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Snow Threatens; Rapids Cancel; Clouds Surround
Hopefully, the meteorologists got this one right, and the dreaded Colorado March storm is about to descend on the Mile High City. At least, that’s all I can think after the Colorado Rapids announced Thursday the cancellation of the Charity Shield match against Seattle Sounders FC scheduled for Friday evening.
Winter Storm Warnings and the threat of up to a foot of snow in the area in the next 24 hours led to the cancellation, according to the short announcement from the Rapids.
“In looking at the potentially hazardous weather that is predicted to transpire over the next 24-48 hours, the Rapids and Sounders felt it was in the best interest and safety of fans, players, coaches and staff to cancel the match rather than risk any potential adverse situation,” according to the Rapids.
Fans who purchased tickets to the match have three options, the announcement noted. Fans can either have their ticket purchase donated to UNICEF relief efforts in Haiti, exchange for a ticket to Opening Day, or request a full refund.
In addition, Fans planning to donate health and hygiene products to Project CURE may bring their items to the Rapids office any time Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or to any home game this season. All items collected during the season will be donated to Project CURE in support of their Haiti relief efforts, according to the club.
The Rapids’ Supporters Terrace kickoff event, which was due to be held in conjunction with the Rapids Supporters’ preseason Kickoff Party prior to gates opening tomorrow night, has been cancelled as well. For information on a possible rescheduled date for the Kickoff Party, fans can log onto the supporters’ website www.NoFanAlone.com.
The cancellation of the club’s first planned charity match puts the kibosh on an evening of friends and drink and the first match of professional soccer in the mountains since fall. I was looking forward to all of the above.
While winter drags on with the coming storm, I continue to be worried about the outlook for the coming season. The possibility of a player strike, which could be crippling to the highest level of the professional game in the U.S., looms large next week.
I fear a strike could be coming because one of the leading voices among the players — one credited with averting a national team players strike previously — is not as motivated to keep such an event from happening this time.
Yes, I’m talking about Landon Donovan. He’s enjoying his loan to Everton, and finally tasting success overseas. A strike here won’t keep him from playing in England. In fact, it could easily extend his EPL dalliance. As a player readying for World Cup 2010, he will probably see greater benefit facing off against the Premier League’s best, rather than returning to the Galaxy this month. I can’t blame him for not pushing to get a new collective bargaining agreement in place between MLS and its players.
And these are the things I will be wondering about as I shovel my driveway on Friday and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park remains dark in the snow.
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