COMMERCE CITY — It hardly comes as a surprise that former Rapids goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul declares it will be “Bouna Time” on Saturday when his old team plays host to his new one.
That was Coundoul’s trademark phrase during his two seasons as a popular starter for Colorado. Since signing with New York on June 29 after six months as an unsigned free agent, Coundoul hasn’t played yet, but coach Juan Carlos Osorio might be in the mood for a change in goal. The Red Bulls have the worst record in the league (2-14-4), haven’t won a road game this season and are tied for the most goals allowed (33).
“If I’m not starting, it’s not a big deal,” the always affable Coundoul said. “There’s no ‘I’ in team, like they say.”
The Rapids saw a lot of potential in Coundoul, trading away all-star goalkeeper Joe Cannon after the 2006 season (for Herculez Gomez and Ugo Ihemelu) and handing Coundoul the starting job. His tenure in Colorado ended in a disagreement over money.
When his contract expired at the end of last season, Colorado offered a raise, but Coundoul wasn’t satisfied and turned down the Rapids in hopes of signing with a team in Europe.
“Bouna was offered a fabulous contract that would have made him, I think, one of the top three earners in the league in his position,” Rapids coach Gary Smith said. “We felt Bouna had a huge amount of potential, still. He was growing as a player, maturing well, and he was a big part of our good run last year. His choice was not to take us up on our offer, which is every player’s prerogative, to search further afield in Europe, and it’s not gone well for him.”
Coundoul had tryouts in Europe but went unsigned until New York called last month.
“I had some good experiences with some good friends and the organization,” Coundoul said of Colorado. “Everybody, we get along, but business is business.”
At least New York was a good fit. Coundoul attended high school in the Bronx after emigrating from Senegal, playing for soccer powerhouse Martin Luther King High School and winning New York City prep championships in 1998 and 2000. He also played for the University of Albany.
“It’s great, I’m really happy,” Coundoul said of his return to New York. “Now I can see my family almost anytime I want. In Colorado, I needed to wait until we played in the East or during the offseason in order to see my family. Now they’re here — my high school, my college, all the friends and family.”
The Red Bulls lost 3-1 at home to the Los Angeles Galaxy in their last game and haven’t won since May 8. For just that reason, Saturday presents a scary game for Smith, whose team lost three of its last four games after a strong start to the season.
“Within that squad, they have some serious talent,” Smith said of New York. “If we take this lightly, we won’t get the result we want.”
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
