Thursday, October 29, 2009

Snowy Circumstances Remind Us of 1997


Here at the Rapids offices on this blustery day, we're watching the snow pile up around the stadium.

Interesting of note today is the fact that this current snowstorm is the biggest October snowmaker in the Denver area since 1997.

Why is that significant to Rapids fans?

Well, back in the early stages of MLS, the league's championship match was played about 1 month earlier than it currently is. In fact, the date of MLS Cup 1997 was on October 26, to be exact, which this year is already past.

And who was in that year's final? Your Rapids of course, facing off against DC United. The Rapids had made a Cinderella run through the playoffs, destroying Kansas City and then Dallas in spectacular fashion on their way to the final.

In 1997, DC had the distinct unfair advantage of being able to play for the championship in their home stadium, as the Cup Final was being held at RFK Stadium.

Making matters worse for Colorado fans was that landmark snowstorm in Denver in '97...the third largest snowstorm in state history.

Luckily for the team, the Rapids players and team staff had made it out to DC easily earlier in the week to train ahead of the match.

Several Rapids interns from the club's front office had pooled their money and flew out on Thursday ahead of that Sunday's match, probably the last ones to get out of town ahead of the storm.

As that fateful week ended, and fans and Rapids staffers who were planning to fly out on the weekend to the match tried to get out of town, the "Great Snowstorm of 1997" blew in. Snow up to 2 feet piled up around the city, with drifts of up to 15 feet on roadsides. 5 deaths occurred in Colorado as a result of the storm, and the city essentially shut down.

What that meant for fans and staff unfortunately was that nobody was getting on a plane.

Airline delays and cancellations meant that the overwhelmingly home crowd at RFK Stadium would have no visiting supporters to face off against, and the Rapids, who already had the dack stacked against them playing at an away venue, had almost literally zero supporters in the stands that day.

The persistent Rapids staffers that managed to somehow find a flight out of Denver on Sunday morning would arrive at RFK Stadium well after halftime of the match.

As you may recall, the Rapids played a tight game that day in the pouring freezing rain in DC. A goal by Adrian Paz (still the only Rapids player to score in a Cup final) and some near misses (including a spectacular bicycle kick attempt by Marcelo Balboa) put the Rapids close, but their magical run of '97 came to an end as the game ended 2-1 to the bad guys.

The lucky Rapids fans and staff who made it to DC that night retreated to the team hotel in DC for a special post-game reception with the coaches and players, and despite the loss, a good evening was had by all.

After all, nobody was in any rush to return to Denver.....at least until the city dug out!
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Where Have You Stuck Your "Go USA Bid" Sticker?


A couple months the USA World Cup 2018/22 Bid Committee asked American soccer fans to stick their official GoUSABid bumper sticker in a creative place to help spread the fervor for America's bid.

Fans have stuck them all over the country in various places of influence.

This Saturday is the deadline; if you haven't already submitted your entry, get it in before it's too late!

Take a look at some of the submissions on the Go USA Bid photo gallery.
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Office Pool Organizers: Printable MLS Playoffs Bracket


Now that the 2009 MLS Cup playoffs field is set, and there's nobody to root for, Rapids fans need not be left out of the playoff action.....just let cash be your winner.

Tired of seeing your co-workers, friends or neighbors spending hours on brackets for other less interesting sports but never soccer? Here's your chance: be the hero in your office by organizing your company's MLS Playoffs office pool.

Plus you can use your superior soccer knowledge to take advantage of your fellow employees and line your pockets at the same time.

The Rapids have created a printable MLS playoffs bracket; click here to download it.

First playoff game is Thursday night, so get moving.

Also, let it be known that the Colorado Rapids do not officially endorse gambling in any shape or form.
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Rapids Fan Chauncey Billups Leads Nuggets in Home Opener Tonight


Rapids fan Chauncey Billups and the rest of the Denver Nuggets start their quest for the NBA championship at home tonight vs. Utah in the Nuggs' home opener.

Denver native Billups is a Rapids fan, and has been spotted over the last 2 seasons down in the club's fieldside seats for Rapids home matches at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

He also performed the ceremonial coin toss this season at Dick's Sporting Goods Park for the Rapids' home match on August 8 vs. Chivas USA.

The Rapids wish their fellow KSE team good luck in their home opener tonight; assuming the current snow dump doesn't shut down the city, tip off is set for 8:30pm tonight at the Pepsi Center.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Dynamite Deal for Dynamite Opening Night


Jonesing for soccer action during the Rapids' off-season? Get your fix with indoor soccer, right down the street with the PASL's Denver Dynamite, who kick off their season in November.

The Denver Dynamite are offering a killer deal for their opening night game: sign up to become their friend on Facebook before November 1st and receive a free ticket to the match!

Details:

WHAT: Denver Dynamite Professional Arena Soccer League opening night vs. San Diego Sockers

WHEN: Sat. November 14, kickoff at 3:00pm MT

WHERE: The Bladium, 2400 Central Park Blvd. in Denver

BROADCAST: Game to be Webcast on www.dynamitesoccer.com by the voice of the Dynamite, Iain Bryant.

TICKETS: Single tickets are $7.00 General Admission for all ages; Season Tickets are on sale for $50.

For more info, call the Dynamite at 720-401-5630 or send an email to DenverDynamite@RMArsenal.com.
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Boys & Girls Clubs Bowl with the Rapids


The Colorado Rapids players, coaches and mascots will exchange their cleats for bowling shoes on Tuesday, November 3 from 5:30-7:00pm, as they bowl with 112 children from various branches of the Metro Denver Boys & Girls Clubs for charity.

This private event will take place at Splitz Bowling Center in Westminster. It will be an evening filled with Lightning Strikes Bowling, free food, autographs, photos and fun!

This charitable event will be free to attend for select disadvantaged kids from the Metro Denver Boys & Girls Clubs program thanks to the Rapids Community Relations Department and Splitz.

The Colorado Rapids are dedicated to supporting the lives of underserved children through many soccer, nutritional and educational programs offered throughout the season. On November 3, the Rapids will step off the pitch and bowl a perfect strike with children in need through laughter, good times.....and gutter balls at Splitz!

Since 1961, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver has been helping kids from tough neighborhoods stay out of trouble, stay in school, and succeed in life. Not just after school hangouts, the Clubs are places where young people come to learn, do homework, develop social skills, express themselves creatively, and participate in sports. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and how you can make a difference in a child’s life, visit www.BeGreatDenver.org.
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Monday, October 26, 2009

An Open Letter to Rapids Fans From Jeff Plush


Dear Rapids Fans,

I had intended and hoped to debut this blog under completely different circumstances. Needless to say, this is not the message I had originally drafted.

Last night we were formally eliminated from the 2009 MLS Playoffs. It is a terrible feeling…one that is difficult to put into words. The bottom line is that we failed to achieve our goals, and in doing so, we failed ourselves and our fans.

Self-analysis started for me and our staff on Saturday night. It is an unpleasant but necessary process. At some point we will be able to distance ourselves emotionally, and in doing so find some positives from the 2009 season.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say how much I enjoyed working with this year’s team. They are a group of young men who worked very hard, both on and off the pitch. I am pleased at the way in which they represent our organization in our community. That will continue to be a baseline expectation in how we conduct ourselves, and in that area I remain confident.

But, we are in a results-oriented business, and the only emotions we can feel today are those that come with failure...disappointment, humility, frustration.

The work has already started on 2010. We are intent on changing the culture of this club to one that expects to win silverware. We are intent on our results equaling our ambition. And we are intent on earning your continued loyalty, support, passion and hopefully, love.

This work has started and will continue one day, one hour, and one minute at a time. And believe me when I say every minute matters.

As we set the bar higher for our organization, I leave you with the promise that I am creating this public forum for me to personally update you on a consistent basis. Not just as a one-way vehicle to let you know how hard we’ll be working to earn your continued support, but also as an interactive platform; I value your feedback, and welcome your questions or comments here.

2009 has ended, 2010 begins now.

I look forward to continuing this dialogue going forward and achieving great things together for our club, our fans, and our community.

-Jeff Plush
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Friday, October 23, 2009

Rapids Fan Scorecard for This Weekend's Action


Confused by all the MLS Playoffs action and scenarios for this weekend? Having trouble keeping all the potential outcomes in line?

Not to worry......the Rapids have you covered!

Download the Rapids Fan MLS Playoffs Scoreboard tracker by clicking here.

With it, you'll be able to find out which teams you should root for during all the weekend's games, keep track of scores and points, and be able to plug them into a finalized MLS Cup Playoffs standings chart.

Print it out and bring it to The Bulldog tomorrow night! Just remember it won't work so well if you spill your beer on it.....
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Mile High Sports Daily - Rapids @ RSL Feature Story


Mile High Sports Daily featured the Rapids at RSL showdown this Saturday night as their top story in their daily email blast.

In the story, George Tanner expounds upon the grand finale in the lion's den tomorrow night.

Read the entire article online on the Mile High Sports website by clicking here.
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Updated Playoff Race Scenarios Following Thursday Night's Action


ColoradoRapids.com has updated their playoff preview page with new scenarios and point possibilities following last night's Chicago v. Chivas match.

The Fire clinched a playoff spot with their 1-0 win, and with the loss by Chivas, Columbus were able to clinch the MLS Supporters' Shield in the process, a prize they take for the second straight season.

View today's latest playoff scenarios, standings and possible outcomes for this weekend by clicking here.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Rapids at Salt Lake Game Notes Guide


Your Colorado Rapids play their last regular season game of 2009 at Rio Tinto Stadium this Saturday night vs. their archrivals Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is set for 7pm MT on Fox Soccer Channel.

Read the entire Game Notes Guide assembled by the Rapids Media Relations dept. for Saturday’s game online by clicking here.

Colorado are 1-0-1 vs. Real so far in 2009, with a 2-0 win on May 2 and a 1-1 draw on June 6. The Rapids players who have scored so far this season against Real are Kosuke Kimura, Nick LaBrocca and Omar Cummings.

The match will make or break the Rapids' playoff dreams. The Rapids are in for sure with a victory; a loss or tie would mean Colorado have to await other results from the weekend to learn their postseason fate.

Saturday's match will also serve as the deciding game for ownership of The Rocky Mountain Cup, the annual tournament between the 2 sides for domination of the region. The Rapids will claim the Cup outright with a win, draw, or loss by 1 goal.

The Rapids look forward to seeing all fans at the official away-game viewing party at The British Bulldog Saturday night for the match.............as always, arrive early and wear burgundy.
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Mayors Lay It on the Line for Saturday's Game


Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale and the Mayor of Sandy, Utah, Tom Dolan, have been exchanging barbs and have a city-to-city bet on the line regarding the outcome of this Saturday's Rapids at RSL match.

Each mayor is putting up some of their homegrown delicacies on the line to send across the Rocky Mountains should the other club win.

Commerce City Mayor Natale will be offering up a 1 pound tin of Rocky Mountain Toffee from world-famous Hammonds Candies, dipped in rich chocolate and hand-rolled in crunchy almonds, should the Rapids not come home with a victory.

In return, in the case RSL do not win on Saturday, Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan has offered up a prize of...........green Jell-o. Apparently this is some kind of delicacy in Utah? (From Wikipedia: "Green Jell-O was declared the 'Official State Snack' of Utah in 2001, with Governor Michael O. Leavitt declaring an annual 'Jell-O Week'. )

Mayor Natale's response:

"I've called Mayor Dolan's office in Sandy, Utah to let him know that while they may have beaten us last year for ownership of the Cup, don’t expect the same in 2009. Real's fans will have to get in line behind Colorado because we have the best team and the best of the Rocky Mountains. They can keep their green Jell-o!"

High tension indeed ahead of Saturday's all-important Rocky Mountain Cup clash.
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Arsenal's New US-Based Website


If you haven't already checked it out, Rapids partner club Arsenal have launched a new club website specificially designed for American fans.

The new Arsenal USA website is: www.Arsenal.com/USA

From their official press release:

"Arsenal Football Club is delighted to launch a new Club website for American fans, with all the breaking news supporters can find on Arsenal.com plus domestic features and news written by USA.Arsenal.com’s editor based in the States, Kevin Mooney.

Having received nearly one million site visits from the USA to the UK site in August alone, the new website will provide a great introduction to the Gunners and UK football for stateside fans.

History and background to the north London club sits alongside news on all aspects of Arsenal including the Ladies, reserve teams and exclusive interviews with manager Arsène Wenger and first-team players. The Jargon Buster also allows any visitors to the site to get up to speed with all the terminology of the game.

Arsenal.com editor Richard Clarke said of the USA site: 'We feel the introduction of a US version of Arsenal.com represents real progress. The USA has always been our most popular territory after the UK in terms of traffic, and we only want to expand in this area. It was vital for us to employ an editor based stateside so we could properly reach out to Arsenal fans in the US. We really believe this could be a huge development in the way people connect with our Club.'

USA fans can now also subscribe to Arsenal TV Online USA for just $5.99 a month or $49 a year, offering the same great combination of match highlights, exclusive interviews and live audio commentaries from every first team game."

Fans can subscribe to the Arsenal TV Online at the new website.
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It's The Bulldog For This Saturday Night


Location for this Saturday's official Rapids away-game viewing party for the final regular season game of 2009 at Salt Lake: The British Bulldog in Lodo.

Anyone who was there (or who didn't get in) for the last viewing party will tell you that getting to the pub early is paramount to getting a seat, or even inside!

The Bulldog will be showing other matches on Direct Kick prior to the Rapids' match; first other MLS game Saturday kicks off at 5:30pm MT for those who want to follow all the MLS Playoff qualifiers as they play out on Saturday.

RAPIDS OFFICIAL AWAY-GAME VIEWING PARTY DETAILS FOR THIS MATCH:

WHERE: The British Bulldog, located at 2052 Stout Street in Lodo (the intersection of Stout and Broadway).

WHEN: This Saturday, Oct. 24; kickoff is at 7:00pm MT.

WHO: Open and free for fans of all ages to attend

The Rapids look forward to seeing all fans for the official away-game viewing party; Don't forget to wear your burgundy!

Details: http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=F24Jo5kXYAA=
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Calling C10, Calling C10....Your Website Needs You


Fans might have seen the Rapids posting links to the official website of the Rocky Mountain Cup competition to refer fans there for full details on the standings, scenarios, news and more, ahead of this Saturday's crucial deciding tilt at Real Salt Lake.

www.RockyMountainCup.com unfortunately doesn't look like it's been updated since May of this year and the standings, of whack.

Calling C10.........little help?
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Final Rapids Playoff Scenarios - Updated Oct. 20


It can honestly be said that 2009 is the most contested MLS Playoffs race in the history of the league.

Going into the final weekend of regular season action, all but 3 clubs have a shot at making the postseason.

For the Rapids, it's simple: win and get in.

Colorado could also back in with a tie, or even a loss, depending on other results.

But the permutations and scenarios are too in-depth to list here.

ColoradoRapids.com is the most up to date source each week for the latest possible playoff scenarios. View the most updated results by clicking here.
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Monday, October 19, 2009

Rapids Supporters Road Trip to Salt Lake


Thanks to Rapids Supporters Club member Tina Nuechterlein, who dropped us this note regarding this weekend's supporters road trip to Salt Lake City. Tina is organizing the road trip to SLC for Saturday's final match of the season.

Looking to make a last-second trip into the heart of enemy territory to root on your Rapids in proper visiting supporter fashion? Details below from Tina:

“Even though our officially scheduled Rapids Road Trips are over for the year, several supporters are traveling again to Sandy, Utah to watch the Rapids bring back the Rocky Mountain Cup as they secure their spot in this year’s playoffs this Saturday!

If you are interested in joining the group, drop an email to roadtrips@nofanalone.com or tina@nofanalone.com! We have a sweet ticket deal for you, and are working out tailgate details to gather close to the stadium and walk to the match together.

Many of us are staying right near Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites. We would love to have any other Colorado fans come and join us and cheer on our Rapids!"

– Tina
No Fan Alone Road Trip Coordinator

Visit the Rapids' Class VI and C-Firm supporters online at www.NoFanAlone.com
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Omar Cummings on Fox Football Fone-In Tonight


Rapids striker Omar Cummings will be the featured guest on tonight's Fox Football Fone-In show.

Cummings will preview the Rapids' all-important finale to the regular season against Salt Lake this Saturday with the show's hosts, Nick Webster and Eric Wynalda.

Omar will be on at approximately 6:00pm MT tonight (the show starts at 5pm) on Fox Soccer Channel.

Hosted by Fox Soccer Channel's Nick Webster and US National Soccer Hall of Fame member Eric Wynalda, this dynamic two-hour live call-in program gives U.S. soccer fans the opportunity to have their say on television every Monday.

Set in a radio-style studio, everything on Fox Football Fone-In is up for discussion, and no soccer subject is taboo! Fans can call 1-866-FOX-FANS to voice opinions LIVE on the air, or send in texts to 32369.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Rapids at Dallas Game Notes Guide


Your Colorado Rapids play their 2nd-to-last regular season home game of 2009 at Pizza Hut Park this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm MT on Altitude-2.

Read the entire Game Notes Guide assembled by the Rapids Media Relations dept. for Saturday’s game online by clicking here.

The match will feature the top 2 goalscorers in MLS going head to head, as Conor Casey makes his return from the USMNT to Colorado in time to face off against ex-Rapids striker Jeff Cunningham in what should prove to be the deciding battle for ownership of the league's scoring title.

The Rapids can clinch a playoff spot should RSL either tie or lose earlier in the day, coupled with a Rapids victory.

The Rapids look forward to seeing all fans at the official away-game viewing party at Sobo 151 Saturday night for the match.............as always, wear burgundy.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Rapids Fans Representing in Honduras


Thanks for the submission from Rapids fan Gary Meyer, who made it down with family members to Honduras and got to witness live and in person Conor Casey's gargantuan performance that sent the USA to the World Cup.

Here's his brief recap and photo:

"Just got back last night from Honduras and what an experience. We had a great time at the game and had a lot of fun being the only 2 gringos that we could see for several sections.

"The fans were very passionate and (if you saw the game) were as loud for 2 1/2 hours before the game as they were during it. My friend Randy traded flags with one of the Hondurans seated in our section.

"I think you'll like the advertisement I gave the Rapids down there, wearing my Rapids jersey to the game. I was glad to see Conor start; congrats to him for such a great game! I hope we play as well tonight vs. Costa Rica to help Honduras get to the World Cup - they deserve it.

"Here's a photo from the game of us at the stadium. We also stopped by Diunsa (their big store). We got to meet some of the '82 Honduras World Cup team there - and even got interviewed by a reporter from La Prensa.

"Thanks and best to you,"

-Gary Meyer
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Rapids Playoff Clinching Scenarios for Saturday


Here's the updated scenarios for the Rapids to be able to clinch a playoff berth this weekend:

The Colorado Rapids will clinch a playoff spot IF:
• Colorado defeat FC Dallas on Saturday AND
• Salt Lake fail to win either of their two games this week (they play vs NY tonight and vs TOR on Sat)

-Another scenario-:

The Colorado Rapids will clinch a playoff spot IF:
• Colorado tie FC Dallas AND
o RSL fail to win vs. NY AND
o D.C. United fail to win vs. Columbus AND
o Toronto FC and RSL tie

For full Rapids playoff standings, scenarios, rules and the latest info, visit the Rapids Push to the Playoffs Preview Page.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Bob Bradley, By the Numbers


Some interesting tidbits in today's email update from US Soccer.

Taking a look at head coach Bob Bradley's reign, there's some interesting stats that the Yanks have achieved under his leadership; here's the excerpted portion from the USSF:

Since January of 2007 it has been the charge of U.S. head coach Bob Bradley to achieve the most important goal of any soccer playing nation: qualification for the FIFA World Cup. With 53 games under his belt, seeing 85 different players at least once and the process of reaching South Africa in 2010 coming to its conclusion on Wednesday, a review of the body of work during the past nearly-three years points to the U.S. clearly heading in the right direction. Bradley’s 31 victories in 50 games outdistanced his predecessor Bruce Arena, who had collected 25 victories at that point in his tenure.

Since the start of the four-year cycle, the U.S. has:
-produced the best finish ever at a FIFA tournament, finishing second at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
-won six straight FIFA World Cup qualifiers in a row in 2008, a new team record (June 15-Oct. 15).
-won the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2007 to qualify for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
-won by the largest margin of victory in U.S. World Cup qualifying history (8-0 vs. Barbados on June 15, 2008).
-won back-to-back games in Europe for the first time in team history (Oct. 17, 2007 @ Switzerland and March 26, 2008 @ Poland).
-won three straight matches on the road for the first time in team history (Oct. 17, 2007 @ Switzerland, Nov. 17, 2007 @ South Africa and March 26, 2008 @ Poland).
-played seven matches against four teams ranked in the top five in the world at the time they stepped on the field against them (Argentina, Brazil-3, Italy, Spain-2).
-played matches on four continents.
-posted 1-1-1 record against No. 1-ranked teams, including a semifinal upset of Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

THE BRADLEY BREAKDOWN

Record
All-Time: 34-14-5
Qualifying: 13-3-1
Gold Cup: 10-1-1
Goals For: 101
Goals Against: 59
Shutouts: 22

Record vs.:
CONCACAF: 24-4-4, 63 GF, 28 GA
CONMEBOL: 1-6-1, 9 GF, 19 GA
UEFA: 6-4-0, 15 GF, 10 GA
AFC: 1-0-0, 4 GF, 1 GA
CAF: 2-0-0, 4 GF, 0 GA

Record when:
Leading at half: 21-2-2
Losing at half: 2-4-1
Tied at half: 11-8-2

What do you think? Has Bradley done enough to firmly entrench himself as the now and future leader of the USMNT? Has he proven his detractors wrong? Post your thoughts below....
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Nick LaBrocca Featured in Rutgers Alumni Article


The Daily Targum (serving the Rutgers community since 1869) has today a nice article on former Rutgers star Nick LaBrocca.

“You could tell that Nick was the type of guy that was going to be a professional player from the moment he got here,” said 29-year Rutgers head coach Bob Reasso. “He was an engine, and the biggest thing that stood out was his work ethic. When he played, he did the amount of running for two players.”

Read the article here.
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Monday, October 12, 2009

Video from Rapids/Bulldog WCQ Viewing Party



A short video of the Bulldog crowd chanting Conor Casey’s name during the US at Honduras match on Saturday.

Conor’s mom was there and once the bar found out, the whole place was chanting “Conor’s Mom! Conor's Mom!”

It was a great, great soccer viewing party night. Every time Conor touched the ball the crowd went nuts.

Thanks to everyone who participated. The Rapids look to keep bringing Colorado's soccer fans these types of events.
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Rapids & Bulldog Viewing Party


thanks to everyone who showed up for the Rapids & British Bulldog Viewing party for Saturday night's World Cup Qualifier Viewing Party!

Thanks to fans' help in attending, our cash outlay to purchase the rights to show the match was more than covered, and justified our being able to not charge a cover at the door for fans to watch the match.

apologies to the 75 or so fans that never made it into the doors (the line never moved once the pub was full, as nobody inside was going anywhere), but hey...it's a big match, you gotta get there early!
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US Soccer's Tribute to Mooch



Bob Bradley had some kind words in his postgame press conference as a tribute to former Rapids head coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick on Saturday's matchday vs. Honduras, the 3rd anniversary of Mooch's passing (Bradley's comments about Mooch at the 3:00 mark).

USSoccer.com also posted on their blog a nice tribute to the former Rapids gaffer and USMNT asst. coach.

We miss you Mooch.
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USA v. Honduras Video Highlights



Casey's goals come at the 1:00 and 1:19 marks of the video.
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Friday, October 9, 2009

Rapids Training Session - Oct. 9

Photo: rapids training Friday morning on Twitpic
Photo taken this morning as Rapids trained under a crispy autumn sky at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Photo courtesy of the Rapids' TwitPic page.
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USMNT Final Training Session Before Honduras Qualifier



Conor Casey and the boys going through last-minute preparations...........
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Rapids Take to the Skies to Fight Drug Abuse


Seen any low-flying military aircraft buzzing schools in your neighborhood? Don't be alarmed; it's not the MIB's........it's just the Rapids dropping in with positive community messages for schoolkids!

For the 9th straight year, the Rapids have teamed up with the National Guard to drop in at area elementary and middle schools via military helicopter to warn kids about the dangers of drug abuse.

Full story.
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Photos From US Training Camp in Miami


Rapids striker Conor Casey controls the ball during a USMNT training session at Barry University in Miami, yesterday.

Casey is currently with the US camp for their upcoming 2 World Cup Qualifiers v. Honduras and Costa Rica.

Their next match is this Saturday, Oct. 10, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Photo courtesy of DayLife.com; for additional photos from the training session, click here.
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Monday, October 5, 2009

Updated Playoff Scenarios - Oct. 5


The Rapids are posting weekly updates on the Rapids website with updates every week of the latest scenarios, rankings and qualification tables for the Rapids’ push to the playoffs.

As of today, Columbus, LA and Houston have all secured playoff berths. New York are the only club to have been eliminated from the postseason. All other playff spots are still up for grabs.

ColoradoRapids.com is the most up to date source each week for the latest possible playoff scenarios. View the most updated version following this past weekend's results by clicking here.
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Rapids Fan Appreciation Night Partners


The Colorado Rapids would like to thank the club's partners and sponsors who helped make Saturday's Fan Appreciation Night a success!

Thanks to our partners, who helped thank fans for a great regular season, and who provided prizes and giveaways every 10 minutes through the game on Saturday night.

Here's the listing of prizes and giveaways from Saturday's match, which went out to lucky seats/rows/sections.

MINUTE, QTY & GIVEAWAY, SPONSOR, WINNING SECTION
0-10th 100 Burgundy T Shirts, Rapids, Sec. 100
11-20th 20 BOGO Burritos, Chipotle, Sec. 105
21-30th 20 Free Dinner at Chophouse, Denver Chophouse, Sec. 129
31-40th Free Phone & 6 months service, Boost Mobile, Sec. 108
50-60th 4 Free rounds of golf, Buffalo Run Golf Course, Sec. 122
61-70th 100 Free Jamba Juice Coupons, Jamba Juice, Sec. 110
71-80th Two $50 Gift Cards, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sec. 126
81-90th 400 Free Soccer Balls, State Farm, South Stands

Also thanks to Applebee's, who provided discounted meal coupons to all patrons leaving the stadium.

Several lucky fans also got the opportunity to meet Head Coach Gary Smith before the match, mingle with injured players at the Supporters Tailgate, and even get the jerseys right off the Rapids players' backs following the match as part of the Rapids' annual Fan Appreciation Night celebration.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and the Rapids thank all fans for their great support all year long!
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Friday, October 2, 2009

Rapids, Bulldog Team Up to Show USA v. Honduras


The Rapids announced today that the club has teamed up with The British Bulldog to be able to offer Colorado's soccer fans the chance to watch next week's US World Cup qualifier free of charge.

The US Men's National Team match at Honduras is only available via closed-circuit television, and thanks to the partnership between the Rapids and the Bulldog, the Bulldog will be the only location in Colorado that will have the game available on TV.

In fact, the broadcast will be one of the few in the entire United States; for the full list of all locations nationwide who have rights to the broadcast, click here.

Kickoff is set for next Sat. Oct. 10 at 8:00pm MT as the Rapids' Conor Casey and the rest of the USMNT travel to the strife-ridden capital of Honduras for this critical World Cup Qualification match!

An extra inside tip: unlike other matches only available via closed circuit, there will be NO cover charge for fans to watch the game live!

The British Bulldog is located at 2052 Stout St. (the intersection of Broadway and Stout Streets in Lodo), and besides being one of the top soccer pubs in Colorado, has a fantastic food and drink menu as well.

You can't watch it at home, you can't watch it anywhere else in the state........So come on down next Saturday and join the party to pack the Bulldog and cheer on the Nats!
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Rapids vs. Revs Game Notes Guide


Your Colorado Rapids play their final regular season home game of 2009 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park tomorrow vs. the New England Revolution.

Kickoff is set for 7:00pm tomorrow night!

Read the entire Game Notes Guide assembled by the Rapids Media Relations dept. for Saturday’s game online by clicking here.

The Rapids have a great home record vs. New England, going 11-3-2 all time in matches played in Colorado. In fact, Colorado are still riding a seven-game undefeated streak in home games vs. the Revs. The Revolution's last victory in Denver came in a 2-1 victory at Invesco Field at Mile High on June 15, 2002.

Colorado (10-8-9, 39 pts) gained a valuable point in the Western Conference standings with their road draw at Kansas City last Saturday night and now hold the third spot in the West, and one of the four wildcard positions in the playoff race. Three points against New England tomorrow would do wonders for Colorado’s postseason plans with only two regular season games remaining after this game, both on the road.

New England (10-9-7, 37 pts) are desperate for points as well, sitting in 3rd place in the East, currently in the last playoff wildcard spot. The Revs enter the match having lost on the road this Wednesday at Dallas.

The Rapids look forward to seeing all fans for the final regular season home game of the year; don't forget to arrive early for what promises to be a whopper of a pregame Supporters Tailgate starting at 5:00pm!
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