The Colorado Rapids have just two picks in Tuesday's three-round MLS Supplemental Draft, and the club will have to wait a while before it gets the first of those.
The Rapids traded their first-round pick away and will not be on the board until the 36th pick overall, which is the last pick of the second round. Their next selection comes at the very end — 54th overall.
The draft is being conducted by conference call, though each pick can be followed live on MLSsoccer.com via a draft tracker and on Twitter [@MLS_Insider].
Rapids head coach Gary Smith said it's difficult to identify talent with such late picks and admitted he is relying heavily on other members of his coaching staff to help out.
“It will be getting a little bit obscure by then, but we do have some added roster slots and we will want to use this as best we can,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com. “We will want to get a good look at them and see if they are good enough to make these roster places.”
Smith said his preference may be to get local players from the likes of the University of Denver. Pioneers goalkeeper Joe Willis was last week drafted by D.C. United.
“There could be some opportunities for local players, the better players at DU,” he said. “We’d like to offer them the opportunity.”
In last week’s MLS SuperDraft, the Rapids selected UNC's Eddie Ababio and Michigan State’s Colin Givens, both defenders. Smith has previously said he would like to pick up another forward and possibly a creative midfielder before the 2011 season starts.
The Rapids report back for preseason next week. The club may visit London and train at the facilities of sister club Arsenal as part of the preseason build-up.
