The Colorado Rapids may be the defending MLS Cup champions, but that apparently doesn't mean they take that title serious enough to put in their best effort in CONCACAF Champions League. How else to explain why Gary Smith has apparently elected to remain home, while he sends a group of mostly reserves to play a rather important game against Isidro Metapan.
Gary Smith Does MLS Disservice By Skipping Trip
It's hard to fault Smith for leaving some of his starters back in Denver, as there's no question their spot in the MLS playoffs has suddenly turned quite precarious. The Rapids have claimed just two points in their last five games and are suddenly just five points ahead of the No. 11 team in the playoffs, while having one less match to play. That Tyrone Marshall, Wells Thompson and Omar Cummings are the only regular starters making the trip is no hugely surprising.
What is a bit more shocking, and frankly somewhat offensive, is that Smith apparently can’t be bothered to join his team for a match that will likely determine their CCL fortunes. Maybe there’s an explanation for this, and I’d be happy to hear it. But considering this is the same coach who sent only 14 players to a U.S. Open Cup qualifier and last week downplayed the importance of CCL, it hardly seems shocking that he would now skip such an important game.
The Rapids are, at least theoretically, the standard bearer of our league. That they see fit to disrespect the tournament like this is a black eye on the entire league.
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