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.

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).

On the Rapids official blog, the Undercurrent, it was apparent from the somewhat defensive tone that the Rapids are aware of Bouna’s popularity among fans

Bouna was offered a very attractive offer from the Rapids and MLS that would have placed him among the top 5 paid goalkeepers in the league.

Bouna and his agent have rejected what the Rapids and MLS felt was a VERY generous offer, leaving him out of contract, and free to sign with any club outside of MLS.

The Rapids thanked Bouna for his contribution to the club, and CRF would also like to do the same.

I also applaud the Rapids for making what sounds like a very competitive offer to Bouna, perhaps his response indicates he is ready to try his hands at European Football. We certainly wish him the best.

In the wake of Bouna’s departure the Rapids have added goalkeeper  Matt Pickens. Pickens was formerly with the Chicago Fire, but most recently was attempting to make waves with the Queens Park Rangers. Fellow Brit and Rapids coach Gary Smith told Goal.com after the Superdraft

I would go almost as far to say that we’ve got the deal of the day today

Let’s hope Pickens will be hungry from being on the sidelines, and can come in and make an immediate impact.

The uncertainty at the GK position also sheds light on the Rapids Superdraft selection of Steward Ceus with their 2nd pick. Pickens was born in 1982, so at around 26ish he is certainly well within his prime. However, having an understudy at the GK position that can grow into a leader is ideal.

Well this certainly has been quite the week! And the start of the season is just 2 months away!

The Rapids selected 3 forwards, 2 defenders, and a goalkeeper in the 2009 Superdraft. I have written previously about Colorado’s lack of a quality finisher, hopefully one of these 3 forwards can develop into that role.

The first round contained a whole lot of Terrapins, but the Rapids were on the sidelines having traded their first round pick to obtain Christian Gomez. The University of Maryland tied a 2000 UCLA record with 3 players taken in the first round.

When the Rapids did get going, they focused on a particular style of play, according to coach Gary Smith

“What we have tried to do with all our picks is create a particular style to our game. We got a lot of kids with athleticism, pace and strength. It’s been an enjoyable time and I’m very pleased with my first draft.”

Here are the details on the picks from the Rapids Press Release:

Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe
Position: Forward
D.O.B.: Oct. 24, 1987
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
College: George Mason University
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the second round (28th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Steward Ceus
Position: Goalkeeper
D.O.B.: March 26, 1987
Hometown: West Haverstraw, NY
Height: 6-6
Weight: 205
College: University of Albany
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the third round (37th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Ross Schunk
Position: Forward
D.O.B.: April 28, 1986
Hometown: Portland, OR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
College: University of Redlands
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the fourth round (47th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Jordan Seabrook
Position: Forward
D.O.B.: June 27, 1987
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Height: 5-10
Weight: 173
College: University of South Florida
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the fourth round (51st overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Henry Kalungi
Position: Defender
D.O.B.: November 25, 1987
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
College: Winthrop
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the fourth round (53rd overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

Michael Holody
Position: Defender
D.O.B.: March 30, 1987
Hometown: Clarkston, MI
Height: 6-3
Weight: 199
College: Michigan
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the fourth round (59th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft

More details on all the players can be found at the Rapids Blog.