MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Weekly Report

Published on February 2, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


1.) RAPIDS UNVEIL 2004 GAME SCHEDULE The Colorado Rapids will open their 2004 Major League Soccer season with an away match against the Dallas Burn on Saturday, April 3, as the dates and match-ups for the League's ninth season were announced last week. The Rapids' Home Opener will be on Saturday, April 17, when the club hosts the Los Angeles Galaxy at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

The Club also announced the introduction of a new $10 ticket and the "Kids 5 and Under Free" package. The new $10 ticket reduces the cost of the lowest priced ticket for a Rapids game by $5 from the 2003 season. The "Kids 5 and Under" package allows free access to children from that age group to every Rapids home game during the 2004 season (except the July 4th game) along with a paid adult.

Highlights on the home schedule include the annual Rapids July 4th Fireworks extravaganza against the New England Revolution and the debut of 14-year old soccer phenomenon Freddy Adu, when D.C. United comes to Denver on May 22.

Kicking off on Saturday, April 3 and ending on Sunday, October 16, the 2004 MLS schedule places the majority of the League's matches on weekends or holidays. The 30-week regular season also allows for mid-week U.S. Open Cup match dates as well as various international exhibition games featuring MLS teams.

Each of the League's 10 clubs will play a total of 30 regular season games in 2004. Comprising 26 of 30 regular season contests for each team are four games (two home, two away) against each Intra-Conference opponent (Dallas Burn, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes) and a home-and-home match-up against the five clubs outside its Conference (DC United, MetroStars, New England Revolution, Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire. The remaining four opponents (two home games, two away games) are determined based on competitive seeding, according to 2003 regular-season performances.

In all, MLS will play a record 90 percent of its regular season games on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday. Of these dates an all-time high 83 percent of the League's matches will be played on holidays or Saturdays, which has become the destination day for MLS Soccer Saturday matches.

2004 Rapids Ticket prices are $10.00 End Line, $15.00 Touchline, $20.00 Premium, $25.00 VIP, $35.00 Club, and $40.00 Fieldside seats. Single game tickets will go on sale at a date to be determined in early to mid March.

Rapids 2004 season tickets and group tickets are on sale now. For more information, please call the Rapids at 303-825-GOAL. Complete Colorado Rapids 2004 Game Schedule (Kickoff Times and promotions to be announced later):

DAY DATE OPPONENT (Home Games in CAPS)
Sat. April 3 at Dallas Burn
SAT. APRIL 17 LOS ANGELES GALAXY
SAT. APRIL 24 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Sat. May 1 at Kansas City Wizards
FRI. MAY 7 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Sat. May 15 at Los Angeles Galaxy
SAT. MAY 22 DC UNITED
Sat. May 29 at Chicago Fire
WED. JUNE 9 KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
Sat. June 12 at DC United
SAT. JUNE 19 DALLAS BURN
Sat. June 26 at Columbus Crew
Wed. June 30 at MetroStars
SUN. JULY 4 NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Sat. July 10 at Los Angeles Galaxy
WED. JULY 14 LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Sat. July 17 at San Jose Earthquakes
Tues. July 20 US Open Cup
Sat. July 24 MLS All-Star Game 2004
SAT. JULY 31 COLUMBUS CREW
Wed. Aug. 4 US Open Cup
Sat. Aug. 7 at Dallas Burn
Wed. Aug. 11 at DC United
SAT. AUG. 14 CHICAGO FIRE
SAT. AUG. 21 METROSTARS
Wed. Aug. 25 US Open Cup
Sat. Aug. 28 at San Jose Earthquakes
SAT. SEPT. 4 DALLAS BURN
SAT. SEPT. 11 KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
Sat. Sept. 18 at New England Revolution
Wed. Sept. 22 US Open Cup
Sat. Sept. 25 at Kansas City Wizards
SAT. OCT. 2 SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Sat. Oct. 9 at Chicago Fire
SAT. OCT. 16 COLUMBUS CREW
Sun. Nov. 14 MLS Cup 2004
To view this schedule online, please click here: http://www.mlsnet.com/schedules/col.html

2.) BECKERMAN AND BORCHERS START OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOMORROW

U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team head coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick last week announced his final 20-player roster for the 2004 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, that includes Rapids midfielder Kyle Beckerman and defender Nat Borchers.

The Olympic Qualifying Tournament is taking place from today through Feb. 12 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The team traveled to Mexico a week ago with 22 players, but Myernick was forced to drop two players from the travel roster by the Jan. 31 deadline imposed by CONCACAF.

The USA faces their first match of the tournament tomorrow against Panama. Read all the notes on the team and the match here, as well as find a link to the Philips MatchTracker to follow the game live tomorrow by clicking here: http://www.ussoccer.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=52674&itype=113&iCategoryID=0

3.) USA OLYMPIC SOCCER HISTORY IN THE LAST 24 YEARS

In honor of the USA's match tomorrow against Panama in the first game of qualifying for the 2004 Olympics, RapidFire has obtained from USA Today a listing of how the USA has fared in the last 24 years of Olympic soccer:

•1980: The Americans advance in the CONCACAF Olympic competition after Mexico is disqualified for using professional players in beating the USA 4-0 and 2-0. In the final round, the USA posts a 4-1-1 record to qualify for the Olympic Games, but as a result of the American boycott does not participate.

•1984: As the host country, the USA beats Costa Rica 3-0, loses to Italy 1-0 and, needing a win to advance, ties Egypt 1-1. Olympic finish: Eliminated in first round.

•1988: The USA advances to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying by rallying to beat Canada 3-2 on aggregate goals in a two-game series. After losing the first game 2-0, the USA rolls to a 3-0 win, then wins four consecutive in the final round to qualify for the Games in South Korea. At the Olympics, the USA ties Argentina 1-1 and the host country 0-0 before losing to the Soviet Union 4-2. Olympic finish: Eliminated in first round.

•1992: The Americans win eight of 10 qualifiers, including a 2-1 win against Mexico in Mexico City and two spectacular 4-3 wins against Honduras, to advance. They start the Olympic tournament in Spain with a 2-1 loss to Italy, beat Kuwait 3-1 and tie eventual silver medalist Poland 2-2. Olympic finish: Eliminated in first round.

•1996: Automatically qualified as the host country, the USA loses to Argentina 3-1, beats Tunisia 2-0 and ties Portugal 1-1. Olympic finish: Eliminated in first round.

•2000: The qualifying tournament is held in Hershey, Pa., and by winning their first three games the Americans qualify. In Australia, the USA advances out of the first round with two ties and a win, then beats Japan in a penalty-kick tiebreaker to reach the medal round. Losses to Spain and Chile leave the USA without a medal. Olympic finish: Fourth place.

•2004: In a preliminary round, the USA demolishes St. Kitts & Nevis 6-0 and 4-0 to reach the final qualifying phase in Guadalajara, Mexico. SEE FORMAT BELOW:

•2004 qualifying format: Two groups of four teams. Top two in each group advance to the semifinals; winners of semifinals qualify for the Summer Olympics. The first-place team in Group A plays the second place team in Group B, and the second-place team in Group A plays the first-place team in Group B. To read more on this story, click here: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2004-01-29-olympic-qualifying_x.htm

4.) RAPIDS, M.L.S. NOW SUBJECT TO FIFA-REGULATED PLAYER TRANSFER WINDOWS

Major League Soccer has received notification from FIFA, world soccer's governing body, and the U.S. Soccer Federation that MLS, for the first time in its nine-year history, will be subject to the international registration periods for transfers of in-contract players that apply across the soccer world.

"As our teams look at acquiring discovery players and allocations, they will need to consider the FIFA-mandated registration periods," said MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis.

Due to the timing and placement of the MLS regular-season and postseason calendar (April - November), the windows imposed upon MLS by FIFA differ from those imposed upon other leagues internationally For the 2004 season and until further notice, FIFA will not register player transfers that take place outside of the two following transfer windows:
-January 1 until March 31 (the "primary window")
-August 15 until September 15 (the "secondary window")

FIFA has clarified that national associations may register certain players who are free of contract and seeking employment even if such registration falls outside of the transfer windows. To read this entire story, click here: http://www.mlsnet.com/content/04/mls0127transfer.html

5.) RAPIDS CAMP INVITEE PLAYER PROFILE: ANTONIO DE LA TORRE

One of the Rapids training camp invited players who has impressed the coaching staff so far is Mexican 1st and 2nd division veteran Antonio de la Torre. Here's Antonio's player profile:
ANTONIO DE LA TORRE
Positions: Midfielder/Defender
D.O.B: November 18, 1977
HT: 5-10 WT: 160
Hometown: Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, MX
Birthplace: Mexico, DF
Citizenship: USA and Mexico

Former Mexican First and Second Division player Antonio de la Torre is currently in camp with the Rapids. The 26-year old midfielder has played for Mexican teams such as Atlas (1st Division), Necaxa (1st Division), Atlante (1st Division), Irapuato (Primera "A" Division), Marte (Primera "A" Division), Acapulco (Primera "A" Division), Potros D.F. (Primera "A" Division), Jaguares de Tapachula (Primera "A" Division) and most recently with runner-up Cobras de Cd. Juarez (Primera "A" Division).

De la Torre, who was an instrumental player in Irapuato's promotion from Primera "A" division to the 1st Division in the 1999/2000 season is a green card holder and wouldn't count as a senior international in the Rapids roster if signed by the club. The 5'10 athlete is fluent in both Spanish and English.

6.) INTERVIEW WITH MARCELO BALBOA, K.S.E. SOCCER AMBASSADOR

Jill Beauchesne of "Round Not Oval" held a great Q&A with Rapids Alumnus and Kroenke Soccer Ambassador Marcelo Balboa on his new role with the Colorado Rapids. Read it online by clicking here: http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/rno/cover022004.html

7.) FIFA TO ADOPT WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE

After months of wrangling, soccer's world governing body has committed itself to enacting a global anti-doping code before this summer's Athens Olympics.

The breakthrough, which should remove any threat of soccer being kicked out of the Olympics, was achieved last Wednesday in a meeting between the heads of FIFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The WADA code, approved by international federations and national governments last year, sets out uniform rules and sanctions cutting across all sports and all countries. The International Olympic Committee has warned that any sport failing to adopt the code -- including soccer, the world's most popular game -- will be dropped from the Olympics.

For more information on this story on FIFA's official site, click here: http://www.fifa.com/en/display/mrel,74061.html

8.) GET A SNEAK PEEK AT TEAM USA'S NEW KITS

Planning on traveling to Amsterdam to catch the USA as they take on Holland on February 18? Then you'll be among the first to see the US Men's Team in their new Nike uniforms. Get a sneak peek at what is rumored to be Team USA's new kit, as captured on film by Sam's Army. Take a look by clicking here: http://www.sams-army.com/index.php?Mlist=content_full&Article_id=182

Also on Sam's Army site, you can get some travel tips for the US Soccer fan on traveling in and around Amsterdam!

9.) MLS STARS MATHIS, MCBRIDE BOTH SCORE IN 2004 EUROPEAN DEBUTS

It was a great weekend for American soccer players abroad, as transfers Brian McBride and Clint Mathis both made immediate headlines by scoring for their new respective European clubs. Brian McBride scored in his debut with Fulham on Saturday, beating goalkeeper and U.S. teammate Kasey Keller in the 67th minute in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the Premier League.

McBride, who left the Columbus Crew of MLS and signed 10 days ago, came off the bench for the winning goal. Read about it on ESPN.com by clicking here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=290080&cc=5901 Clint Mathis made his debut in Germany's Bundesliga count Sunday with a goal that drew praise from his coach and management.

The U.S. national team forward scored in the 27th minute for Hannover goal in his first match in one of Europe's major leagues, helping his new team to a 3-2 win over Hamburger SV.

Read about Mathis' goal online at CNN/SI.com by clicking here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/soccer/02/01/bc.eu.spt.soc.mathisshi.ap/index.html

10.) ONLINE POLL OF THE WEEK

Vote for Rapids goalie Joe Cannon to start in goal for USA in their international match vs. Holland on February 18. He needs your help in the poll! Place your vote for free by clicking here: http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/

11.) RAPIDS TO PARTICIPATE AT CHOPPER'S DINNER THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT

The Colorado Rapids this year will participate for the first time at Chopper's Dinner, an annual event that is a lasting tribute to former Denver Nuggets trainer Robert "Chopper" Travaglini, to be held this Wednesday, February 4 at the Pepsi Center. Reservations are now being accepted for one of the Rocky Mountain Region's most cherished fundraising events. Join your favorite Colorado Rapids players and coaches, along with the Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Crush, Colorado Mammoth and Denver Nuggets, for this exciting evening! For more information, click here: http://www.pepsicenter.com/Events/NewsDetails.asp?ID=316 or call (303) 405-6091 to find out how you can be seated at a table with your favorite Rapids player!

And don't forget, the Rapids Community Care Foundation will also be hosting their 5th Annual Rapids Kickoff Luncheon, also at the Pepsi Center on Wed. April 14, 2004. For tickets and more information about this annual fundraising event for Colorado's soccer community, please email Kelly Ward at kward@pepsicenter.com

12.) FOUR QUESTIONS FOR SCOTT VALLOW

Marc Connolly of ESPN.com checked in with Rapids goalie Scott Vallow to answer his traditional 4 questions. Check out Scott's responses below: Best soccer fans other than your own team's fans: Chicago Fire Last great book I read: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki Funniest player on your team: Kyle Beckerman Funniest player not on your team: Ronnie O'Brien Check out Connolly's latest column on MLSnet.com by clicking here: http://www.mlsnet.com/content/04/connolly0128.html

13.) RAPIDS TRAINING SCHEDULE UPDATE

Starting today, the Rapids will train once daily at 10:00 a.m. in Westminster, CO for seven days before departing to Bradenton, Florida where they will continue with their preseason. In the case of inclement weather, the team will move their practice sessions to the indoor facility located at 6959 South Peoria St, Centennial, CO (across from the Family Sports Center) on the same dates, but from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Nine new players are making their first official appearances with head coach Tim Hankinson's squad: draftees Adolfo Gregorio, Adrian Cann, Kevin Taylor, Kevin Richards, Gary Sullivan and John Pulido as well as former Mexican First and Second Division player Antonio de la Torre and invitees Federico Juarez and Cory Pasek.

Returning midfielder Darryl Powell, forward John Spencer, and midfielders Chris Henderson and Mark Chung are expected to report to camp today.

Kyle Beckerman and Nat Borchers will join the Rapids' group in Bradenton, FL, after they conclude the Olympic Qualification with the U.S. Under-23 National Team that is taking place in Mexico starting today.

Finally, goalkeeper Joe Cannon and defender Ritchie Kotchau will make their separate ways to Bradenton, where they will train with the U.S. National Team in preparation for their upcoming international friendly against the Netherlands taking place on February 18th in Amsterdam, HOL. The two will then re-join the Rapids after their stint with the USMNT.

The preseason schedule is subject to change; all trainings at the Westminster Training Facility are free and open to the public.

Monday, February 2 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Tuesday, February 3 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Wednesday, February 4 10:00 a.m.Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Thursday, February 5 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Friday, February 6 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Saturday, February 7 **DAY OFF**
Sunday, February 8 **DAY OFF**
Monday, February 9 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Tuesday, February 10 10:00 a.m. Practice at Westminster Training Facility
Wednesday, February 11 **TRAVEL DAY** Denver, CO to Bradenton, FL.

Scheduled Preseason Matches in Florida:
Feb. 14: Rapids vs. Fire, 10 AM, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Feb. 15: Rapids vs. UCF, 4 PM, IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
Feb. 17: Rapids vs. MetroStars, 3:30 PM, (Bradenton, FL)
Feb. 22: Rapids vs. DC, 10:30 AM, IMG Academy
Feb. 24: Rapids vs. U-20 Team, 10 AM, IMG Academy
Feb. 25: Rapids vs. Crew, 10 AM, IMG Academy

14.) RAPIDFIRE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

Today's RapidFire quotes of the week come from Rapids defender Nat Borchers and Team USA Olympic Head Coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick, as interviewed by FIFA.com on the eve of the USA's first Olympic qualifying match against Panama tomorrow:

Borchers:

"I think we have an advantage physically, no question. As far as speed, we have a few guys who can flat-out fly, and I think all of our defenders except for Wingert are 6'2 or taller, so on set pieces that's very valuable.

We like to press and play at a pace faster than the teams we are playing like to do. And we have the players that can take advantage of that."

Myernick:

"We know a lot more about Honduras and Canada than we do about Panama. We can only do our best, find the right combinations and strike a balance and try not worry too much about our individual opponents. We will be as prepared as we can be - so prepared that our opponents will have to worry about us rather than the other way around."

Read this article online by clicking here:http://www.fifa.com/en/display/article,74046.html

15.) BIGSOCCER.COM FAN DISCUSSION TOPIC OF THE WEEK

This week's most stimulating fan topic: "LIMITED TRAINING OBSERVATIONS".

Click here to read this week's featured topic (and post your reply!) on the Rapids Discussion Boards on Big Soccer.com: http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94127

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 2, 2004


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