but when Mastroeni is out for the World Cup, Petke will have to provide leadership.
Chris Wingert: The No. 12 overall pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Wingert came to the Rapids from the Crew in the same trade that brought Jordan to the Mile High City. After two undistinguished seasons with the Crew, mostly in midfield, Wingert will have the opportunity with the Rapids to play in a more comfortable position at the back.
MIDFIELDERS
Dedi Ben Dayan: The former Israeli youth international made a splash late last season, blazing up the left side of the field to play a critical role in the Rapids' attack as they made a push for the playoffs. In just eight games after arriving in early August, Dedi scored four goals and notched two assists; look for him to pick up right where he left off.
Kyle Beckerman: Entering his seventh MLS season, Beckerman turns just 24 in April, and is good a time as any for him to fulfill his potential. If Clint Mathis holds up his end of the bargain in the midfield as the Rapids' first true attacking midfielder in four years, Beckerman should thrive in support of him.
Clint Mathis: Once a U.S. soccer hero, Mathis will be under the magnifying glass in Denver. Clavijo brought him in to lead the Rapids' attack, and putting up numbers like he did last season with Real Salt Lake -- three goals and four assists in 27 games -- won't get it done.
Terry Cooke: Slowly but surely, Cooke became Clavijo's preferred option on the right side of midfield in 2005 as he acclimated to MLS. With his first season under his belt, Clavijo will expect more production out of the Englishman this year.
FORWARDS
Jean Philippe Peguero: For the moment, Peguero is the Rapids' target man. But trade rumors involving the Haitian international abound, and with an army of strikers at his disposal, Clavijo could afford to send Peguero packing. If Peguero does move on, look for Trinidad & Tobago striker Cornell Glen or Argentine acquisition Nicolas Hernandez to fill in.
Jovan Kirovski: Kirovski came to the Rapids late last season from the Los Angeles Galaxy and scored once in seven regular-season contests. He's much better suited to playing off a targetman, an opportunity he didn't have with the Galaxy but will in Denver.
OUTLOOK
With all of their attacking options, the Rapids should be able to boost their meager goal totals of the past few years and shed their reputation as a team content to bunker in and steal goals. In an ironic twist, though, the defense is suddenly a major issue. Cannon's talent should ease the defensive woes that seem inevitable, but he can't do it all by himself. The Rapids will have the ability to go deep into the playoffs only if Clavijo brings in more defensive help, particularly at center back.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT: Clint Mathis
That the former U.S. international will be the keystone for the Rapids in 2006 is obvious. He was Clavijo's primary offseason target, and as he goes, so goes the club's scheme to become an aggressive, attacking side.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
