first off the bench. A U.S. youth international, Akpan lit up defenses at Harvard, although questions about his work ethic and the quality of competition have been raised. He'll likely get a chance to prove those naysayers wrong this year.

Big Question

Can Gary Smith get the Rapids over the hump?

It's only the second full year with former Arsenal scout Smith at the helm of the Rapids and by now, he's had the chance to tailor a roster to his liking. A failure to make the playoffs at season's end could spell the end of his tenure, particularly with the talent he has up front.

2010 Outlook

Any team would kill to trot out Cummings and Casey. A lot will depend on the World Cup -- Casey could play a role in the U.S. campaign, which would take him out of the running for Colorado. Past the top two, Akpan is the only real striker available.

The burden isn't on just Cummings and Casey, as questions will be asked of the defense led by Moor and Julien Baudet.

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MLS 2010 Preview: Colorado Rapids

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