COMMERCE CITY — Gary Smith’s love of boxing isn’t difficult to fathom.
Now the official coach after getting the interim tag removed in November, Smith was intense, unflinching and calculating Wednesday as the Rapids opened training camp at a windy Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
He barked at players he felt were not stretching enough, and ordered the lot to take advantage of ice baths and any other amenities available ahead of a seven-week preseason and season opener March 21 at Chivas USA.
Of the 34 players currently in camp, Smith said only captain Pablo Mastroeni has a guaranteed spot.
“Everybody is under pressure for their positions,” Smith said. “I want to improve the group.”
Smith confirmed the team had entertained offers for winger Terry Cooke and is still open to a deal for Christian Gomez.
In the case of Cooke, who has led the team in assists the past three seasons, Smith said, “it’s not like we’ve thrown him out there as bait to anyone.”
As for Gomez, who is bothered by a sore groin: “I am definitely prepared to adapt what I want to do for Christian, as long as he wants to meet me halfway in some way,” Smith said.
Reinforcements on the way.
Smith said he is looking to add players — primarily on defense and forward — ahead of the season.
“We’ve got a couple bodies in the pipeline, one or two from Europe, which may be pretty difficult to get in straightaway,” Smith said.
The transfer window for international players closes April 15 and won’t open again until June. Smith also said he has “a couple” players from South America who won’t arrive until later in the preseason.
Club vs. country.
Cory Gibbs revealed he pulled out of the U.S. national team camp ahead of its Jan. 24 friendly against Sweden at the behest of Smith. Gibbs said Smith was concerned the defender, who had injury issues before joining the Rapids last August, might put too much stress on his body with the extra training prior to the regular season.
Smith said he spoke with national team coach Bob Bradley about his concerns and they ended in agreement.
“Through discussions with Cory, we both felt it was the best thing for the club and individual,” Smith said.
Still sponsorless.
The Rapids remain on the shortlist of clubs still without a shirt sponsor after the San Jose Earthquakes announced this week a three-year deal, worth a reported $2 million to $3 million a year, with Amway Global.
Managing director Jeff Plush said the club is fairly close to the same place it was last season in terms of finding a partner, and added the global economic slump isn’t making things easier.
“There’s no lack of companies interested, it’s finding the right company with the right deal,” Plush said.
Brian Forbes, Special to The Denver Post
