Random notes from the Colorado Rapids’ third draw in nine days …

Nick Thomas of WeWantRapidman and yours truly were guests on a podcast by Robert Jonas of Center Line Soccer as the Bay Area Web site previewed the two upcoming games between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Colorado Rapids. We also give you the Prost Amerika Soccer preview of the weekend’s Major League Soccer games, and we include the American Soccer Minute for the first time.

Today we hear from Regis University men’s soccer coach Tony McCall, and we take a look at the Colorado School of Mines men’s and women’s teams, Colorado Rapids coach Gary Smith’s comments on the Ugo Ihemelu-Drew Moor trade, my votes for Major League Soccer player of the month, the Super Classico between Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy, CU record-setter Nikki Marshall and more!

The Chivas USA coach gets fined; McManus scores (what else?); Hunter Freeman and Thiago Martins in Norway; the Bailiwick of Guernsey is reading ColoradoSoccerNow.com; and much more …

Chad Marshall scored on a free kick in the 39th minute as the Crew defeated Colorado 1-0 on Saturday night despite being outshot 16-5 by the Rapids. Above, Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer denies the Rapids again. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

The Colorado Rapids have waived Terry Cooke and signed midfielder Jamie Smith. Cooke leaves after five seasons in Colorado, during which he appeared in 106 games, scored four goals and registered 34 assists. He played 10 games this season. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

The Colorado Rapids have signed Argentinian forward Facundo Diz, the team announced today. Diz, pictured at right, will be available to play Saturday against the New York Red Bulls at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Diz is shown here warming up with Scottish forward Jamie Smith before the Rapids’ friendly against Club American on July 15 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (photo by Tom Auclair/ ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Smith discusses his team’s 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the effects of losing players to national-team duties and Wednesday night’s international friendly against Club America. (photo by George Tanner/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Colorado Rapids right back Kosuke Kimura takes some time to talk about his attacking style of play against FC Dallas and the state of Colorado’s back line. Kimura was the man of the match on Saturday against Dallas; his goal late in the second half was the deciding moment in Colorado’s 1-0 victory. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ ColoradoSoccerNow.com)

Kosuke Kimura’s goal late in the second half lifted the Rapids to a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (photo by Jonathan Ingraham/ColoradoSoccerNow.com)