Voice Of C38

Training is here, preseason is over; and just as quickly as they arrived, the Rapids are off to Arizona for some preseason workouts. The Front Office, though, has been hard at work all thru the winter. The MLS Superdraft occurred last weekend and the Pids snagged some promising young talent; three forwards, a mid, a defender and that third goalie we've been hankering for. Colin compares stats for Tommy Smith against our existing defenders (and he comes out very well).  Part one of the Voice's new children's book series "How I Spent My Offseason" and Brendan's reason for renewing season tickets. Thanks for joining us once again and GO PIDS!

The MLS Super Draft begins this weekend and the Rapids are in Philadelphia to do a bit of shopping. We are joined by Colorado Rapids Senior Director of Communications, Ryan Madden for an update on what the F.O. is looking to accomplish this draft and the preseason to follow. As we wait impatiently for the training camp to commence on Monday, we look at the newest rumors. Ola Kamara seems to have come and gone in the span of a few days when the rumor of his acquisition was quashed by reports he's looking for a club a bit more wet around the edges. Romanian brute striker Claudiu Keseru, on the other hand, is still a viable option. We take a dive into his stats and learn that while he has moved around quite a bit, he's always been able to find his feet wherever he lands. He could be the big beautiful thug in front of goal that we've been looking for since Conor Casey left the Dick. Thanks for joining us for another exciting week of wild speculation and dream-daring.

So much to talk about this week. The Rapids announced two new players, the long rumored wing back; the key to Marlon Hairston's lock, USMNT alum Edgar Castillo and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jack Price. Revealed in epic fashion--affirming the Rapids new found fan-centrism Centennial 38 were out in numbers to welcome the dynamic duo to their new home on the streets of downtown Denver. Marlon Hairston has FINALLY been called up to the U.S. National team camp in California and we couldn't be more proud. Finally, the full season schedule has come out so we discuss future roadies and dream trips. Thanks for joining the VoC38 this week. Cheers to a great upcoming season!

It's a new year and Rapids Nation is pumped. In just over a month a new endeavor in Rapids soccer resumes and a new legacy is born. In this year-opener we return with an explanation of Stefan Aigner's sojourn back to Germany to train with Bundesliga's Hoffheim and all the benefits he can bring back for the CCL competition. Matt's excited about his favorite Christmas gift--A first run hoody for new San Diego USL team 1904 FC--and tells the cast about the epic troll job they pulled on the league.  Without spoiling the story I'll just say that this episode was very nearly called "A Whale's Vagina". We talk some light rumor stuff and then start our series "I Shall Return".  Matt explains what drives him to renew his season tickets every year and challenges Brian to follow suit next week. Colin busts out some stats comparing the 2010 MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids with every team to win the trophy since. How does our legacy compare? And why is there an asterisk next to our name? Come hang with us and kick off a

Tuesday was a very busy day in Rapidville. The CCL draw sets us up against reigning MLS Champions Toronto FC. Is this a suspicious matchup? Some say so. Following that Coach Cooke announced his departure as he accepted the head gaffer gig in OKC. How will his absence affect the rebuilding of the Rapids? We look at Rapids newcomers Covey and McBean, and Colin's Corner pits Jack McBean against Caleb Calvert.

This week the MLS' Soccer Don announced an additional $2.8 Million in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) available across the board in MLS. If you're like me, you're satisfied with large quantities of seemingly free cash. If, on the other hand, you're like Colin, you want to know where that money comes from, what it's used for and all the gory details about strategic allocations.  Did I say 'gory'? I meant 'boring'. So strap yourself in and learn all you never knew you didn't realize you didn't need to know about the confounding world of Major League Soccer high finance.   This episode gives new meaning to the phrase "ignorance is bliss". I think there's something in here about an expansion draft or something too.

The Colorado Rapids held the official press conference with new Head Coach Anthony Hudson. Brian and Brendan were able to attend the event and are here to tell you about it. 

Anthony Hudson has officially been named the Rapids 8th Head Coach...exactly 19 hours after we recorded this. Fortunately, we were arrogant enough to do a whole episode based on the then rumors of the former All Whites Gaffer taking the Rapids Reigns, so all is not lost. We break down Anthony Hudson's career and aspirations as if we were fairly confident that the only name in the entire soccer world to be connected to the job in recent months, was actually the object of Padraig Smith's affections. We gambled, and we won. Here's all there is to know as of just before there was anything to actually know. Enjoy and here's to a bright new era of Rapids!!

An exciting announcement came out this week. The Rapids have signed Swedish Midfielder Johan Blomberg for the 2018 season. We examine his record, how he'll fit into the "Rapid's Way" and just how the heck do you pronounce his name? I bet you're doing it wrong.

A Goal article has come out with a list of the most overpaid players in MLS and Tim Howard features prominently. Is Howard really unreasonably compensated or has the endorsement deals he's brought the team made it all worth it. Next we explore the growth of the sport thru youth leagues and prognosticate as to the future growth of not only players but fans in the USA. Can soccer ever be that watercooler conversation topic in America? We track the growth and compare participation to other big sports.

This week we delve into the world of eSports. Why? Because of KSE's newest foray into the Overwatch League.  Yep, apparently professional video gaming is now a thing; and the Kroenke's are all in with a team in Los Angeles called the "Gladiators". Following that we get into some great discussions about Coach Pablo and what might have been, and we each set our own protected lists. Thank you to everyone who joined in on the conversation on social media and Twitch.

The big topic of the day is the new Head Coach Rumors. Who will it be? Are the rumors legitimate? Only time will tell. But that doesn't stop real sports fans from pontificating. Also, we have some clips from our forthcoming YouTube show "Untapped" with Rapids Director of Communications Ryan Madden. He talks about roster spots, Cup dreams and being the most transparent Club in the MLS.  

The gut wrenching Rapids 2017 Campaign has come to a (not so) merciful end; not with a bang, but with a whimper. We have to talk about Seattle, that's what you pay us for, but no sense in dwelling on these things. Let's, instead, spend some time looking forward to the off season and all the myriad changes that must absolutely take place for this club to be a success in 2018.

This week we review the epic destruction of Fake Salt Lake's playoff hopes in pure Gangsta style. (Matt finds a new low in self-humiliation, but he does it all for you). We talk Cooke, Howard, Hairston, The Centennial 38 honors bestowed on the team and a bit of breaking news in Columbus. Could the threat of moving the Crew to Austin be a harbinger of shitty things to come for the Rapids? The owners cite low attendance, but the Rapids sit even lower than Columbus in numbers. Remember: Only you can prevent our Rapids leaving town.

One last home stand and one last chance to end the dreams of our most bitter rivals. The Rapids and we, the fans, must stand up and fight tooth and nail to keep the dreaded RSL from achieving a playoff spot. We must take them down The Highlands Way. We also discuss that annoying little draw with Dallas and throw around a couple of theories as to why we never ever see Dillon Serna play anymore.

A tale of two games this week. A disappointing loss in Dallas last Wednesday put the Rapids right out of Playoff contention, rendering Saturday's unlikely victory over Montreal that much more pedestrian. If there's a bright spot though, it's that we have managed to put a thorn in some sides and maybe we'll even get to take another contender kicking and screaming down with us. Plus a Kevin Doyle Love-Fest Extraordinaire!

If the Rapids win at Dallas they continue on the road to the playoffs. But if they lose or tie and Houston doesn't lose to LA or Chicago beats San Jose but doesn't tie then the Rapids continue on the road to the playoffs. So there you have it. There is a chance; albeit about 1 in 100,000. This week Colorado plays 2 games and the voice has opinions on them both.  Join in for some optimism...and...of course, some Harry Potter nonsense.

A home draw against a pretty good NYCFC last weekend has the cast pretty upbeat. We discuss a valuable point and look forward to three more in Vancouver this coming Saturday. Add to this some speculation into the future of the player and the head coach.  

A surprise road win in Houston is but one of the highlights of our cast. After a quick bask in the glow of victory, we speak again with Centennial 38's own Patrick Quinn. C38 and the Rapids Front Office had a meeting to discuss the future of the club and the relationship goals with C38 and fans at large.  In his own words, Quinn came away feeling optimistic about the upcoming season. Join us and hear about the FO's plans to reinvent the Colorado Rapids as a perennial cup competitor. Slainte.

The Pids are reliable for one thing: Slump busting.  We went to LA knowing it was the last chance the Rapids had to grab a few dignity points and they lost. Badly. To a sucky Galaxy team. This week we have a post mortem on a dead 2017. It's not officially over, but any playoff chances defy all logic going forward. But enough about soccer. We welcome Juan Fernandez (@JuannersHD) and Patrick Quinn of C38 leadership to talk about the RSL away trip experience and Supporter's Culture.