While an average keeper would do well with this defense, it would be nice to have a solid backup at the only place in the roster where the Rapids are a bit thin.

Well, now they do. In exchange for Jovan and Kelly Gray, the Rapids have nabbed San Jose’s backup: Preston Burpo. He played for Chivas USA in 2006-07. He’s no star, and I doubt he will be down the road at 35 years of age, but in 2006, he did play 19 games for Chivas USA, and averaged 1.21 goals allowed per game. With the Rapids defense, he should more then a placeholder.

As for the Rapids’ end of the deal, Gray is no star. And Jovan: all I can say is it’s about time. He has had far more starts last year then he deserved. He did, on the other hand, have 6 goals, which was the best on the team (ugh), but three were on penalties which would have been made just as easily (probably) by Herculez or even Terry. He might get the new club boost for a few games, but my guess is that Kirovski is on his way out.

So, let’s get to know the newest member of the Club, and enjoy a shutout of RSL from 2006 by Preston.

That said, the prediction bug is going around like a benign flu in a box full of flu victims. For example, FC Rocky compiled a cool little project in which they invited Colorado Rapids bloggers (plus Brucio from Du Nord and Lionel Bienvenu) to post predictions on the 2008 season. The guys from Class VI, Black Panther, WeWantRapidsMan, and FC Rocky throw out some interesting stuff – including disproportionate and undue love for Red Bull New York. But turning to what all y’all (are you out there?) are here to read – e.g. stuff about the Rapids – the local consensus pegs Colorado at either second or third in the Western Conference. Not too shabby.

For what it’s worth, however, a collective poll I organize for Center Holds It has the Rapids tied for 9th/10th with the LA Galaxy. If this leaves you feeling depressed, think of it this way: Saturday’s game should be pretty good.

Well, that’s that. Tomorrow’s the opener. Injuries acknowledged, I like the Rapids chances – quite a bit, actually. LA’s defense – combining “green” players with slow, older ones – should give the Rapids offense a chance to work on their attacking chemistry. And fatigue should take care of LA’s star attackers, David Beckham due to Wednesday’s game against France and Landon Donovan after his heroic exertions against Poland.

Last but not least, it seems there’s a new Rapid in town: Kelly Gray joined up fairly recently. My advice on this one: don’t fall too hard for the “versatility trap.” Gray can play all over, but I’ve heard it said he’s better wide right. So, maybe cover/substitution for Terry Cooke, or a right-sided defender? Just a thought.

As for the weekend, I’ll post something after I watch the game…whenever that happens (hell of a weekend coming). So, look for that.

UPDATE: Some of you may not know this is part of a project I assigned myself back in January. If you care to follow that, I posted the final pre-season framing for the project over on Center Holds It.