Drew Moor has seen the passion of the soccer fans in Colorado from two sides.
In 2008, Moor was on the U.S. Men's National Team that defeated Guatemala, 2-0, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Though he didn't get into the match, he remembers how special the players felt to play before the Colorado fans.
So when news broke that the USMNT's first home qualifier of the Hexagonal, on March 22 against Costa Rica, was coming back to the Rapids' stadium, Moor was excited not only for the potential players, but also for the fans.
"I think it's huge for the city, state, and the Colorado Rapids to host a World Cup Qualifier," Moor told ColoradoRapids.com on Tuesday. "I was an unused substitute in that game in 2008, and the U.S. had already advanced, but it was still a great atmosphere.
"It's a great call by U.S. Soccer to bring this game here. It'll be a great atmosphere. Fans, I'm sure, are going to be buzzing to see the team and to cheer them on."
The next year, Moor was traded to Colorado and has played in front of the Rapids faithful ever since, establishing himself as a fan favorite and team leader.
"Playing for the Rapids the past four seasons has shown me that it really is a great fan base here in Colorado," Moor said. "It flies under the radar a little bit, but the fans always make it a great atmosphere. And it's a very prideful city towards it's sports, not only with the Rapids, but also with the other major sports teams. They certainly will show their pride for the U.S. National Team, probably even more so than most of the local teams here."
Moor has made five appearances for the USMNT, but that match in 2008 was the last time he suited up for the red, white, and blue. And while he always holds out hope that he'll get that call from U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsman, he's still a fan of the U.S. team and knows they'll be in good hands when they come to the Centennial State.
"I think with the altitude, with the chance in late March to have cold weather, and mix that in with a great crowd," he said. "It becomes a great, great home field advantage for the U.S. National Team."
