Metgod Still In Colorado

I got an answer back from the Rapids on my inquiry on John Metgod (which, for those readers asking why I didn't ask the Rapids about it, was sent before last night's post):

Hasn't left the team, just keeping his presence on our website low profile for a few reasons. 

Which is interesting, as I'm not sure how that works.

Metgod Out?

Maybe its just a glitch, but it appears every mention of John Metgod has been removed from ColoradoRapids.com.  This includes taking his name off the list of Technical Staff, removing the press release announcing his addition to the staff (seen here at MLSsoccer.com) and the video that they posted of him reviewing the team's SuperDraft results.  Odds are he's not a candidate for the head coaching job (that's still open 16 days before the season starts).

In other news Deshorn Brown (Jamaica) and Martin Chavez (Honduras) were both called up for their National Team friendlies next week.  Brown is heading to join up with the Reggae Boyz while Chavez will head to the Honduras team after Saturday's final Desert Diamond Cup friendly.

In yesterday's 3rd friendly in Tucson the Rapids and Chivas USA played a scoreless draw.  Some good chances for the Rapids but nobody could finish.  The lineups:

Nasco

Edward - Watts - VDC - Klute

Guzman - Hairston

Eloundou - Sanchez - Torres

Buddle

After half:

Nasco

Edward - Watts - VDC - Serna

Guzman - Hairston

Chavez - Powers - Torres

Brown

After almost everyone else was subbed in the 62':

Berner

Sturgis - Moor - Wynne - Serna

Mari - LaBrocca

Chavez - Powers - Torres

Brown

Galindo entered for Torres in the 71st minute.

In their final game the Rapids will face the Revolution on Saturday.

Busy News And Rumors Day

Lots of news, lots of rumors.  We'll start with what has been reported.

• Wilmer Cabrera is hired as the new Chivas USA coach

No real surprise after the rumors of the last two days.  It does knock one name off the likely coaching list for the Rapids.

• Red Bull NY has not been asked about Fraser

A bit of a surprise since Fraser seemed to be the early leader for the Rapids job in rumors.  Take another one off the list.

• Colorado hires John Metgod as consultant

This one is more than a bit odd and came out of left field.  Rumors have him working with a future USL team that will be the Rapids affiliate, and possibly partly-owned by them.  Looking at his resume though, he'd make a good head coaching candidate.  Regardless, a good mind to have helping the Rapids.

Now on to the rumors, some of them stronger than the others:

• Jamie Smith hired as Academy coach 

This one seems the strongest of the rumors, with multiple people who know Smith confirming it.  A good move for a guy who was probably going to retire.

• Mullan to be re-signed as player/coach

Reportedly MLS has made a new player designation in recent years for veteran players transitioning to coaching where not all their salary counts against the cap.  Smith was supposed to be in that role last season but something happened, and Mullan will take it this season.  Great way to bring back and experienced vet.

• Pareja's buyout (which was in his contract) could be announced as soon as tomorrow.  The Rapids will get cash, allocation money, and a first round pick probably in next year's draft.

Solid, if not spectacular, package for all of this.  Reportedly the Rapids will turn some of that allocation money around to bring in some players on loan.  They may be using some of the cash for Metgod as well.

And a story I missed covering in the holiday last week, but Chris Klute and Shane O'Neill got callups to the January US National Team camp, and Dillon Powers was also called up but sadly had to pass due to ongoing concussion issues.  Scary to think that he's still dealing with the issue at this point, especially after Pablo's issues in 2012.  Hopefully he gets better soon.  Great to see 3 young Rapids getting the callup though, things are looking up on that front.