June 23, 2008 3:36 PM
Sprinklers, part 2
After reading my post from Saturday's game, the Rapids contacted me to say that watering the field at halftime is a matter of policy.
When Dick's Sporting Goods Park opened, there was speculation that the club would wet the field before matches to make the pitch play faster and, hence, boost the team's home-field edge: A slick surface plus a large pitch plus the altitude equals good things for the home side.
From the Rapids:
"(T)he sprinklers coming on pregame and at halftime are scheduled and requested by Fernando. A lot of other MLS clubs water their pitches at those times and we have adopted that practice per the head coach. Now last Saturday, it was more of an issue that the players came back onto the field early therefore throwing the timing off and creating what you saw."
JERSEY SPONSOR? The Class VI Web site speculates on a possible jersey sponsor for the Rapids (or not).
FOOTBALL AND BEER, ER, WINE: The Rapids will be hosting the World Cup of Wins from 6:30 to 9:30 July 10. The cost is $50 per person or $90 per couple. Proceeds benefit the Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation. To register, go to the Rapids' Web site.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: I voted for D.C.'s Marcelo Gallardo for player of the week. He had a solid game on Sunday, with two assists and a lot of strong play around the net for United. And I voted for teammate Luciano Emilio as player of the month. He has been on a scoring tear recently.
June 25, 2008
10:53 PM
Allen writes:
Too many DC United fans were too quick this year to give up on Tom Soehn.