There were no surprises when Gary Smith handed in his team sheet for last weekend’s Colorado Rapids home opener against the Portland Timbers. It was the same starting XI that trotted out for MLS Cup back in November.
The faces on the bench have changed, though, something which gives Smith more options and depth.
The Rapids have added steely experience in veteran central defender Tyrone Marshall and former English Premier League striker Caleb Folan. They have also added speed down the flanks with former Seattle winger Sanna Nyassi and a defensive option with midfielder Joseph Nane from Toronto.
Marshall who, at 36, is the oldest player in the Rapids squad, has been carrying an injury and has yet to make any significant contribution to the team. His time may come later in the season when Colorado's 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League campaign kicks off.
Folan, a Republic of Ireland international, is an exciting acquisition for the Rapids and could make his MLS debut this weekend against Chivas USA in the absence of Omar Cummings, who is on international duty with Jamaica. There are doubts, however, about whether his overall health will stand the rigors of an MLS season.
[inline_node:327893]Nyassi is perhaps proving the best pickup of all. The Gambian midfielder, also absent this weekend on international duty, has impressed the Rapids staff all preseason. He almost scored with a volleyed goal during an energetic 13-minute substitute appearance in the 3-1 victory over Portland last Saturday.
“I thought Sanna did great to control his volley," Smith said after the Portland game. “It was a wonderful effort. I think you can see he is a great addition.”
Though Nyassi so far seems like a quality acquisition, time will tell with Marshall and Folan. The club has talked up the increased depth of the squad, but the truth may be that it remains a work in progress.
Nane, who was left off the game-day roster last weekend, still has a lot to prove. Plus, there are weaknesses at fullback in terms of options. Kosuke Kimura has no real backup at right back, especially now that draft pick Eddie Ababio, who impressed the coaching staff during preseason, is no longer with the club.
Anthony Wallace is in a similar position at left back although it's possible that Danny Earls, waived by the Rapids after MLS Cup, could be rejoining Colorado very soon. Smith has also said he is looking at Cardiff City left back Martin John for later in the year.
Smith also told MLSsoccer.com this week that he is looking at signing some more defenders, possibly in the right back position.
The Rapids are scheduled to kick off against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center at 10:30 pm ET on Saturday.
Nick Thomas covers the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached at nthomas459@gmail.com or on twitter @ rapidsstuff.
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