Box State Footy Newsletter

It‘s been quite the dreary August. Maybe it’s just the fallout of the Mihailovic trade that has me feeling this way. If not that, the ongoing wildfires along the western slope of the Box State have been raging on so that very well could also be adding to the low vibes of the month. Please be extra safe if you find yourself out there and a big thank you to all of those helping out the firefighting efforts. Lets talk some footy.

Topics:

✖️⭕ Denver Summit’s First Head Coach
🖋️ Rapids Signings
🕶️ Collegiate Ones to Watch
🚵‍♀️ Switchbacks Check-In
📷 Pic of the Week

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Summit First Head Coach

Nick Cushing is officially the head coach for Denver Summit FC. The Englishman brings a wealth of experience having coached both pro men’s and women’s teams. In the July 22nd edition of the Newsletter, we discussed the initial rumor but now that it’s complete we can open it up a bit more.

Initially, I really liked the move and felt it was a strong hire. After reaching out to some friends within the Summit scene, the reaction seems to be a bit more mixed. Cushing is described to be a very safe hire.

One big amount of skepticism here is the fact that Cushing had most recently coached a men’s team in NYCFC before finally getting back into Women’s and in his first stint back he lost two cup finals with Manchester City W. The position was a tough one to be in but nonetheless the loss still stings. Summit FC will also be Cushing’s first job outside of City Football Group meaning there’s undoubtedly a feeling out process to come given he’s leaving a strong structurally rooted club ethos and will now be in charge of creating one on his own with some limitations.

On paper, this is a “safe” hire and beyond that there’s still some slight unease at General Manager Curt Johnson’s footnote in the Yates Report. These two notes aren’t big enough to derail the energy here of the club but they’re worth pointing out and looking at especially when we start to look back at the formation of the club.

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Rapids Signings

The Colorado Rapids have had some more movement in their Summer Window. Last week’s drop of content was entirely based around the Mihailovic trade and in doing so overshadowed some of the other news.

Rob Holding has officially signed for the club joining from Crystal Palace. He is some visa paperwork away from being available for selection. He brings top-level experience at the center back position, he stands to be Chido Awaziem’s replacement, and is very likely on a pricey contract. Arriving on a free transfer, Holding is not a signing for this year that will turn the team around but he’s a great piece to have leading in to next year. He will have eight games left in the season to show his quality. Holding is on an 18 month contract so the pressure to perform will be high.

Alexis Manyoma y un detalle para ir a la MLS — 📸El Editor Platense

The Alexis Manyoma signing has also been made official. Mihailovic’s trade opens up a U22 Spot meaning the Rapids have shifted to the U22 Designation for this season (4U22 players, 2 DP players). They have all four U22 spots filled as well as both DP spots until Kevin Cabral finds a new home. Manyoma is also likely some visa paperwork away from being able to play. He is largely an unknown but some of his tape highlights a strong, quick, and aggressive winger. He will likely be utilized heavily in Armas’ press heavy attack and he shares a lot of characteristics with Teddy Ku-DiPietro. I’ll reserve judgement until he joins, but like most prospects and young talent, the sky is the limit. Hopefully his floor is a lot higher than that of Kevin Cabral’s.

Box State Collegiate Standouts

The United Soccer Coaches released their list for the top standout players to watch across the Men’s and Women’s Division I of collegiate soccer. Some Colorado standouts are included both from Colorado and those playing at the college level in Colorado. The forwards list is set to be released later today, but goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders have been announced:

United Soccer Coaches’ Players to Watch:

GK - Jordan Nytes - Senior - University of Colorado (W) from Aurora, CO

GK - Isaac Nehme - Senior - University of Denver (M) from Colorado Springs, CO

DEF - Heather Gilchrist - Senior - Florida State University (W) from Boulder, CO

DEF - Elijah Bishop - Junior - University of Central Arkansas (M) from Aurora, CO

MID - Peyton Parsons - Senior - Texas Tech University (W) from Denver, CO

MID - Ava Priest - Junior - University of Colorado (W) from Boulder, CO

MID - Connor Miller - Junior - Cornell University (M) from Centennial, CO

MID - Mia Casey - Colorado State University (W) from Rialto, CA

We’ll be keeping an eye on these players and the subsequent Box State forwards once that list is revealed. One player that is definitely living up to the hype is Ava Priest who is quickly cementing herself as one of the best young prospects out of the Box State.

Switchbacks Check In

On the July 29th edition of the Newsletter, I had mentioned I’d be in attendance for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks match. The Switchbacks played a very fun game with two excellent first half goals and left with all three points after a 3-1 win in front of a buzzing Weidner Field.

Life has been great for the Switchbacks ever since the inclusion of Adam Beaudry who has yet to suffer a loss since becoming the starter on July 20th. Beaudry had been sent on loan from the Colorado Rapids after Nico Hansen’s emergence as Zack Steffen’s backup leaving a huge loss of minutes for the 19-year-old.

The Switchbacks find themselves 7th in the Western Conference with 24 points. Their last three wins came against teams below them in the standings and their next true test is against 6th place Orange County SC who also have 24 points but have a game in hand on the ‘Backs. Despite being in 7th, the current table position for COS is quite the precarious one. Only four points separate them and 3rd place San Antonio and those same four points separate them and 11th placed Oakland Roots. It is going to be a dog fight in the West and with 12 games left in the regular season, there’s still a long ways to go in the season.

The Switchbacks play Orange County SC at home on August 16th in what is sure to be a big six-point matchup.