With rosters trimmed down from 28 to 24 players, the Rapids and all MLS teams could be in trouble if injuries become commonplace. With the Rapids’ season-opener tonight in Carson, Calif., against Chivas USA, beat writer Brian Forbes takes a look at Colorado’s current lineup.
FORWARDS
Conor Casey and Omar Cummings scored 17 of Colorado’s 44 goals last season and the Rapids hope they have more in them this season. Depth is huge issue as Richardson and Schunk have zero MLS experience. Look for the Rapids to add a player here at some point soon.
Conor Casey — His experience, health and form late last season mean the scoring burden falls squarely on this local product’s shoulders.
Omar Cummings — New contract means new expectations for this fast and powerful budding star, who holds down the No. 2 spot.
Gregory Richardson — New acquisition nicknamed “Jackie Chan.” He’s fast and clever on the ball, but not strong or physical.
Ross Schunk — Rookie target forward will be an understudy to Casey. He needs to learn the job quickly.
MIDFIELDERS
Without the distraction of failed signing Christian Gomez, the Rapids are deep here. Maybe too deep. coach Greg Smith will tinker on the right side with Nick LaBrocca, Terry Cooke and Jacob Peterson, while Mehdi Ballouchy and Colin Clark will be expected to step up as consistent scoring threats.
Mehdi Ballouchy — Smith said this is Bellouchy’s season to show off his talent and prove he can hold down the starting role. He was the No. 2 pick in the 2006 draft.
Colin Clark — Covers ground with ease, is creative and unpredictable. Rapids hoping for more goals from him on the left side.
Nico Colaluca — Smith said his professionalism was below par last year, but likes his new attitude and hopes he can contribute.
Terry Cooke — Leading assist man over the past three seasons. Age (32) and tactics will lesson some of his minutes. Could become a super sub.
Greg Dalby — Smith envisions Dalby as the guy to one day fill the shoes of captain Pablo Mastroeni.
John DiRaimondo — Underrated and underused. A very genuine and hard-working player who unfortunately has very good players ahead of him.
Nick LaBrocca — Resilient and determined, he’ll play a significant role in the middle or on the right side.
Pablo Mastroeni — With his future secure, the veteran captain is determined to bring a title to the club he joined in 2002.
Ciaran O’Brien — Like Colaluca, his professionalism didn’t impress Smith. Like Colaluca, he has improved and could contribute.
Jacob Peterson — Rapids like his explosiveness and he will factor more on the right side and could be a striker if team gets in a pinch.
DEFENDERS
Cory Gibbs and Ugo Ihemelu will be the teeth and steel of this group, but lack of depth means the Rapids could be hurting with injuries or international duty. A work in progress by all accounts, it will be a youthful, aggressive and fast unit.
Cory Gibbs — Declared himself totally fit and ready to marshal the defense. He needs to stay healthy as the ranks are thin.
Ivan Guerrero — Acquired in the Christian Gomez trade, the Honduran provides depth and experience on the left side. Can play midfield.
Ty Harden — Smith calls him a small tank. He will be the first in line after Gibbs and Ihemelu, and will start if Ihemelu plays right back.
Jordan Harvey — Incumbent left back brings “youthful energy,” a better understanding and enthusiasm to attack like Smith wants.
Ugo Ihemelu — Starting center back will be a key pillar next to Gibbs. Could move out to the right if Kosuke Kimura struggles.
Kosuke Kimura — Incumbent right back has great motor and smarts. Finding ways to overcome his lack of physical size will be key to remaining a starter.
Scott Palguta — Career USL player gets his chance to impress at the MLS level. Left-footed and “battle tested,” should provide depth.
GOALKEEPERS
Rapids traded for Matt Pickens once former starter Bouna Coundoul decided to leave. Pickens and Preston Burpo bring experience and depth, which should give the rookie Steward Ceus plenty of examples to learn from.
Preston Burpo — Smith considers him “the best No. 2 in the league.” That won’t make his time on the bench easier, but he’s always solid when called upon.
Steward Ceus — Bouna Time version 2.0? Not as lanky as the former keeper, but he’s imposing. Smith calls him “a gem.”
Matt Pickens — Returns to MLS after a year in England where he played sparingly. Rapids hope their new No. 1 shines like he did with the Chicago Fire.
