The Colorado Rapids roster, 2011 version, is taking shape.
Gary Smith and his coaching staff offered contracts late last week to Mike Holody, Steven Emory and Eddie Ababio. The head coach says there is now room left for one to two senior spots and one remaining developmental slot.
That developmental slot is seemingly open for Toronto’s Josh Janniere. The 18-year-old wide midfielder is currently a member of Toronto’s Academy, but he went on trial with the Rapids earlier this year. The Canadian has already been exposed to the Rapids’ preseason camp and Smith said he will be inviting Janniere back.
“The fourth apprentice slot, as it were, is open,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com. “We are bringing Josh back into camp. We’ve all been very pleased with what we have seen with him. All things being equal, there is a place open for him if it works out.”
One of the senior spots appears to be set aside for Caleb Folan, the Hull City striker who enjoyed a highly successful two-week recent tryout with the Rapids, including the six-day preseason trip to Arizona. The problem remains getting the 28-year-old Irish international out of his 18-month contract at Hull, or, if that’s not possible, working out a long-term loan deal.
The other spot may be open for the unnamed player Smith has been trailing for some time currently playing in Greece. Smith implied the player is a defender.
“With those senior roster slots, we have the ability to add another forward, and we probably have the ability to add another defender at senior level,” Smith said.
He also admitted interest from former Tottenham Hotspur player Terry Dixon, but said he would not be pursuing the 21-year-old at this time. Dixon’s agent had contacted Smith through a mutual friend – a boxing trainer the Rapids have been working with as part of their preseason training regime.
Colorado will be training at home this week before leaving for a four-day trip to California next week. The trip will include a game against San Jose and two reserve games.
