When looking across MLS, one can truly say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. From DC United’s disciplined passing game, to the staunch kick ball of Real Salt Lake, with each passing year MLS sides attempt to define themselves through their unique brand of soccer.
For fans, this has made for an ever more interesting, if limited, quality of football throughout the league. But while some teams struggle to entertain their fans (*cough NY Red Bulls*), this claim can not be made of the Colorado Rapids.
After their opening win against DC United, many (including myself) expected Colorado to barnstorm the league with their exciting brand of football. But although injuries took their toll, throughout the season, this team was infuriating to watch: full of flair going forward and Swiss cheese at the back.
Failing to win in June, the Rapids capped off their losing streak with a 4-1 capitulation to a rampant DC United. And though staying in the playoff mix until the end, the team ended the season with a gut wrenching loss to arch rivals Real Salt Lake.
As opposed to other big spenders in the league, Colorado’s failure to invest in it’s playing side (or sack it’s coach) is seen by some as blazing gun behind the team’s failure to progress on the field.
But according to veteran sports writer George Tanner, veteran Rapids journalist and author of the popular soccer Blog, FC Rocky (RockyMountainNews.com/soccer), who covers the team for the Rocky Mountain News, success on the pitch is about finding the right pitch.
As opposed to teams in bigger media markets (LA, NYRB), Colorado did not field a designated player this season. Is this a statement about how the team is run from a coaching perspective or rather a marketing decision?
Don’t rush out and buy an expensive lawnmower just because your neighbors did. But if you’ve got the right guy, it’s nice to have that option. That’s just managing a team intelligently. he explained. “There were rumors that the Rapids were trying to sign Mexican Jared Borgetti, and that would’ve been a nice idea. But, with the talent the Rapids had in hand last season, would it have made sense?”
On the other hand, Tanner says the Rapids made some wonderful moves that didn’t break the budget. Trading Joe Cannon to Los Angeles freed up the goalkeeper position, and Bouna Coundoul was probably the biggest bargain in the league last year. “If you can make moves like that, do it. But don’t sign a superstar to a lucrative contract just because it’s fashionable.” he adds.
With the debut of Dick's Sporting Goods Park, it can also be argued that a big name player would have guaranteed bigger numbers that the 14,749 average 207 attendance. But after the non-factor that was Daniel Osorno, he says nationality should come second to loyalty.
"To be brutally honest, I think the Rapids would sell more tickets if Kyle Beckerman and Nat Borchers were still on the roster,” he said. “The fans here have shown a real willingness to fall in love with home-grown players. Colin Clark and Stephen Keel are likely to be the next fan faves here, more than any player-for-hire would be.”
Tanner says the negative side of the designated player is the preassure additional funds put on managers and players. And after the trade of Borchers and Beckerman and the team’s failure to make the playoffs, most fans expected Fernando Clavijo to be the next name to depart from Colorado. But Tanner says the team’s decision to stick by their coach could prove a welcome departure to the mercenary for hire style of Alexi Lalas.
“To jump only because the loudest voices are telling you to jump would be a mistake. he said in reference to calls for Claivijo’s ouster. said Tanner. “From where I sit, Alexi Lalas is making decisions based on what he thinks people perceive should be the next move for the team. The Rapids have the money to do whatever they want but they have made a commitment to build with care, not with unlimited spending. It’s an intelligent approach.”
Getting back to the field of play in 2008, clearly scouting will play a large role in building the team’s fortunes. But in a much smaller league with fewer resources than the NBA, NHL, NFL or Major League Baseball, this role often falls to the coach and assistant manager.
“If the Rapids have a network of scouts, I don’t know about it,” he said. “When you hire a new coach, he brings a specific idea of the type of team he wants and the type of players he wants. To my knowledge, it’s basically up to him to find those players.”
For Tanner, one reason the Red Bulls got so much better so quickly was Bruce Arena’s personal knowledge about which players around the world could improve his new team on an MLS-level salary. And he knew where to use the Beckham Rule.
From the Western conference final to crashing out of playoff content, the last two seasons have been a roller coaster for Rapids fans. But despite the flush of cash in to the league, he says soccer smarts—rather than money—will continue to dictate success in MLS.
“How many teams have a legitimate chance of winning the league next year? I’d say all of them. he concludes. It’s unclear from year to year which teams will be the best because of the tremendous turnover of players. Two years ago, Chivas USA was a laughing stock. But the organization is soccer-savvy, and they’ve added good players and a good coach. This year, they were one of the best teams. That’s what it takes. It’s not the money; it’s the smarts.”
For more insight on the Rapids and soccer at home and abroad, visit George's blog, FC Rocky at: RockyMountainNews.com/soccer
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