Conor Casey and Pablo Mastroeni will be called to lead again in 2010. (Getty Images)

We’re moving on in our look at each Major League Soccer roster to see where all the clubs are at in their pre-season. So far we’ve looked at Philadelphia, Chicago and Chivas USA. Today we stay out west and look at Gary Smith’s Colorado Rapids.

Last season had some ups and downs for the Rapids. Offensively at times they looked like they could not be stopped with Conor Casey and Omar Cummings leading the charge but injuries got in the way of post season glory for this bunch.

The winter months have given Smith and his club some time to make some moves and so far they’ve been pretty active. I still see this club making more moves before the season kicks off next month. But lets see how they are doing at each position right now. Continue Reading…

Time once again for another Jared Montz podcast. From time to time Montz sits down with current MLS stars to discuss a variety of items. This time he is joined by Colorado Rapids keeper Matt Pickens

Enjoy!

The MLS return of Matt Pickens is pretty close to happening. Also, Bouna time in Colorado is done. That’s the news of the afternoon that was mixed in the draft. Colorado Rapids have parted ways with goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, but have found a replacement in none other than former Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

The Fire traded Colorado the rights to Pickens in the trade that saw them swap second-round picks and acquire Baggio Husidic. The Fire also got some allocation in the trade. I mentioned the trade during the live draft chat here at WVH, but didn’t have the full details at the time.

Pickens, who spent part of the 2007/08 season with Queens Park Rangers, has signed with MLS and is expected to be the Rapids new starter this year.

I like this deal for both sides. The Fire moved up in the draft while the Rapids get a keeper they can rely on for the coming years.

What do you all make of this deal for both sides?

I normally try to stay away from posting about English soccer, unless it is half-way American or MLS related. Turns out this is one of those stories that is of that relation. Former Chicago Fire keeper Matt Pickens was released by English side Queen Park Rangers today.

He will be free to sign anywhere once the contract finishes up in June.

Pickens only saw reserve time with the Championship side before coming down with a separated shoulder.

He was one of five players let go by QPR. No word yet on if he will try to get another job in England or if he will make his way back to the US and try to get back with a MLS side.

I believe there has to be a couple MLS sides out there that would love to have Pickens services in goal. His former side Chicago would probably take him back even with the recent strong play of Jon Busch. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Chivas go after him in the event that Brad Guzan does leave this summer. I also wouldn’t be shocked to see DC, LA, New York, or Toronto make a play for him.

Tough break for the guy but I think he had to test the waters while he could. No fault in trying.