Rapids Fans,
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
This evening we welcome Vancouver Whitecaps FC to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (TICKETS), presented by Telemundo Denver, for the first of eight home games from the next 11 matches, and what is an important period for us.
Results have clearly not met our early season expectations, but everyone connected with the club continues to pull in the same direction as we look to emerge from this difficult spell. The players and coaches returned bitterly disappointed with the outcome in Orlando, and have worked tirelessly in order to start this vital stretch with victory over Vancouver. As we know in MLS, things can change quickly for the better and there is no better place to change our fortune than home in our own 'Fortress'.
While we place an emphasis on improvement on the field, please allow me a moment to share with you the struggles of someone very close to the club. As many of you may be aware, Laurie Ford - the mother of our Homegrown defender Kortne - has a very real fight of her own, as she battles cancer. The outpouring of support from the Rapids family has been overwhelming, and we thank you sincerely. Those wishing to support Laurie and Kortne can do so HERE … and thank you.
Our last home game, against Real Salt Lake, brought to an end our superb unbeaten record at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The team was served a double blow with the back injury sustained by midfielder Nana Boateng. We wish him a speedy recovery.
And so tonight we have the chance to start afresh; to start another unbeaten stretch at home, and to begin putting points on the board, as we look to climb the standings.
Tim Howard is available again after suspension, as is Kortne Ford. We are hopeful that a return for Axel Sjöberg is not too far away, while Designated Player Shkëlzen Gashi is getting fitter and stronger after injury and illness got in the way of his early season.
Thanks to our friends at Coca-Cola, we have a great deal for tonight’s game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. As part of the Coca-Cola Fan Pack, you can get a ticket, a meal, and a Coca-Cola product starting at just $30. Click HERE for details.
Burgundy Boulevard, located outside of Gate F on the west side of the stadium, opens at 6:00 p.m. As well as the usual $3 Budweiser and Bud Light in Eighteen76, SoccerFest Family Zone, Toyota Soccer Kick Inflatable and Giveaways, fans can also have their photo taken FREE with the CONCACAF Gold Cup trophy! The cup will be on the Eighteen76 patio pre-game, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and post-game as well.
Meanwhile, The Rapids Commemorative Poster Series continues tonight. These are sold during select home games, to benefit Kroenke Sports Charities. A limited number of posters will be released, each featuring a different local artist’s design. The posters are $10 each and will be available for purchase, on day of game only, at the top of Section 129.
The home games come thick and fast in the coming weeks. After tonight, we are back here on Saturday, May 13 to play San Jose Earthquakes. That is an afternoon game, with a start time of 2:00 p.m. (TICKETS).
As always, thank you so much for your support. Make lots of noise, and let’s go and get those three points.
Come on you Rapids!
Tim Hinchey
President
