Contents:
Team Rating
Team Roster
Team Summary
Get through the First Season


Team Rating
Offense: 51
Defense: 49
Goalkeeping: 47
Average Age: 26


Team Roster
G-Marcus Hahnemann-325K-24 years old-0 offense/400 defense
G-Paul Grafer-175K-22-0/280
D-Marcelo Balboa-550K-29-60/150  
D-Steve Trittschuh-225K-31-50/100  
D-Matt Kmosko-200K-25-20/120
D-Brian Bates-175K-24-10/120 
D-Tahj Jakins-175K-21-10/110 
M-Chris Henderson-325K-26-90/80 
M-Paul Bravo-300K-28-100/60 
M-Peter Vermes-225K-31-80/70
M-Tote Castaneda-250K-27-70/80 *(denotes international)
M-Ross Paule-175K-21-70/60
M-Rafael Amaya-175K-29-50/70
F-Adrian Paz-300K-28-130/40 *
F-David Patino-325K-29-120/50 *
F-Steve Rammel-225K-25-140/10 
F-Wolde Harris-225K-23-130/20 *
F-Sean Henderson-175K-24-90/30

Team Summary
  When I stated earlier that I never played with some of the teams, I 
had the Rapids first and foremost in mind.  They actually aren't that
bad, and have made giant improvements from last year(in and out of the
game).  They have a solid core of young players in Hahnemann, Bartlett
and Harris; all three are dynasty players.  Suprisingly, Balboa and 
Henderson are both in their 20's; it seems like they've been around
forever.  The Rapids are really hurting in age in midfield and overall
in the back.  There is no depth anywhere; if Balboa gets hurt expect a 
goal storm.  In addition, the situation is like the Burn where there 
isn't much to trade away.  The Rapids will not win immediately, but there
is hope.

Getting Through the First Season
 The Rapids start out with a very high offense, but consequently, a very
low defense.  You should never be below 50 in an offensive or defensive
rating.  Fix this by cutting Brian Bates and demoting Sean Henderson
and Ross Paule.  Then trade Steve Trittschuh for a defender with the
same total points, but more defensive-minded. You will then be in the 
mid 50's offense and about 50 defense.  
  The backline needs some work.  Trade Peter Vermes away with Trittschuh.
Get some young players in return.  The Rapids need to retool the back
right away and won't win until they do, so it's best to suffer a little
for the greater good.  Jorge Castaneda is a waste of an international,
so get an identical American to replace him.  David Patino is one of
the few players you can trade for and actually emerge in a good position.
Jorge Salcedo from Columbus is good to pick up, he will help the back.
  The midfield and front line are in pretty good shape.  If you want
to trade Roy Wegerle, do it right away, because he will be too old next
season.  Play Shaun Bartlett and Wolde Harris and let them grow into
great players.  Play a long ball 3-4-3 and let these guys get the chances
to score goals.  This is a very unpredictable team.  I have actually
finished first in the division, but another time(with a better team 
rating) I ended up fourth and left the playoffs in the first round.
If no one gets hurt for an extended period of time, and the other teams
don't sign tons of internationals, then you should be okay.  In the 
offseason, help out the fullbacks.  Work your way up to the midfield
in the next couple of seasons.  Unless you get Ronaldo or someone of 
his caliber, don't sign a forward.  You already have two great prospects;
there's no need to overload when the defense is in dire need of help.      

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The Rapids attendance is at an all-time high of fans this year.


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