Because soccer isn't gay, but once in awhile it kinda is.
Posts tagged pablo mastroeni
Rocky Mountain Cup Means Hate Week
04/06/12
This week has become known as hate week in both Colorado and Salt Lake City, and possibly for good reason. Both Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids have had a decent amount of history with some very physical games with each other, both of which have been winners of two of the last three MLS Cups. The Rocky Mountain Cup was created by the fans for the fans; a committee called the C-10 (made up of 5 supporters from each club) was established and still exists today.
From a supporter’s point of view this game is extremely important as each club battles to win the Rocky Mountain Cup (RMC) that of which Real Salt Lake holds a dominating command over the Rapids since ’07. The series results are one sided since Kyle Beckerman was traded from Colorado to RSL.
This season will have a three game set–two of which are in Salt Lake City. Both clubs understand the importance of these matches for their fan bases. In my opinion this rivalry is as good as any in the MLS and should be regarded as game of the week over Sporting Kansas City versus Los Angeles. It will also feature two of the best dressed coaches in the league in Oscar Pareja and Jason Kreis who know a little too much about each other from their playing days back in MLS 1.0.
Colorado Rapids: Our Leader. Our Captain. What’s Next?
03/30/12
As many of you have heard recently, Pablo Mastroeni has been withheld from several training sessions recently with ongoing headaches, a problem that stems from last season’s injury in the final match against RSL. Pablo Mastroeni has been a reliable player-one who doesn’t miss too many matches unless he is disciplined. The NFL in recent years has been trying to cut back the amount of brain injuries that occur to players, by thorough evaluations from the team’s medical staff. In soccer hits to the head occur often when playing 50/50 balls, something that cannot be changed in the game. Unfortunately Pablo has what seems to be a severe case of a concussion.
Now I am no doctor, but being withheld from 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs and missing several practices isn’t a good sign for any player yet alone one who plays at such an intense rate. Hopefully at some point Pablo gains full recovery from his symptoms regardless if he plays another game or not. A player’s health should not be jeopardized for any teams’ gain, as result it seems highly unlikely that he will play in the Rapids current trip to New York which would cause concern for the club. The question mark would then focus on the Rapids depth at mid field as they could be potentially starting two younger less experienced players.
Hopefully Pareja is thinking about the possibility of Pablo not returning, that way there he can have a plan b option. If Pablo can’t return I am hoping Pareja has a position open to him for coaching (Pablo recently obtained his coaching license). I am not ready to hang Pablos boots up yet, but if he cannot recover from these symptoms one of the Rapids more attractive players will be lost, and honestly who doesn’t have a secret crush on someone who is so passionate for something he loves? Be honest.
I cannot imagine the Rapids without a player who has done the club so proud-gone. So Pablo, I wish you the best in your recovery process and I hope your outstanding career could have at least one more match left in ya…
Rapids’ Preseason Trip to the Islands
02/21/12
This week the Rapids preseason takes them on an adventure to an island far away, one filled with wonderful beaches and beautiful people. The Rapids will play in this season’s Hawaiian Islands Invitational, with teams from four different countries. The club will face the Japanese side Yokahama FC on Thursday for the first match of the tournament. The club will then play either Melbourne (Australia) or Busan (S. Korea) on Saturday, February 25th. You can watch both of those matches on ESPN3.
A True #10 for Colorado? A Report from the Rapids’ Supporters Forum
02/03/12
(No, not him.)
That’s right folks, the Rapids are closing in on signing a young play maker from Argentina. One that will fit Oscar’s new vision of the club. This player was mentioned to have the ability to play the flanks (although in my formation below I show what I’d prefer). So we could very well see:
————–Wynne——Moor—————-
Kimura——————————–Freeman
——–Jeff L—————-Pablo M———-
——————-#10————————
Omar———————————Castrillon
——————-Casey———————-
It would be interesting to see where certain players from the past season fit in, players like Wells Thompson and Caleb Folan (who recently has been rumored as a possible move*). Folan doesn’t seem to be on good ground ready to start the pre-season as he hasn’t attended any training sessions with the club and is still overseas. Earlier this week club officials said they care about the players attending training, and aren’t worried about anyone else. read more…
Colorado Rapids Training Camp & Roster
01/20/12
The preseason for the Rapids officially got started this week. Players reported to team headquarters for their physicals today, after the jump are the Rapids’ preseason plans. read more…
