Rapid reserves beat Youths of Valencia FC

from soccer365.com

The Colorado Rapids Reserves defeated Valencia CF Reserves 1-0 in a friendly game played at the Valencia’s training site located in Paterna, a suburb 20 minutes outside Valencia.

A goal by Chris Wingert in the 37th minute gave the Rapids the victory over their Spanish opponents in a game that satisfied Head Coach Fernando Clavijo’s expectations.

“The match was very well played and it was very fluent,” said Clavijo. “Our players are looser than in the first weeks of preseason and they are starting to perform easier on the field. The difference in speed and mobility is obvious compared to the game two weeks ago in Mexico against Cruz Azul. Hector (Ifran) is doing a great job taking the guys in a process that will have them reach our home opener in best physical shape possible.”

The Rapids game against Valencia FC scheduled for March 21 has been moved to Tuesday, March 20 at 9:30pm (local time), 2:30pm (MT) at the Mestalla Stadium. A press conference that took place today after the friendly match in Paterna officially announced the game. Clavijo, Valencia and Spanish National Team forward Fernando Morientes and Valencia CF’s General Director Juan Galiano made the announcement in a press conference in Paterna.

Rapids Lineup vs. Valencia CF Reserves: Zach Thornton, Dan Gargan, Stephen Keel, Chris Wingert, Hunter Freeman, John DiRaimondo, Dan Wasson, Nick LaBrocca, Colin Clark, Nico Colaluca, Jacob Peterson

Scoring-
COL- Wingert 37

Rapids announce link with Arsenal

(Fro Reuters UK) - Arsenal became the latest Premier League club to forge ties across the Atlantic when they announced a new partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Colorado Rapids on Friday.

The deal with Kroenke Sports Enterprises (KSE), owners of Colorado, was made with the main aim of building Arsenal's brand in the U.S., helping to improve the quality of football at the Rapids and supporting grassroots football in North America.

It will also include the development of a Centre of Excellence in Colorado, the transfer of coaching ideas and the launch of the Arsenal Cup, a club tournament open to teams from all over the U.S.

"This is a very important step for Arsenal as this becomes our first venture into the United States marketplace," managing director Keith Edelman told the club's Web site (www.arsenal.com)

"We are approaching this as a long term development partnership that will benefit both clubs significantly."

Edelman's views were echoed by Rapids managing director Jeff Plush.

"This groundbreaking partnership with Arsenal...is one of the stepping stones to continue pushing our sport on to the next level," said Plush.

"In today's international business community, soccer is the only true global sport that transcends ethnicity, culture and language and with this type of relationship we are making sure our company is expanding this vision."

Rapids win 1-0 in England.

from soccer365.com

In the first match of their spring training stint in Europe, the Rapids today defeated Barnet Football Club 1-0 here at the Arsenal Training Ground.

The Rapids’ goal was scored in the 32nd minute when defender Dan Gargan headed home a Nico Colaluca corner kick inside the far post.

Colorado began the contest in a 4-4-2 formation with Zach Thornton in goal and Gargan, Stephen Keel, Chris Wingert and Hunter Freeman across the back from right to left. Starting from right to left in the midfield were John DiRaimondo, Nick LaBrocca, Daniel Wasson and Colin Clark. Jacob Peterson and Colaluca started up top as the Rapids’ strikers.

The Rapids juggled their line-up at halftime as Jordan Harvey came into the back line on the left side and Freeman slid to center back. Wingert moved into the midfield, where Clark switched from the left to right side to make room for Kosuke Kimura. Finally, DiRaimondo paired with Colaluca up top.

In the 60th minute, new Rapids ‘keeper Justin Hughes replaced Thornton in goal.

Barnet is in League Two in England, and just came off a 3-1 victory over Stockport County, who had not given up a goal in their last eight games.

The Rapids will next play a closed-door game tomorrow against Milwall, also at the Arsenal Training Ground.

Colorado Rapids 1, Barnet FC 0
Preseason Friendly – March 12, 2007

Scoring Summary :
COL – Dan Gargan (Nico Colaluca) 32

Rapids Lineup:

Zach Thornton (Justin Hughes 60), Dan Gargan, Stephen Keel, Chris Wingert, Hunter Freeman, John DiRaimondo, Nick LaBrocca (Jordan Harvey 46), Dan Wasson, Colin Clark, Nico Colaluca, Jacob Peterson (Kosuke Kimura 46)

Rapids acquire Zach Thornton from Fire

The Colorado Rapids have acquired GK Zack Thornton from the Chicago Fire for a conditional pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. Thornton will compete against Matt Jordan and Bouna Coundoul for the starting spot in Colorado that was vacated when the Rapids traded Joe Cannon to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Costa Rican midfielder Yherland McDonald Signed

From MLSNET.COM The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of Costa Rican midfielder Yherland McDonald. Due to his age, McDonald will be considered a youth international on the Rapids roster and will not occupy one of the four senior international roster spots. Per club policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

McDonald, 20, can play on the left side of midfield or up top as a forward. He has played for the Costa Rican National Team on the U-20 and U-17 levels and comes to the Rapids from Fredrikstad Fotballklubb of the first division in Norway.

Rapids tie Cruz Azul 2-2 in Mexico

Rapids tie Cruz Azul 2-2 in Mexico in Preseason. Herculez Gomez and Herculez Gomez scored for the Rapids.

Rapids to play Valencia FC of Spain on March 21

The Colorado Rapids announced today plans for a preseason trip to Spain, which will conclude with an international friendly game against current Spanish league fourth place holders Valencia Club de Fútbol, that will be played on Wednesday, March 21 at the historic Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain.