DENVER, Colorado - The Colorado Rapids announced today the plans for the first stage of the team's 2007 preseason, which will take Fernando Clavijo's club to Pachuca, Mexico for the second consecutive year. Continuing the development of a relationship with Club de Futbol Pachuca owner Jesus Martinez and longtime Director of Soccer Andres Fassi, the Rapids will be once again hosted by the current Copa Sudamericana champions.
"This first stage of the preseason will once again serve to get all the players up to the same level of fitness as we continue the evaluation of all the guys in camp," said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. "The friendly games in this specific stage will also help the team slowly get back into a game rhythm in preparation for the more transcendent matches in the second stage of our preseason."
The Rapids, who will report to preseason in Denver tomorrow morning, will kick off the team's international travels on Thursday, February 16 when they travel to Pachuca, where they will enjoy the hospitality of Mexican first division side Club de Fútbol Pachuca, who will host the Rapids at their state of the art training facilities until February 28th.
During their stay in "Mexico's Windy City", which is located approximately 55 miles northeast from Mexico City, the Rapids will play three friendly matches against First and Second Division teams.
The Rapids will announce the next phases of the 2007 preseason, which include a training stint in the United Kingdom, as well as the team's first international gated game against a Spanish first division club, in the upcoming days.
Rapids 2007 Mexico Preseason Schedule:
February 16- Team departs to Pachuca, Mexico
February 20- Friendly vs. Second Division Side (UAEH) in Pachuca
February 22- Friendly vs. Tuzos Cuahtitlan at Los Pinos Stadium, Cuahutitlan, Mexico
February 25- Friendly vs. 1 "A" team in Pachuca
February 26- Team Departs to Mexico City
February 27- Friendly vs. Mexican 1st Division Club in Mexico City
February 28- Team returns to Denver
