Petke Power

AP PHOTO

Throughout Mike Petke’s Metrostars career a sign draped the wall at Giants Stadium which read Petke Power. For my money no lasting image of MLS early years was more vivid and more poignant than that sign. Mike Petke in fact has been one of the better defenders in MLS during his entire career. But the thing that has made Petke stand out for me is his leadership and his ability to score critical goals in critical matches. Petke’s goals during his time at DC United all seemed to come at critical times, including one in stoppage time against Columbus in 2003 that has to be considered one of the most exciting goals given the circumstances in the history of the league.

Petke now 32 is Colorado’s captain when he’s healthy. But the Rapids have been skidding down the western conference table for week and are now led by a manager, Gary Smith who is actually an Arsenal employee on loan to the Rapids. After last week’s loss to RSL Petke was quoted as saying ” “There were a lot of fans that traveled to come here, and I’m embarrassed. It’s over now, and we have to look forward to Thursday, a big game in Dallas. But, it’s going to be a tough night tonight.”

Petke led by example today scoring a classic goal to sink FC Dallas and to bring the Rapids right back into the heat of the playoff race. This goal was typical of Petke: key situation where his team needs to score and needs to win. Once again Petke power has prevailed, and with the longevity and leadership shown by Petke, don’t count the Rapids out just yet.

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Beckham Out Sunday

Sunday's game between the floundering LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids in Denver has been sold out for months, but the main attraction will be missing. Thanks to some very poor decisions by England Manager Steve McClaren and the entire Galaxy front office, Beckham is now on the shelf once again. Let's hope he can play on Wednesday Night in the Superliga final versus Pachuca.

Fire Clavijo Website Appears

Denver is growing into a full fledged European style soccer town under owner Stan Kroenke. First Kroenke had a new facility, probably the best in the country built. Then he bought a piece of Arsenal and is trying to buy the North London club outright. Now the fans of his club have become the first I can recall in MLS history to launch a website to fire a coach. The website, http://www.fireclavijo.com/FireClavijo/index.htm is in the developmental stages but it indicates that MLS' efforts at parity have had some consequences. The reality from my perspective is that Fernando Clavijo got more out of the Rapids in the first two months of the season than could be expected considering the weak squad he has. But with a gem of a new facility, a committed ownership situation and the tie in with Arsenal (which will only get larger if Kroenke succeeds in buying the Gunners outright) Rapids fans will soon run out of patience in mass. So one way or another Clavijo better get the ship righted.

Dick's Sporting Goods Park Photos

The Stadium is not only an excellent soccer specific stadium with a beautiful pitch and outstanding sight-lines, but it has perhaps the best concessions I have seen at a non-Baseball stadium in the United States. Any type of food is available at the park. This includes standard sports event fare such as hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn. But the choice of concessions goes far beyond that: Mexican and Italian food are available as are such varied items as Doughnuts, Espresso, Pork Sandwiches, Churros, Bar-B-Que and various local brews. The Stadium shop is easily the best I have seen (for example it puts the team shop I am most accustomed to at Dolphin Stadium to shame). Hopefully the bar that has been set by this first rate facility will be met by the new stadiums in New Jersey and Utah as well as potential new MLS club stadiums in Fremont, CA, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle and Milwaukee.

Arsenal Colorado

It appears the rumors which I had personally dismissed as far fetched maybe in fact true: That the Colorado Rapids would be signing a partnership with Arsenal and changing their name and colors. Considering Arsenal's American Supporters club is even larger than its UK Supporters club this maybe a very savvy move for the MLS franchise. More details when available.

UPDATE: The team has redesigned its logo changing its colors to a scheme that mimics Aston Villa or West Ham United not Arsenal. The club is teaming up with Arsenal initially in two ways. The Rapids will train in London this preseason with Arsenal and will host the Arsenal School of Excellence at the Rapids new stadium which will open in April. More facets of the partnership will develop through the next several years.