Rapids Feeling Chuffed…and Why Not?

By: Jeff | April 17th, 2008

The Official Organ larded their weekly update with happy statistics: there’s Bouna Coundoul’s goals-against average; Terry Cooke tied for the league lead on assists; seven goals scored by seven different players, etc. By the way, those seven goals not only ties the Rapids with conference rivals Chivas USA in goals scored, they also have the Rapids one-quarter of the way to tying last year’s goal-scoring total - and that’s with just 1/10 of the season gone by. One key place where the Rapids are not tied? That’s right; the Western Conference standings.

Safe to say the Rapids are feeling pretty chuffed these days. With some big outlets showering them with praise - ESPN.com, Goal.com, USSoccerplayers.com - even believing in them (GASP!), The Official Organ could even take a day off…not that they ever will. Hell, the last two of those outlets even suggest that retaining head coach Fernando Clavijo might not have been such a bad idea (sacrilege or insanity; you decide!). Another win - and with the San Jose Earthquakes on the menu for Game 4, why wouldn’t they get it? - would in all probability cement Colorado’s status as April’s Flavor of the Month. Take a big lick, Rapids fans. You’ve earned the sweet, sweet reward.

Getting back to the San Jose game, predicting a win seems like leading into a jinx with your chin. As such, it’s not surprising to see wewantrapidman play it safe (and while I’m mentioning that site, I may as well plug it; that’s a good source, people, better than The Official Organ by a country mile…several country miles, even; where else can you read good dish about all the $ tied up on the bench - or even off it - or get the scoop on a possible May/June absence for the magical Bouna? Nowhere. So, go. Don’t waste your time here; I’m like one of those dolls with a damn pull-string…GO!). I’m just going to say, caution be damned! (Referring now to the content before the long, parenthetical digression.) Look, in your heart of hearts, you know you’re already counting this a win, Rapids fans. You smirked at wewantrapidsman’s cautionary mention of Gavin Glinton and Kei Kamara; c’mon, admit it. You’re already dreaming of 3-1, building on that goals-for tally, etc. It’s OK. That unfamiliar sensation you’re feeling is called optimism. No, I’m not surprised it’s new to you. Enjoy it a while because it’s nothing like automatic…I’m just sayin’.

With a win looking likely - hell, why don’t I just guarantee it? - Denver/Colorado locals could do a lot worse than head to The Dick this Saturday. There’s a really killer promo (kids’ tickets free with one adults, which makes even sideline seats affordable; it’s listed at the bottom of this), and the good folks of Class VI are advertising a pre-game tail-gate. Good times…made better by a win….remember, I guaranteed it.