The tone of practice changed slightly today as the morning was dampened by rain and dropping temperatures. The structure, though, stayed roughly the same with a cardio warm-up, touches and passing drills to begin with.
To prepare for tomorrow’s intrasquad scrimmage, Pablo Mastroeni set up an 11-a-side tactical game on a shortened field that worked on shape. Then, the cool-down was moved inside due to the weather, allowing players to get out of the rain before it shifted to a snowy mix.
INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE
As the team continues to prepare for their season opener next Saturday at the New York Red Bulls, they will play in intrasquad scrimmage tomorrow on the stadium field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 3 p.m. MT. Fans interested in attending can enter through Gate G. Admission is free.
HELP FROM THE ACADEMY
With 24 healthy bodies on the roster, the Rapids will bring in eight academy players to help fill out the squads for tomorrow’s scrimmage. U-18 players Nathan Braaten, Jovanni Chavez, Miles Chow, Kortne Ford, Isaac Martinez, Quentin Pearson and goalkeeper Tucker Schneider (who took part in today’s training) will all suit up tomorrow and look to get some action with the first team.
NASCO ABSENT
Goalkeeper Joe Nasco was again absent from training today tending to family matters as he and his wife are expecting their first child within the next few days. U-18 Academy goalkeeper Tucker Schneider was called up to participate, while Clint Irwin remains out of action recovering from a minor quad strain.
