One player that won't be making the trip to Arizona for next weeks' preseason matches is Edson Buddle. The newly acquired forward injured his right knee while with the U.S. Men's National Team in Carson, Calif., and left the camp this week to begin rehabiliating.
"We're going to have Edson stay in Los Angeles, rehabbing, while we're in Arizona this week," Rapids head coach Oscar Pareja told ColoradoRapids.com. "We'll meet up with him in Colorado when we return from Arizona."
Pareja said after speaking with Buddle and the player's doctors, he's confident the injury won't keep Buddle out too long. Buddle, who was acquired from the LA Galaxy in December, maintains a residence in the LA area and has been receiving regular reatment this week.
"Positive," Pareja said of Buddle's diagnosis. "In our talks with his doctors, we anticipate he'll be ready to go in a week or two."
The Rapids depart for Tucson on Sunday to participate in the Desert Friendlies, a preseason tournament presented by FC Tucson. Colorado will face the Portland Timbers on Tue., Jan. 29 (11 am MT), the Houston Dynamo on Thurs., Jan. 31 (6 pm MT), and the San Jose Earthquakes on Sat., Feb. 2 (11 MT).
