COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- The Colorado Rapids have enjoyed accolades this season as one of the toughest defenses to break in the MLS. Despite conceding four goals in the last two games, the Rapids still have only let in 11 all season, tying them for second behind the ridiculously stingy LA Galaxy.
But Gary Smith and his coaching staff are perfectionists and they want to boost the back line with at least one addition.
While players like Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne have been ever-present either in central defense or out wide, the squad has suffered some injuries this season, including regular starters Kosuke Kimura and Julien Baudet.
Kimura injured his ankle in the warm-up prior to Colorado’s game against LA on May 4, but may be returning this weekend against the New York Red Bulls after a fairly lengthy layoff.. Baudet went down against Chicago on June 9 and is not set to return for another two weeks at least. Scott Palguta, who replaced Baudet in last weekend’s game against Houston, has himself only just returned from a lengthy injury.
Meanwhile, the club has released back-up central defender Oscar Murillo. The 22-year-old Colombian, who did not appear in a first team league game, has returned to Deportes Quindio in his home country.
The Rapids have also been trialing experienced Danish defender Ulrik Lindkvist. Lindkvist has played for both AGF Aarhus and FC Midtjylland in Denmark but is currently listed as unattached. The 29-year-old also has represented his country at youth level.
While Lindkvist has gone back to Denmark, the club said it was impressed by him and no final decision has yet been made.
The MLS transfer window opens July 15 for a month and the club said it would be exploring options both in and outside the league to bring in an extra player or two.
“We do have some flexibility within our roster to make additions,” a club spokesman said.
The Rapids return to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this Sunday, July 4, against the New York Red Bulls.
Join the Debate! MLSsoccer.com's "ExtraTime Radio" is LIVE every day during the World Cup, 5-7 pm ET. Call in at 888-MLS-GOAL.
