Rapids Weekly
February 24, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release
The Colorado Rapids moved their pre-season condition and player evaluation process to the warm climate of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida last week. The combination of the warm climate of south Florida and the spacious training fields, which are soft and actually green, have so far provided the Rapids coaching staff a consistent environment that should not interrupt the training schedule.
"Right now we're working on four backs, and two holding central midfielders, with very strong commitments from the wing play," commented Rapids Head Coach Tim Hankinson. "We seem to have three or four players who are vying for positions in each area of the park and we think it's great to be at a point were we are having that much competition for playing minutes."
Click here for more: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=25
Pre-season Game #3: Rapids Record Second Victory 2003 rookie Casey Schmidt continued his hot scoring streak by recording three goals in a 5-0 victory in a pre-season game against Florida Atlantic University on Sunday afternoon. Schmidt has now scored six goals in the three pre-season games while the Rapids.
"Casey has a good pace to get in behind the defenses," said Rapids Head Coach Tim Hankinson. "He's fearless in the box and gets after balls, crosses and otherwise. He's having a good showing right now and we're real pleased with that."
The team continues to evaluate and condition players by integrating line-ups mixed with veterans and young players. In addition, veteran players are able to show their versatility being called to play in different positions in the first few pre-season games.
Read the whole game report online at: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=288
Pre-season Game #2: Rapids Fall to Unites States U-20 Team The Rapids suffered their first loss of the young preseason, falling 2-1 to the United States Under-20 National Team. The game, which was played on Saturday afternoon at Nova Southeastern University, allowed Rapids Head Coach Tim Hankinson to continue evaluating and conditioning players for the upcoming Major League Soccer season.
The Rapids took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute on a goal by 2003 SuperDraft pick Casey Schmidt. Though the team controlled possession for most of the game, the Black and blue could not find the finishing touches needed to score again.
A first half injury-time goal and a defensive miscommunication allowed Team USA to take the lead they would hold on to for the remainder of the game.
Click here to read more: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=287
Pre-season Game #1: Rapids Win First Pre-season Game The Rapids came out victorious in the first preseason game of the spring, a 6-1 win over Central Florida University. The starting forward duo of Chris Carrieri and 2003 SuperDraft pick Casey Schmidt combined for four of the six goals as the pair looked sharp and communicated well together. Two goals by Carrieri and one by Schmidt were followed by a lone goal by CFU as the Rapids took a 3-1 lead into the half.
Pablo Mastroeni, who re-joined the team on Wednesday after participating in three games with the U.S. National Team, looked comfortable alongside Kyle Beckerman as the two shared the middle of the field. Seth Trembly and 2003 SuperDraft pick Matt Crawford provided support on the flanks. For the whole story, visit: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=285
Rapids to Play Mexican Powerhouse Santos Laguna in Las Vegas The Colorado Rapids have announced a special preseason exhibition game against Mexican first division club Santos Laguna. The game is set to take place on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 PM at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Click here: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=286
Individual Game Tickets are Now on Sale Single game tickets for 2003 Colorado Rapids home games are now on sale. All games including the 4th of July Fireworks extravaganza and new "Year of the Uniform" promotional nights are available.
Tickets are: $15.00 Touchline, $20.00 Premium, $25.00 VIP, and $35.00 Club seats.
Tickets may be obtained by telephone through Ticketmaster at (303) 830-TIXS, via the internet at www.coloradorapids.com, at all front range Ticketmaster locations including Foley's, Wherehouse Music and selected Rite-Aid stores, and without service fee at the INVESCO Field at Mile High Ticket Office (hours M-F 8:00-5:00), or click here to order online: http://www.coloradorapids.com/site/goal.asp?cid=283
The Rapids kick off the 2003 MLS season on Saturday April 12th against Landon Donovan and the San Jose Earthquakes at INVESCO FIELD at Mile High. Season tickets, group packages, and individual game tickets are on sale. For season, group ticket sales, the new supporters' section, and more information visit www.coloradorapids.com or call the Rapids at (303) 299-1599.
Major League Soccer Stories from February 24, 2003
- Fire Preseason Update - Chicago Fire FC
- Rapids Weekly - Colorado Rapids
- Kohl's Department Stores Kicks off Partnership with L.A. Galaxy - LA Galaxy
- MetroStars Weekly Report - New York Red Bulls
- Earthquakes Lose 3-1 to Viking in La Manga Cup - San Jose Earthquakes
- Clint Mathis to Undergo Hernia Procedure - New York Red Bulls
- Galaxy Fall to Odd Grenland, 1-0 - LA Galaxy
- Team Departs for Florida Today - FC Dallas
- D.C. United and Washington Freedom Announce Doubleheaders - D.C. United
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
