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MLS Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids Will Pay Special Attention to Villa, Says Cronin

March 17, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Sam Cronin is not prone to sudden outbursts of emotion, rather he is controlled, calm and - if truth be known - understated in his demeanor.

And yet, even this hardened MLS midfielder, starting his eighth season in the league breaks into a smile when asked about the forthcoming home opener against New York City FC.

"We're going for three points," he said, the smile barely detracting from the determined look in his eye.

The 28-year-old was a part of the San Jose Earthquakes side which lifted the Supporters' Shield in 2012. He has tested his mettle against the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Clint Dempsey and Tim Cahill.

This Atlanta native has featured in more than 170 MLS encounters, clocking up over 14,000 minutes, and yet it is clear from talking to him that the first home game of a new season still contains something extra special.

He has sat and watched NYCFC in their opening two games, at Orlando City SC (1-1) and home to New England Revolution (2-0), and - like many - has been impressed by what he's seen.

"(They're) a good team, with a lot of technical players," Cronin added. "You can tell the understanding, and how they're wanting to play, is building with each game, so a good team that we're going to have to jump on from the first whistle on Saturday to get a good result."

Cronin watched from the bench during the Rapids' first match of the 2015 season, away at Philadelphia Union, but he has shown enough in preseason to suggest he will play a key part in Pablo Mastroeni's new-look side. Mastroeni's embarrassment of riches in midfield means competition is intense for the starting spots.

Having fared so well in Philly, scrapping their way to a 0-0 draw despite playing the last 22 minutes with only 10 men, the Rapids face arguably the hottest property in MLS this weekend when the new boys from New York come to Commerce City. NYCFC's top talent, David Villa, already has one goal and one assist from the opening two games.

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