Long time Rapids fans can all recall the big crowds for the Fourth of July games at Invesco and last year at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.  Each year the Rapids have sold out these games.  Each year casual fans have made the decision to make their annual trip to watch an MLS game, because of the firework the ticket included.  It has been an annual embarrassment that the Rapids have managed to fail in front of a large audience.  Giving them nothing to come back for. 

For once the Rapids capitalized in front of a sell out crowd. 

Many MLS fans get irritated when the LA Galaxy visit their town, and they suddenly have a full stadium as a result of David Beckham's presence.  Becks has been great for MLS.  I welcome all the people who show up to watch him in the hopes that a few will come back to support the home side.  Even if they do not come back the money in the coffers only helps the league, and ultimately my team.

I should be just as forgiving of the media, but I honestly detest the main stream media.  Sitting in the front row of the north stands put be directly behind a row of cameras that will not be there until next time David shows up.  On the news the broadcasts sports reporters all mentioned David Beckham, but that did not translate that to any news on the Rapids.  Furthermore, a few saw fit to take the opportunity to make snarky comments about a game that more people like than they care to admit.  The cost to the psyche is too much to bear.

The fans who came out were treated to a good game of soccer.  Everybody has their spin on the game.  The Galaxy are a pub team seems to be a favorite.  The Rapids only look good because of the quality of the Galaxy, is another.  Travel time and altitude really damaged the play of Landon Donovan and David Beckham, is a third.  

For me I saw several things that were missing since 2005, which was the last year I had hope for the team to build a quality side.  

First and foremost is movement.  from the top to the back Saturday's game featured players who are not in the habit of standing in one spot and calling for the ball.  Omar Cummings ran the whole time he was in the game.  His runs and cuts provided Cooke with three identical passes that Cooke appears to be getting all the credit for.  The first resulted in a penalty kick.  The second resulted was thwarted as Omar pulled out the ball back rather than shoot.  The third resulted in Omar's goal.  All three came with Omar running diagonally and cutting inside for an easy pass from Cooke.  How different would those plays have looked with a big target forward drifting inside for a header?

Christian Gomez, provided the team with a lot of possession, also has the nice habit of moving to support the play.   For the last two years we have been treated to players who want the ball sent to them rather than moving to where they can best receive it.  Gomez brings a lot of class to his dribbling, vision, and shooting.  He also supports his team mates.

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