More International Call-ups

It’s the downside of having a good scouting system: as soon as any foreign Rapids player gets good, they get snagged by their national team. But, for having a keeper like Bouna in the nets or a forward like Omar up front, it’s the price you pay. Both Bouna Coundoul and Omar Cummings have been called to their homes overseas to help their countries get to the World Cup.

If you’re curious, Bouna’s Senegal is in a tight race with Algeria and Gambia, all of whom are a single point apart with one game each left to play. There are lot’s of ways Senegal could get through, but a Senegal win and Algerian tie or lose would clinch it. I bet the people of Senegal would appreciate a shut out.

A little closer to Colorado, Omar is heading to Kingston, where Jamaica will host 3-0 Mexico. If you have a moment on Saturday after the US beats Cuba again, flip around the Spanish channels to see if you can find Jamaica – Mexico. Omar plays for our club and he is trying to beat Mexico. That’s enough for me.

For the Rapids, this might be a problem. The first ten minutes against Houston notwithstanding, Preston has done quite well filling in for Bouna. His goals allowed average is a bit higher than Bouna’s was, but he has shown he can do okay as long as the offense keeps scoring. And that’s where this could be bad. Omar’s in Jamaica, we traded Herculez, and Conner is suspended for hitting someones elbow with his nose (still a bit mad about that one). That leaves Tom, who is still listed as doubtful with a knee injury, and Jacob Peterson, who can be very good, but can also choke, a lot. It would seem like a 4-5-1 is about our only shot at this. The good news is, that we’re up against the Gals, who love to let people score on them, so if there’s any week for offensive troubles it’s this one.

Category: Team News