The Rapids are partnering with the Colorado Force FC to field a women’s team this season in the W-League, the top level of women’s soccer in North America. The Force, which has been based in Fort Collins since 1996, has been renamed the Colorado Rapids Women.
“Having the Rapids Women as part of our soccer club is a huge step for this organization,” Rapids president Tim Hinchey said. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide top-quality women’s soccer as part of our club.”
The W-League was established in 1995. WPS, the top women’s league in recent years, canceled its 2012 season last month, leaving the W-League the biggest active women’s league in the U.S.
The Rapids Women will train and play home matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. They open their season May 26, hosting Victoria Highlanders FC.
Eagles clinch playoffs. Chad Costello’s hat trick led the Colorado Eagles to a 5-4 win over Stockton on Tuesday in Loveland, and the win clinched a playoff spot for the Eagles — in their first season in the ECHL.
Phinney falls from lead group. Taylor Phinney of Boulder could not stay with the main pack with about 6 kilometers to go in Stage 3 of the Paris-Nice cycling race and finished in 160th place. Colorado Springs native Danny Pate was 168th. Phinney (BMC) dropped to 83rd in the overall standings. Pate (Sky) is 166th.
CU qualifies 12 skiers. The University of Colorado ski team, ranked No. 2, begins defense of its NCAA championship today with a full contingent of 12 racers thanks to Mary Rose, whose fifth place in the nordic classical at the NCAA West Regional moved her up in the rankings and gave the Buffs 12 on the roster for the championships at Bridger Bowl (alpine) and Bohart Ranch (nordic) in Montana. Denver Post staff
