March 5, 2008 10:43 PM
When a key loss isn't a key loss
ESPN's soccernet has posted its Rapids season preview. But before I send you over there, I'd like to make a few points ...
First, ESPN's Steve Davis lists Nicolas Hernandez, Jose Cancela, Zach Thornton and Tony Sanneh as "key losses." Those four had as much impact on the team last year as Marco Van Bison, Jorge el Mapache and Edson the Eagle. Maybe the only key loss on this team is Kyle Beckerman, who was traded to Real Salt Lake in midseason in 2007.
Also, Davis seems to criticize the club for choosing "not to directly address the dearth of quality, healthy forwards. Instead, management traded away its DP slot for Christian Gomez, banking on better service as the solution."
It's my experience that a forward can't do it all by himself. Allowing a playmaking midfielder to set the table for the strikers seems a logical way to go. Herculez and Casey didn't have much playmaking to work from last year, other than the reliable wing service of Terry Cooke and Colin Clark. But it's difficult to grow a successful offense with only a steady diet of crosses from the corners. Christian Gomez will help in that area.
With Gomez at midfield, Casey and Herculez should prosper. And if they're not completely healthy, I'm guessing Omar Cummings will be the beneficiary. Clavijo seems to be giving Cummings a real shot, if the preseason is any indication.
OK, I'm done. Other than those points, Davis offers good insight from someone outside the metro area. And that, in itself, is impressive. Because as he points out, "matters at DSG Park often fly below the radar, the price for wandering fairly aimlessly through 12 MLS seasons."
March 6, 2008
1:31 PM
bruce writes:
my only comment is about attacking midfielders being needed to supply strikes - how do you explain all the goals scored by juan pablo angel last season in new york with a midfield that was a constant carousel of mediocrity?
REPLY FROM GEORGE
i can't explain 'em, but i do know this: the rapids' forwards couldn't match Angel's 2007 output by themselves. here's hoping an inspired mediocampista behind them will help in 2008.