The Colorado Rapids and the Houston Dynamo play this Saturday in an important match up for both teams. Colorado (3-3) sits in first place in the MLS Western standings five points ahead of Houston. The Rapids’ solid start to the 2008 season can be attributed to many factors. Chief among them has been the play of Argentine defender Facundo Erpen. The versatile 24 year-old player can play any position along the backline for the Rapids. He joined Colorado in 2007 via trade after a stint with D.C. United. Prior to his arrival in the United States, he began his career playing in the Boca Juniors youth system in his native Argentina.
Erpen who was a 2006 MLS All-Star as well as the Colorado Rapids “Newcomer of the Year” in 2007 scored against his former club last weekend. His header from Terry Cooke’s cross put the game out of reach for D. C. United. So far this season, he has logged 540 minutes in six games. Colorado did not concede a goal in three of those games played against D.C. United, New England Revolution, and the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy shutout especially was gratifying because it came on opening day at home in front of a packed stadium.
If Facundo Erpen and his backline mates continue to post shutouts and if he chips in with the occasional goal or assist, the defender’s spot on the 2008 MLS All-Star squad should be secured.
