Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thingover and over again and expecting different results.”

The last two winless months have confirmed: we need to create more chances through a different formation and different midfield personnel.

I’m working with a few obvious assumptions

• We aren’t giving up too many goals. The Rapids defense led by Matt Pickens and Marvell Wynne have a 1 goal allowed average, putting us fifth in MLS, down from 2009’s average of 1.24
• We aren’t scoring enough goals. We have a 1.125 goals scored average through 16 games, 11th in the MLS, and way down from last year’s 1.4

The insanity for me is that we continue to field a defensive minded midfield with the likes of Larentowicz, Mastroeni, and Ballouchy. Well…Jeff and Pablo intend to be defensive; Mehdi is forced to be defensive when his errant passes turn the ball over.

Coach Smith has begun to see what we all see, that Jamie Smith needs to be starting every game. What he doesn’t seem to see is that Ballouchy simply isn’t effective, while Lopez makes an immediate impact every time he comes in the game.

It seems simple: reverse the typical substitutions. Start Lopez, let his pinpoint passes and creative distribution START the game, then bring in Ballouchy for a different flavor in the 60th minute.

One thing is clear: if the Rapids want to make the playoffs, we need to end this insanity.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Claudio Lopez, Jamie Smith, Jeff Larentowicz, Marvell Wynne, Matt Pickens, Mehdi, Pablo Mastroeni

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

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

Leaving the stadium I felt we were lucky to have a point. Looking back over the game, it really should’ve been three. It was a game of missed chances we could’ve easily won 3 or 4-1. Nonetheless, figuring out a way to get a point with time nearly out demonstrates the grit and determination this team is developing. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, David Ferreira, FC Dallas, Matt Pickens, Nick LaBrocca, Omar Cummings, Terry Cooke, Ugo Ihemelu

In the most complete game the Rapids have played this season, they easily disassembled DC United. With Conor Casey on international duty, Omar Cummings made the fans at DSGP say “Conor who?” in a simply brilliant display of skill. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis DC United, Matt Pickens, Omar Cummings, Pat Noonan, Scott Palguta

On the road, on turf, against last year’s Western Conference champs, and the Rapids didn’t blink. Granted the Red Bulls aren’t in form right now, but led by Killer Casey the Rapids are just 2 points out of 2nd in the west. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Matt Pickens, Mehdi Ballouchy, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake

The Rapids have finally come out looking like the home team in the first half at DSGP, and lead at the half 1-0 vs rivals Fake Salt Lake. The back four are pushing much farther up the pitch, a welcome adjustment by Gary Smith Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Gary Smith, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Pickens, pitch

Terry Cooke stepped onto the pitch in the 65th minute and bent a free kick in the net, a curling ball reminiscent of a more famous Englishman. After a massive mistake by Cory Gibbs led to a Wizards equalizer, Cooke sent a gorgeous outlet pass to Colin Clarke who hit a streaking Omar Cummings for the winning goal. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, Colorado Rapids, Conor Casey, Cory Gibbs, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Gary Smith, Kansas City Wizards, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Pickens, Nick LaBrocca, Omar Cummings, Terry Cooke, Ugo Ihemelu

Rapids fans must bid farewell to one of the most enigmatic players on our Squad, Bouna Coundoul. The Sengalese player was known for his near asceticism, devout faith, and ridiculous starting salary of $30,000. More importantly to the Rapids, his aggressive style of goal keeping took your breath away (and usually the ball as well). Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis 2009, Bouna Coundoul, Chicago Fire, Gary Smith, Matt Pickens, Queens Park Rangers, Steward Ceus