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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:13 EST |
Colorado Rapids: 2001 Outlook
[ESPN.com news services]
The Rapids enter the 2001 campaign with great optimism, with a new head coach who vows to play attacking soccer. Playing a conservative style last season due to injuries, Colorado's goal is to incorporate an offensive, possession-style under first-year head coach Tim Hankinson, who spent more than two years in Tampa Bay. Hankinson coached the Mutiny to a 16-12-4 record in 2000, racking up an impressive 62 goals in 32 games.
Junior Agogo will spearhead the Rapids' attack. |
There are several young Rapids who may blossom in the new attacking system. Junior Agogo had 10 goals in 22 games as a 21-year-old last season. Agogo is one of the faster players in MLS, and showed a flair for the dramatic a year ago with five game-winning goals. Creative midfielder Ross Paule, held back by injuries and inconsistency the last couple of seasons, hopes to regain his 1998 All-Star form for the Rapids. International discovery signings John Spencer of Scotland and South Africa's Neathan Gibson have played in some of the top leagues in Europe and will offer great experience.
A promising group of youngsters also figure to fight for a starting spot. Wes Hart made strides as a rookie a year ago. A first-round SuperDraft choice, Hart scored an impressive bicycle-kick goal overshadowed only by captain Marcelo Balboa's MasterCard Goal of the Year. Jason Moore, the top pick in the 1999 MLS College Draft and Project-40's Seth Trembly both saw significant action in last year's playoff run.
With all the offensive talent, the Rapids' defense is not an afterthought. Balboa leads a side that features solid second-year back Lance Key, Scott Vermillion, Chris Martinez, and veteran Robin Fraser who was recently acquired from the Galaxy. Balboa also contributed to the offense last season, scoring 4 goals and 5 assists for 13 points. In goal, second-year pro Adin Brown will be intimidating in front of the net.
Key Additions:
M John Spencer, F Neathan Gibson, D Robin Fraser, D Stephen
Herdsman.
Key Departures:
F Jorge Dely Valdes, M Anders Limpar.
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2000 Rapids Leaders
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Goals
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10, Junior Agogo
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Assists
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9, Anders Limpar
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Points
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27, Junior Agogo
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GAA
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1.65 David Kramer
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Keep an eye on:
GK Adin Brown (2.04 GAA, 2 SO) performed admirably for the Rapids a year ago. The 6-5 'keeper is regarded as a star of the future. M Ross Paule (five points in 16 games) didn't fit into the Rapids defensive system a year ago, and struggled with injuries. The former All-Star may be poised for a bounce-back season. D Stephen Herdsman was a surprise pick in the second round of this year's SuperDraft. The speedy defender will add a different dimension on the back line for the Rapids.
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