Midfielder Sam Cronin was the Rapids captain but that didn’t stop management from sending him to Minnesota United FC three weeks ago. He has been a veteran presence in the starting lineup for the expansion Loons the past two games, and he’s looking forward to Sunday’s game when his former teammates visit the Twin Cities.
“Itap been going great,” said Cronin, who played the past two seasons for Colorado. “Getting settled in personally and professionally, just feeling more comfortable with each game and each training session. Although we haven’t won, we’ve built up some positive momentum and looking to get a win this weekend.”
Cronin played for Colorado in a 2-2 draw with Minnesota on March 18. Two weeks later he was sent with defender Marc Burch for Mohammed Saeid and Josh Gatt. Saeid had been a starter for Minnesota but Gatt had not played.
“There’s no doubt there will be a little extra for me, just being a member of that team for a number of years, but I can’t let that affect the way I prepare and focus on the game,” Cronin said. “I’m a player for Minnesota now and itap a huge game for us.”
Cronin said he was surprised and disappointed by the move, but he’s had to move on quickly because the deal came in-season. He has a wife and two boys of preschool age who remain in Colorado for now.
“Itap been a pretty hectic transition, trying to process the logistics of moving small children, and my wife with her career as well,” Cronin said. “But my wife is fantastic. We’re doing our best making it work and we’ll be OK.”
