For the first time since Oct 12th, 2008, neither Thunder (Casey) nor Lightning (Cummings) were at the business end of the Rapids. Irish international Caleb Folan got his first start, but it was the effervescent Quincy Amarikwa who gave the Rapids their winning goal.

Here are the highlights.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Caleb Folan, Chivas USA, Quincy Amarikwa

Coach Smith talks about Omar’s goal, the “new” Chivas USA, and his “incredible…belief” in our team.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Chivas USA, Gary Smith, Omar Cummings

A big “thanks” to Conor Casey’s parents for neglecting to have his wisdom teeth removed as a child. His surgery prevented him from practicing with the USMNT (who won nonethless), and it was his header in the 52′ that secured the Rapids an absolutely crucial 3 points. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team Chivas USA, Conor Casey, DC United, Dwayne DeRosario, Jacob Peterson, L.A. Galaxy, MLS All Star Game, New England Revolution, Omar Cummings

I lamented before the game that Casey had not rediscovered his scoring touch since returning to the Rapids after the Confederations cup. He just got caught up in a hurry. In a game filled with playoff implications, Colorado downed the Goats and took control of third place in the west Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Chivas USA, Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni

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

Things looked bright when Omar Cummings pounded a mishandled ball from Chivas goalie Zach Thornton into the back of the net. However it was a shaky performance from the back four that let Colorado down. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Chivas USA, Colorado, Denver, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Kansas City Wizards, Major League Soccer, Omar Cummings, Sacha Kljestan

Our Rapids finally take the pitch this Saturday night at the Home Depot Center vs Chivas USA. Rapids fans will be gathering for the official away-game viewing party at Sobo 151 Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Chivas USA, Colorado, Denver, Gary Smith, Home Depot Center, Ivan Guerrero, pitch, Real Salt Lake, Sobo 151, USA

Rapids Media sent out this schedule today

Colorado Begin Preparation for 14th Season

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. (Monday, January 26, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids kickoff their preseason training sessions in advance of the 2009 MLS season this week with Wednesday, Jan. 28 marking the first day on the pitch. Read more…

Rapids News and Analysis 2009, Chivas USA, Commerce City, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Home Depot Center, Kansas City Wizards, MLS Season, Preseason

I stood in disbelief as Real Salt Lake scored in the final minute to end the Rapids season and eliminate a playoff run. In the same moment I thought…”well there’s always next year.”

Next year is now upon us, with the season kicking off March 21st at Chivas USA. So what are there essential questions we face? I have felt we lack a quality finisher Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis 2009, Chivas USA, Major League Soccer, MLSnet.com, playoffs, questions, Real Salt Lake, scoring, shots taken, USA