The end of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks and the subsequent lifting of the threat of a work stoppage appears to have sparked a flurry of last-minute player movement at some clubs. The Colorado Rapids may be no exception.
The Rapids on Tuesday waived veteran midfielder/forward Pat Noonan. The 2008 MLS Cup-winner joined the team last year but failed to start regularly. The off-season signings of the likes of Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson from New England appeared to further lessen Noonan’s chances of finding a place in the line-up. His departure could help free up a roster spot for a signing that may have looked unlikely this time last week as a players’ strike loomed.
[inline_node:108684]“I am hopeful to maybe add one or two more bodies to the group that will help us towards not only this weekend but moving forward,” said Rapids’ head coach, Gary Smith.
If the Rapids are able to make such a move before the weekend, Smith said it could be an experienced player that may not have been tracked by the club while the uncertainty over the CBA continued.
“Certainly, there are two or three targets that we are looking at that can come and add to the group,” Smith said. “Everyone knows now what they have to deal with and there are some individuals that have come onto the radar that I didn’t necessarily think would.” Smith said he was surprised to see experienced players like Jon Busch and Simon Elliot waived by their clubs. It was “predominantly” MLS players the Rapids were looking at to make a possible move by the weekend.
Clubs must finalize a 24-man roster on Wednesday.
