According to Bmer916, and Kyle McCarthy, the Rapids are finalizing a deal to send Preston Burpo and Cory Gibbs to the New England Revolution in exchange for Jeff Larentowicz (M/D) and Wells Thompson (M).

On first glance this seems to be an excellent trade. Larentowicz shared the midfield with Shalrie Joseph, though he appears to be more of a defensive midfielder (I’m still hoping for a Xavi clone). Thompson is called a “two-footed, wide midfielder” on the Revs website, and might address the need for wingers as I posted earlier.

Gibbs has struggled with injury and keeping his place in the starting XI with the addition of Baudet and Moor. Burpo is a great backup, but with a healthy Matt Pickens and young Steward Ceus in the wings, this is a trade that needs to happen.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Cory Gibbs, Drew Moor, Jeff Larentowicz, Julien Baudet, Matt Pickens, New England Revolution, Preston Burpo, Steward Ceus, Wells Thompson

Xavi (pre-cloning)

In the 90’s human cloning was extremely controversial. I think fans of the Colorado Rapids and/or the US Men’s National Team could agree an exception should be made.

Watching Xavi play this weekend versus Real Madrid, he was the spoke around which the Catalan wheel rotated. Even when they went a man down he directed the flow of play.

The Rapids have a powerful striking duo up top with Casey and Cummings. We have a less potent but still fairly dependable back line with the likes of Moor and Baudet.

What Colorado really lacks is a a creative presence like Xavi, a turret in the middle of the field firing balls forward.

With the US Men’s National Team the need for a Xavi-clone is one of possession. We lack a strong presence in the middle of the field that can absorb passes from the back, choose passes without cheaply giving up possession, do it repeatedly throughout all 90 minutes. Instead, at times, we sprint around like a track team defenders like Gooch fire optimistic balls downfield and hope one of our front men can get onto it.

These are not newly diagnosed issues. Surely the only option is to clone Xavi and get him ready for 2010.

Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team Barcelona, Catalans, colorado rapids, Drew Moor, Julien Baudet, Oguchi Onyewu, US Men's National Team, Xavi

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

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