The Denver Post’s Brian Forbes posts his Soccer Mailbag during the 2008 MLS season on DenverPost.com. The next installment is slated for Aug. 23.
To drop a Rapids- or soccer-related question into the Soccer Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
Can you update us on any progress regarding a Europe move for Pablo Mastroeni? My daughter and I will really be sad to see him go, but if he’s going to do it, he’d better go soon!
— Julie, Golden
Julie – The Rapids have yet to receive any offers for Mastroeni, and all signs seem to point toward the all-star midfielder finishing the season with the team. I still expect him to play abroad next year. Europe is an itch Mastroeni, who turns 32 later this month, really wants to scratch before it’s too late.
He sold his home here before the season started, bought a new one in Phoenix and told me recently his wife is onboard with spending a few years abroad with their kids. The Rapids will maintain his rights, and they’ve told me they’ll do whatever they can to keep him here should he change his mind.
The Rapids need Herculez Gomez more in the field than on the bench. He is an excellent player. He proved it with the L.A. Galaxy and Colorado Rapids. We love him. He’s a leader and knows how to play. Can you maybe tell Fernando Clavijo to think about it if he wants to win games. He needs a team, not individual players.
— Alex, Las Vegas
Alex – Spoken like someone from Gomez’s hometown! Gomez’s blue-collar story has endeared him to the public, especially Galaxy fans who remember what he meant to the club’s successes in 2005.
I know coach Fernando Clavijo believes in Herc, but he is still coming back from offseason knee surgery. Herc will tell you he’s fine, but I think he needs time before he’s completely recovered. Take his past two games: A great goal against FC Dallas and then he kind of disappeared against the Columbus Crew and was substituted. The spirit is willing, but will his body respond? Time will tell.
When is the next World Cup, and will the United States be in it? How does the U.S qualify?
— Ron, Denver
Ron – The next World Cup is 2010 in South Africa, which automatically qualifies as hosts. That leaves 31 spots to be filled through qualifying tournaments hosted by regions, such as Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Oceania.
The U.S. began its road to qualification by crushing Barbados 9-0 over two games. Now the Yanks get a round-robin stage against Cuba, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago (first game is Aug. 20). The top two teams from that group will join four other teams for another round-robin stage (begins Feb. 11, 2009). The top three teams in that group automatically advance to the World Cup and the fourth-place finisher must defeat the fifth-place team from South America to get in.
The U.S., which has qualified for the past five World Cups, won this whole process prior to the 2006 tournament and anything less this time around would be a big disappointment.
I see that Everton FC will play the Rapids on Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. What can you tell us about Everton FC and the English Premier League?
— J.T., Aurora
J.T. – The Toffees, or Blues, have a distinguished history that goes back to 1878 when the club was founded in Liverpool. They have won England’s First Division (what is now essentially the Premier League) nine times and the European Cup Winner’s Cup in 1985. Everton finished fifth out of 20 teams in the Premier League this past season, despite lacking the global notoriety and budget associated with clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and bitter rival Liverpool.
Coach David Moyes deserves high marks for his work. Dixie Dean is arguably tops on the list of Everton greats. He still holds the record for 60 league goals in a season, set back in 1928.
As for the Premier League? For my money, it’s the best league in the world right now as far as talent and tradition.
I’ve never been to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Is there more to the experience there than the soccer? Like good hot dogs?
— Jason, Fort Collins
Jason – The biggest selling point is the stadium itself, unless you’ve been to a soccer-specific park before. The surrounding fields and spacious lots make it very generous for tailgating before and after the match.
Hot dogs? Can’t help you there, I’ve never tasted them at DSG Park. I will tell you the cart on the concourse that sells hot donuts absolutely rocks. Homer Simpson would put them out of business. There’s a cannon in the north end that goes off after every goal and still scares the heck out of the people around me. My last selling point would be winger Colin Clark, who has been representing your home city well this season.
Brian Forbes covers the Rapids, MLS and international soccer for The Denver Post. To drop a question into his Soccer Mailbag or visit DenverPost.com’s .
