Keeping an eye on the enemy...

[BroncsBomber]

This is from today's Denver Post...

Lowly Rapids eye reinforcements
By Brian Forbes
Special to
The Denver Post



Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo plans to do a little shopping during his team's bye week.

With two developmental roster spots and one prized senior international spot open, and a little extra cash after the Mark Chung and Chris Henderson trades, Clavijo will try out a handful of players this week and go on a scouting trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

Reinforcements are a priority for the Rapids (2-7-2), who have one win in their past seven games and have conceded 16 goals - third-worst in Major League Soccer.

Although trading Henderson for defender Mike Petke last week was an effort to shore up the defense, Henderson's absence in midfield has been aggravated by recent injuries to Terry Cooke (knee), Pablo Mastroeni (quadriceps) and Luchi Gonzalez (ankle).

"We knew we were going to take the hits with some of the trades," Clavijo said.

Clavijo said he expects his injured players to be fit when the Rapids play the Columbus Crew on June 11.

One notable face in camp this week is French forward Eloi Wagneur, whom Clavijo calls "a big-time player." Clavijo said he has been tracking Wagneur for about a year and came into contact with him through his Haitian parents.

More info here. http://denverpost.com/sports/ci_2772494

[BroncsBomber]

You might have figured out that I read the Denver Post... Here's some more info about the cRapids.


Soccer his future, after grim past
Rapids set to sign phenom who fled from Haiti after brothers were killed
By Brian Forbes
Special to The Denver Post

This should be the happiest time in Fabrice Noel's young life.

The 19-year-old Haitian's dream of playing professional soccer is about to come true as he waits for his paperwork to be finalized by Major League Soccer, making him the latest to be signed by Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo.

That dream, likely official by Monday, might have been realized sooner had it not been for a nightmare 2 1/2 years ago.

That's when Noel's older brothers, Luckner and Kenson, were gunned down at their parents' home in Haiti. Noel's younger brother, Jackson, who was 13 at time, was left alive so he could deliver an unforgettable message:

"Tell Fabrice he is lucky this time, and we will get him anyway."

That message is why Noel never returned to Haiti after Nov. 16, 2002, and why he was given political asylum and has been raised by family friends in South Florida.


Rest of the article...

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_2775151

[clarette]

The Trib also ran that Denver Post article this morning... it was a nice read.

I hope he makes it in MLS, even if he did sign for *them*. 🙂

[Stucki]

Yet another reason to be thankful I was born in the USA.