Brendan Ploen
@BrendanPloen
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Contributor @BurgundyWave focused on #NWSL and #ColoradoSoccer . Prev: @DenverPost , @Durangoherald & @journalsentinel | @MarquetteU alum | Green chile enthusiast
Chicago, IL
Joined December 2011
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UPDATE: The fans have stormed the pitch here at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Ran the length of the field and got a reprimanding from the PA man but no security tried to stop them.
Best league in the world.
#Rapids96
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Some personal news: This is my final week at The
@DenverPost
covering the Colorado Rapids, Colorado Soccer + preps.
Beginning in 2024 I’m moving to a job outside of journalism and will be back in Sweet Home Chicago.
Livin' the dream: 5 years in Colorado, the last 3 in Denver.
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Hey,
@BianchiWeather
, is this considered a deluge? I think so. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is absolutely getting dumped on.
#Rapids96
#COLvPOR
#cowx
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NEW: The
#Rapids96
largest independent supporters group, Centennial 38, penned an open letter to the front office & ownership Thursday. Here's the letter in full.
A source also confirmed to me that a walkout for Saturday will happen in the 20th minute of the game.
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#Rapids96
-1998: The team literally didn't know the aggregate rules and got eliminated by León in Mexico.
-2011: Required a police escort in El Salvador bc equipment manager forgot cleats 2.5 hrs back at hotel
-2018: Home game so cold beer lines freeze.
-2022: Hornets nest delay
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It’s official: Denver will not be hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Wait. NO WAY. Apparently we are delayed by a "infestation of sorts is holding up the game" ... A uniquely Concacaf Moment!
#Rapids96
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NEW: For Denver FC has launched to bring women's professional soccer to the Mile High City. FDFC is currently assembling an ownership group to submit an expansion bid in 2023 to join a D1 league.
Jordan Angelo, Ben Gubbard and Tom Dunmore are leading the effort.
#ColoradoSoccer
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Even the MLS Players Association is bodying the facilities at DSGP 💀
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🚨TRADE NEWS: The Colorado Rapids have traded left back Andrew Gutman to his hometown team, the Chicago Fire, sources tell The Denver Post.
In exchange, Colorado receives 24-year-old LB & Venezuelan international Miguel Navarro and $450,000 in GAM.
#Rapids96
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Hey friends! Some personal news: I am incredibly excited to announce that I will be moving to the
#Rapids96
beat starting in December for
@DenverPost
! Covering pro soccer has always been a dream of mine, and I can't wait to cover an exciting club in a fantastic soccer city.
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My latest feature: Even with two degrees completed, Gabe Kortz, a captain for
@MinesFootball
, wanted one last playoff run. On Saturday the sixth-year senior will lead a formidable Orediggers' defense in to the NCAA Division II semifinals.
#HelluvaEngineer
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It’s official: Lionel Messi has scored more goals (10) in his first 7 games than the Colorado Rapids have scored as an entire team since May 10th (9 goals in 15 games, all comps).
#Rapids96
#LeaguesCup
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Last night's Commerce City City Council meeting when discussing real estate contest/Victory Crossing land was remarkable.
Mayor Benjamin Huseman passionately fought for residents & will not be nickel-and-dimed by Kroenke, when KSE has done squat in 19 years.
Long quotes thread:
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This is Davy Armstrong, the
#Rapids96
first-ever Homegrown Player signing. He played for the Rapids from 2010-2014 and with the Switchbacks from 2015-17. After his playing career, he became a firefighter and is now with South Metro F/R. Simply incredible & so happy Watson is OK!
This is a must watch video! At 9:40 this morning Firefighter Armstrong from Engine 15 rescued Watson the golden retriever from an ice-covered pond along the Big Dry Creek Trail in Centennial – The same spot where a woman and her dog were rescued by SMFR just 5 days ago.
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I have some personal news to share: I am excited to announce that I have accepted a sports reporter position with the
@DurangoHerald
in Colorado. I can't wait to get started!
After a great two years, today is my last day on the sports desk with the
@journalsentinel
. Thanks, MKE!
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BREAKING: The Colorado Rapids have confirmed that team captain Jack Price suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Saturday’s game against Minnesota United and announce he will miss the remainder of the 2023 MLS season. Story to come for
@rapidsnews
/
@DPostSports
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Didn't tweet it out earlier but tonight was officially a sell-out. A capacity crowd of 18,171 tonight at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The players and Robin Fraser all commented how tremendous the atmosphere was. Good on 'ya, 'Pids fans.
#Rapids96
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Just curious, for the Colorado Rapids fans: As a result of the new Apple TV deal, who is going to be able to watch the team (legally) for the first time since the Altitude disputes started in Aug. of 2019?
If so, let me know. Would love to hear your thoughts.
#Rapids96
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UPDATE: Per a Rapids spokesperson, the game will have to kick off before 11 p.m. due to a local noise ordinance. For now the intent is to still play the game, weather permitting.
#Rapids96
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.
@F_Abolhosseini
just told me that Andreas Maxsø is a "top, top athlete with a crazy winner's mentality". He's a guy that's dedicated to his craft and is a great leader.
Safe to say, Brøndby fans loved him.
#Rapids96
fans need proof? Check out their chant:
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It has begun. Another night of
#Rapids96
fans hoping a bolt of lightning strikes the pixelated video board.
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League sources say the Colorado Rapids have secured a loan deal for 25-year-old Serbian goalkeeper Marko Ilić from Belgian side K.V. Kortrijk. Deal is through the summer w/option to buy at the end of the loan.
Ilić has kept 16 clean sheets since joining in 2020.
#Rapids96
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FIRST LOOK: Here's the Colorado Rapids' "New Day" kits, which will be the team's away jerseys for the 2023-2024 seasons.
It was co-designed by Denver artist Pat Milbery as he incorporated his distinctive street-art style with hues of Colorado's sunrises and sunsets.
#Rapids96
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In the span of 17 hours, Diego Rubio and captain Jack Price have announced they will not be returning to the Colorado Rapids in 2024.
The two have combined for 234 matches for the Burgundy Boys & many iconic moments for fans. Heart-wrenching start to the offseason.
#Rapids96
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Meanwhile, in Commerce City …
Josh Kroenke said, as is public, they own the land around Ball Arena. Said that very likely includes a Nuggets and Avs practice facility. No ETA.
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Hey
@SickosCommittee
: It’s
@opencup
week, with the First Round proper kicking off tonight. What’s your favorite venue of the ‘24 tournament?
From community fields to century-old stadiums and plenty of college soccer venues in between, there’s so many gems.
#SaveTheCup
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Can report the TXViking has left this platform. Thanks for backing us to the peak,
#Rapids96
fans and supporting the work all of us do.
Now, to celebrate:
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Dude, you're talking about 'Pids fans, here. They've heard it all before. ... They're invincible to criticism about DSGP.
It's 15 minutes from downtown & design-wise, not a bad seat anywhere. When the place was as charged as last night, the crowd really gets into it. Carry on.
@BrendanPloen
After attending a game at Providence Park, Dicks is an awful MLS experience. The crowd does their best, but the stadium is small and in a terrible location. The stadium design also sucks.
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I’d like to point out across the league this season, there are more players from Colorado (19) than Texas, Utah and the surround KC area combined (18).
Somebody with deep pockets has to step up for Denver.
This is a good map. I think people complaining about the west coast getting another team probably forget how massive California is. The league also moving into another top 10 TV market is good for everyone.
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Just wanna add a few final things. A few of my favorite snaps from the beat.
Two stories this week. A Rapids Notebook w/where things stand heading into 2024. And my Top 10 Colorado Soccer stories of ‘23 (No. 172 of ‘23).
Total stories written in CO: Over 1,000.
100% Worth it.
Some personal news: This is my final week at The
@DenverPost
covering the Colorado Rapids, Colorado Soccer + preps.
Beginning in 2024 I’m moving to a job outside of journalism and will be back in Sweet Home Chicago.
Livin' the dream: 5 years in Colorado, the last 3 in Denver.
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Following the presser, your two intrepid beat reporters had to drop by THE sign at the corner of E. 56th Ave and Valentia St.
Surrounded by illegal dumping and prairie dog holes, supposedly the master plan for this will be ready in early 2024 after 14 years of nothing.
#Rapids96
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Some personal news: Yesterday was my last day as a sports reporter
@DurangoHerald
. I couldn’t ask for a better first job, but unfortunately it ended earlier than expected. My colleagues and I were among company-wide layoffs related to the coronavirus' impact on the economy. /1
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I'll defend the R2 guys to the hill. They're guys who always play for the badge and created beautiful soccer almost every week. Frankly, they gave this fanbase so much pride and a lift to see what could be.
To call a player 'worthless' is abhorrent. Not gonna stand for it.
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With a dirt parking lot full of prairie dog holes, a sprawling plot of land which has sat vacant since 2008 and zero public transit to speak of, DSGP in in fact not “very neighborhood-centric.”
Demoff on KSE's redevelopment model around venues: "The way the Rapids have activated around Commerce City with the community. It's such a key piece of what they're doing. Pregame the marches to DSGP and the fandom around the game day experience. It's very neighborhood-centric."
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Shouts to
@RapidsJason
for alerting me to this.
Pádraig Smith sent out a separate, lengthy email to Season Ticket Members and in his statement, outlined a few reasons for why they parted ways with Robin.
"It's unacceptable for the type of club we want to be ..."
#Rapids96
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Dillon Serna announces he is retiring from professional soccer. The Homegrown from Thornton will go down as one of the greats to come out of the Homegrown Player system. A heckuva career, and congrats, Dillon!
#Rapids96
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Thank you, Grant, for inspiring me to pursue covering this crazy, beautiful game to the fullest.
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Quote of the night from creative director Jordan Rothrock about potential success & sales of the new
#Rapids96
2023/24 away jersey:
“I looked Adidas square in the eyes and said ‘this will be our best-selling jersey in history’ … I don’t think I’m going to be eating my words.”
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This is a drastically different crowd than kickoff. Well done, 'Pids Nation. Message received.
#Rapids96
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Here's the thing about this broadcasting crew: They still DO NOT do their homework at all. Mispronouncing Gutman, they don't know Yarbrough's injury despite the club announcing it. It's so bad for a Rocky Mountain Cup.
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BREAKING: Highlands Ranch native Ethan Horvath makes the 26-man United States Men's National Team roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 27-year-old goalkeeper was the first player named.
He is also the first Coloradan male to be named to a final World Cup squad.
#USMNT
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Denied again: For the sixth consecutive year, the Colorado Rapids did not have a player named to the annual MLS All-Star Game roster.
#Rapids96
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Lorne Donaldson, who helped turn Colorado into one of the nation’s great soccer hotbeds, is the newest Chicago Red Stars HC.
After coaching players-turned-pros w/
@RealColoSoccer
, he’ll get his shot to develop further talent in the NWSL.
#ColoradoSoccer
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My guy, Rapids' Kévin Cabral made $1.8 million & he was abysmal. W/O Galaxy paying half, he would've taken up 15.6% of 2023 budget.
Mal Swanson, a world-class player World Cup winner, coming off of injury, is taking up just 14.5% of Red Stars' budget by comparison at 400k.🤦♂️
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What a week for media discussing the
#Rapids96
:
•MiB said going to DSGP is "almost like a trip to the dark side of the moon"
•Herc Gomez said winning w/'Pids isn't a priority for KSE
•Alexi Lalas wants team relegated
•9News omits 2010 Cup for major pro sports titles in Denver
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It's been a full year since I started covering the
#Rapids96
and the Colorado soccer scene for The Post.
Whether you've read one story or a number of mine, I truly am grateful to y'all and the chance to cover so many great teams and players.
Looking forward to Year 2 on the beat!
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Ball Arena in Denver reacts to No. 1 Purdue seed getting upset by No. 16 Farleigh Dickinson while the Gonzaga-Grand Canyon game is in progress. Surreal
#MarchMadness
moment:
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While
@GoValorFootball
came short in the Class 5A final Saturday, my big takeaway: Head coach Bret McGatlin is building a culture of care.
Need proof? Check out how his team rallied around injured linebacker Chase Zimmerman.
#copreps
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Here at DSGP Field 20 & I have not seen practice this full … all season?
Diego Rubio — Full participant.
Cole Bassett — Full participant.
Darren Yapi — Back from U-20 World Cup.
Mikey Barrios, Braian Galván & Ralph Priso — Full participants.
No Price, Max or Moïse.
#Rapids96
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HE IS AN 18-YEAR-OLD KID. Literally, what the hell man??
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Ethan Horvath’s journey:
•Discovered by Norwegian club Molde at 16
•Parents sold family house in Highlands Ranch & moved to Norway where they worked as custodians for a year-plus
•10 years later, after time in Belgium and making a World Cup roster, he’ll be a Premier League GK
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The Press Row Crew waited ‘til 1:20 a.m. post-Toluca to talk to Diego Rubio. We asked the hard questions, he was brutally honest.
If you don’t appreciate what it takes to cover this team — or an entire state worth of soccer — you never will.
Proud member of “No One Good FC”
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I love the Open Cup so much and I know the Fútbol Americas guys do too.
Now, imagine
@SebiSalazarFUT
,
@herculezg
& Co. doing a show (College Gameday-style) at the most intriguing matchup per round.
One at Keyworth in Detroit or at Breese Stevens in Madison? Iconic.
#USOC2022
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Hey, MLS Production Teams .... Moving forward, don't zoom in on a hella concussed player. That was fucking horrible to watch.
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When I say all of Press Row is gonna cover this walkout, we’ll have almost every angle covered.
#Rapids96
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WOAH.
Colorado really is at the center of the American soccer world right now. The USL is set to vote on the adoption of a promotion and relegation system. The decisive vote will take place at the USL's board of governors meeting in Colorado Springs Aug. 9-10th.
BREAKING: The
#USL
is set for a milestone vote on the adoption of a promotion and relegation system, per sources.
• Plan for 3 pro tiers
• Potential restructure in 2024, pro/rel in 2025
• Sources optimistic, but vote may have opposition
w/
@tombogert
:
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STORY: The Colorado Rapids became the first team in MLS history to collaborate with a local artist for a jersey design.
Here's the inside story, and how it will tie in to a team-led initiative to support mental health across Colorado.
#Rapids96
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BREAKING: Former
#Rapids96
great Steven Beitashour announces he is retiring from soccer after 14 seasons in Major League Soccer. The 36-year-old will go down as one of the best fullbacks to ever play in the League.
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🎉Jack Price is On The Road Again!
The
#Rapids96
Captain just posted a new video of him jogging. It’s the first real progress update since he ruptured his Achilles tendon back on March 18th vs. Minnesota United.
Best news fans will see this week.
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Huseman concluded with the following:
"On Sept. 16th, Centennial 38 staged a walkout. The banners left behind said 'the badge, the players, the fans deserve better.'
What (C38) failed to put on there is the residents of Commerce City deserve better as well."
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Simply the best news
#Rapids96
fans will see today. Congrats,
@jacko_8
!!
We’re over the moon for ya & can’t wait to see you on the pitch again soon!
(If there’s a rush on Pricey’s jersey
#salop
fans, it’s probably us from Colorado, eager to support an all-time Burgundy Boy).
🖊️ | Shrewsbury Town are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Jack Price, subject to international clearance!
Welcome to
#Salop
, Jack!
🔷🔶
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It is a job, yes. Being a 28-year-old journalist covering what the Rapids do/don't do isn't everything. I have a day job, manage to write around 18 stories per month, learn some acoustic guitar, & have family + friends who support me.
Life is about balance. Where's yours, man?
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Big news for the Bassett family:
@DU_MSoccer
junior attacking midfielder Sam Bassett has been named a second-team All-American.
Third Pio to earn the AA distinction & first since Andre Shinyashiki in 2018.
Bassett scored eight goals & seven assists this season.
#ColoradoSoccer
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If you know, you know ...
#Rapids96
fans certainly do.
The Apple TV broadcasters being really well informed about this 2023 team? Not so much.
One of the least surprising results from Jeff's survey.
MLS and Apple's streaming service is nearly one season old.
In a survey, over 4,000 fans offered their thoughts on:
■ Broadcast quality
■ Messi's impact
■ Favorite commentators
■ ... and much more.
@jeffrueter
sifts through the results.
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“To Colorado, thank you for everything! … 5280 will always be home. The hard work doesn’t stop here, onto the next.” -
#Rapids96
Abraham Rodriguez Homegrown goalkeeper issues a heartfelt goodbye to his hometown club.
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Well, at least the Colorado Rapids' badge remains undefeated.
San Diego FC name + the new logo: 0-1-0 and they don't even kick off till 2025!
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Now THIS is a proper tribute.
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Accountability is at the heart of this year's Fort Lewis College football team. Despite going 1-9 in 2018, the Skyhawks have a new head coach, a veteran defense and a number of targets on offense. It could be a breakout year for the program.
#Skyhawks
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#Rapids96
fans, I asked your thoughts on the state of the club. Y’all did not hold back.
“The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach.”
“The Rapids are still stuck in MLS 2.0”
“I am sick of the complete lack of attention to the gameday experience.”
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Shortly after full time, Colorado Rapids striker Diego Rubio tweets out the following: “Thank you Colorado, my family and I will miss you!”
His message seems to indicate Colorado will not be renewing his option ahead of the 2024 season.
#Rapids96
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The disgrace is confirmed.
I mean zero offense to R2 or its players at all and know they'll take on the spirit of the Open Cup by competing authentically for the trophy, but seriously this is just so wrong.
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FULL TIME: Northern Colorado 1, Real Salt Lake 0
THEY'VE DONE IT!! The newest team to USL League One stuns Real Salt Lake
Northern Colorado is just four games into club history, but two cup shocks, one against an MLS side.
What a night for
#ColoradoSoccer
#USOC2022
#HailYeah
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*laughing in Mountain West*
It’s the Rocky Mountains in early March. What does he expect?
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo sounds off on the snow game:
“It was an absolute joke we had to play today."
“The game could have and should have been called (off). It was an absolute disgrace to play.”
"I don't understand why on earth we'd count a game like that."
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IMO: Colorado Rapids' midfielder Connor Ronan got snubbed for not being nominated for Newcomer of the Year award. Aside from Edward Löwren from St. Louis, Ronan has the most assists from a newcomer this season w/10 in 2,500 minutes. Has an 87% passing success rate & 30 starts.
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Just two former
@MUWireSports
execs supporting the alma mater down in in Champaign! Let’s go MU!
#mubb
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True story: I ran into Robin Fraser, another finalist for this role, Saturday morning at downtown King Soopers. He was in sweats, a hoodie & Adidas slides. Was in great spirits too as he just came back from Chile cheering his daughter at the Pan-Am Games.
What could've been ...
Official: The Timbers have hired Phil Neville as their head coach.
Neville aims to prove himself as a manager in a big MLS job, and will have to mend fences with Portland fans who’ve pushed back on his hire.
Per a source, some staff are wary, too.
#RCTID
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Shouts to No One Good (Covers the Rapids) FC.
Covered the story from every angle & every medium. It made national soccer news as MLS analysts chimed in about the 'Pids for the first time in ages, but the local beat reporters were ON it from 9:15 a.m. onwards.
🧵 of our work:
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And then what happened, @ MLSsoccer dot com editorial team?
Not the Homegrown from Littleton, Colorado risking spoiling the SEO page views!!
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It’s not hyperbole today: There’s a literal cloud hanging over
#Rapids96
training. Rain dampening spirits & I haven’t seen a player smile once given grim news about Max. Guys are serious.
Acosta, Bassett and Bombito are active participants. Beitashour is doing work on the side.
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I’m only slightly convinced soccer journalism is like the mob.
Settled in to my new job in Chicago. Pumped to be joining an awesome staff, even if I’m not writing as frequently as before. Expect some fun Colorado WoSo & ‘Pids Away Day coverage (Midwest-style) this year, folks.
He's baaaaaack!
@BrendanPloen
has joined Burgundy Wave to cover women's soccer, Colorado Rapids away days, and more:
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Denver could’ve hosted six World Cup matches had it gotten the bid, including a round of 32 and a quarterfinal …. If only the city actually got behind the bid and put up the money. Kansas City did & now they’ll get all of those matches which could’ve been held at MHS. Brutal.
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Lindsey Horan’s parents are ultramarathoners. Her dad, Mark, does 100k races. Her mom, Linda, recently ran a 50k after recovering from back surgery.
When things get hard mid-game, the
#USWNT
captain often thinks of them.
Like tonight.
#ColoradoSoccer
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Just saw Darren visibly sobbing, almost heaving tears walking off the pitch. Now Oli is the last one out here, stunned, not having moved a step in minutes. Serna is with him. Just distraught guys who gave it every possible ounce for the badge this season.
#Rapids96
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The Rapids will be fine, you guys.
In addition to doing their due diligence by talking to players & GMs who worked with Armas, the FO probably contacted this spell caster for spiritual help to make sure they were making the right hire.
MLS Cup winners in 2026. Book it.
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JUST IN: Sources confirm to The Denver Post the Colorado Rapids are set to name Chris Armas as the next head coach. Formal announcement set for Friday.
Armas, 51, is back in MLS after coaching at Manchester United & Leeds United. Former HC at NY Red Bulls, Toronto FC.
#Rapids96
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When Zack Steffen is the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup — in his GK prime — people will remember: That January 2024 day when the moneyball-mad Colorado Rapids fleeced the wealthiest team in world soccer.
The redemption arc is underway.
Can confirm Zack Steffen has joined Colorado Rapids on a free transfer from Manchester City.
@BurgundyWave
article from yesterday has been updated. That's now three (Mihailović all but official) fantastic signings this off season by Smith and Armas. LHC.
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