Akpan returns from Tampa loan
Commerce City, Colo. – During the Rapids Tuesday training session, an unfamiliar looking forward with a buzz cut was actively participating in all the team drills. On second glance, it became clear that it wasn’t a new player, just one with a new look to him.
Rookie Andre Akpan, with his long dreads now gone, was back with the team after a month-long loan spell with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USSF D-2 Pro League.
“The last few years I’ve been kind of on and off, growing it out and shaving it,” said Akpan of chopping off his floppy mane. “It got to that point in the summer where I couldn’t take it anymore, so I thought I’d go all out and get rid of it.”
Coinciding with the shave was his stint in Florida, where Akpan played five matches for the second-division Rowdies.
“It was kind of like a fresh start,” he said. “It was good to keep that match sharpness, because if you’re not dressing, or you’re sitting on the bench, it’s tough to stay that sharp.”
For Rapids head coach Gary Smith, it was important that the team’s first selection in the 2010 SuperDraft out of Harvard get games under his belt.
“I think it’s been absolutely wonderful for Andre to get some very competitive games,” said Smith of the 22-year-old. “Being that Andre is a new player to the squad this year, games are very important for those guys. There’s only so much training and guidance you can offer up to players - that appetite to play, the enthusiasm and the feeling when you have played.”
In his first half-season as a professional, Akpan has notice signs that indicate his game is improving. And his time in Tampa gave him the confidence to know he’s more prepared the ever to contribute.
“It’s been a huge improvement,” said Akpan of his transition from college to the pro ranks. “I think I’ve adapted to the sharpness and the quickness of the game, and as soon as coach is ready to call me, I’m ready to go. I feel like the loan helped me a lot in terms of just staying ready for each game every weekend, and I’m definitely anxious to get in and hopefully prove myself.”
With Conor Casey and Omar Cummings leading the forward group, Akpan’s return gives the coaching staff more options and depth in a position that also includes Quincy Amarikwa.
“He’s an option for us again,” added Smith. “Fresh off the back of some games, he’ll be sharp and he’s match fit. Whether he’ll be involved is another question, but there’s no doubt about it, it’s great to have him back.”
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