If the real July 4th was an abject failure, July 4th “take 2″ was a stunning success tonight at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids completely dominated every aspect of the game and came away with a much needed 4-0 win. The Rapids organization capped off the night with a remarkable fireworks display, redeeming the 4th for loyal fans and returning visitors alike. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Bouna Coundoul, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Fecundo Diz, Jacob Peterson, Juan Pablo Angel, Julien Baudet, Mehdi Ballouchy, MLSnet.com, New York Red Bulls, Omar Cummings

In evaluating the Rapids form at this point in the season, I think of the US Men’s National Team. There was a carousel of players in and out, different formations, different styles of play, and inconsistent results. Once Bob Bradley arrived at a final 11 and somewhat of an identity, the results at the Confederations Cup were staggering. I believe the Rapids have yet to find that identity.

One of the first areas this shows up is the lack of a default starting 11. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team Bob Bradley, Chivas USA, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Cory Gibbs, DC United, Jacob Peterson, Jordan Harvey, Julien Baudet, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Pickens, Mehdi Ballouchy, Nick LaBrocca, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni, Preston Burpo, Scott Palguta, Ugo Ihemelu, US Men's National Team

Kosuke’s second goal of the season was enough to secure a victory at home for the Rapids over a struggling FC Dallas team. While Kimura lacks the size of a Palguta or the ability to impose like Ihemelu, he has shown now on two occasions that he can utilize his speed from the back to find holes in the defense. Kudos also to Ballouchy, whose pass showed tremendous vision. Though at times he struggles with imprecise passing, he is developing his ability to see the field and find the attacking player. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis DC United, FC Dallas, Jacob Peterson, Kosuke Kimura, Mehdi Ballouchy, MLSnet.com, Nick LaBrocca, Nick Thomas, Ugo Ihemelu, wewantrapidman

“I’m not sure what you’re going to write about that,” quipped my wife after extra time had expired. For the past 4 days I haven’t known what to write. After coaxing 10 or so of my friends into joining the other 19k people at DSGP Saturday night, and sitting through one of the worst displays of soccer, and by far the worst July 4th fireworks display ever put on by the Rapids, I was sorely disappointed. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, July 4th, Omar Cummings

Growing up in the northwest, when I went to college in northern Indiana I heard some quaint sayings. One of my favorites is a response to some asking how you are: Fair to middlin’. At this point in the season, the Rapids have shown signs of breakout potential but still find themselves…fair to middlin’. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Gary Smith, Julien Baudet, Ugo Ihemelu