COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – When he joined the club, new Colorado Rapids defensive signing Miguel Comminges said that he was looking forward to playing in “money time” games.
Tuesday night’s 4-1 thrashing by Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Champions League might have been as “money time” as it gets, even if the Rapids came up a few nickels and dimes short. Comminges played the entire second half as a substitute for left back Danny Earls.
“I thought he did a fabulous job in the second half,” Colorado head coach Gary Smith said. “He did some decent things defensively and he was quick and athletic.”
Comminges was on the field for two of Santos' four goals, but he won't have much time to dwell on it. The team are flying to Canada on Thursday to prepare for a Saturday afternoon (1:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online) matchup with Toronto FC, and Comminges is in the traveling squad.
The Guadeloupe international's presence in the squad provides stability to Rapids' left back position, a spot on the field that has lacked a steady presence as incumbent Anthony Wallace has battled injury all season. Comminges, who has done club stints in both France and Great Britain, is clearly ready to get on the field, even if he knows very little about the opposition and the MLS in general.
“Ask me in a week,” he said when quizzed about any observations he may have regarding contrasts between play in Europe and North America.
Comminges first came to Colorado last month for a trial with the club, and earned himself a deal after impressing the Rapids with his play. The good impression went both ways.
“I was a bit surprised by the altitude and I was also a bit surprised by how nice Denver was,” he said. “There were a lot of restaurants and people strolling around downtown and I spent a very pleasant afternoon there. I think I have a lot to discover.”
Comminges is on contract with the Rapids until the end of the season and said he hopes to be in Colorado next year. He said he is enjoying the opportunity to speak some French with fellow Francophones Steward Ceus, Joseph Nane and Macoumba Kandji, and is looking forward to a possible matchup with TFC and Guadeloupe defender Eddy Viator.
But he would enjoy it more if the Rapids are able to bounce back from their loss against Santos.
“It was a very difficult game for us; sometimes that happens,” Comminges said. “The most important thing is how we respond.”
