Happy Tuesday! Apologies for the late newsletter post here. I want to get into a habit of weekly updates across the Box State but if it’s not my MLS job getting in the way its my labor gigs that get some precedent this time around. Either way, the newsletter will still be weekly either on Monday or Tuesday at the latest. With that out of the way lets get into it!
Topics:
- Rumor Mill
- NWSL Standouts
- New Head Coach In Town
- Box State Player of the Week
- Content Schedule
Rumor Mill
When I started writing the newsletter, the Rapids were not going to be featured given how poorly they played on the weekend. After delaying the newsletter yesterday, a scoop from Tom Bogert involved the Rapids so they get some mentioning here.
Box State Footy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Initially, I soured on this rumor given the Rapids just the prior weekend were abysmal in the final third. A center back rumor when fans have been crying for a savior on the wing is admittedly not flashy and, to many, a bit disappointing. After looking through some of his tape I definitely see the vision. From the few highlights I’ve seen, Lemkin profiles as an aggressive stopper who reads the game really well. He’s agile on the ball, has modest passing ability, and is quite fast.
For as poor as the finishing has been for the Burgundy Boys, defense remains a problem. Last season, Western Conference sides St. Louis CITY, Sporting Kansas City, and the San Jose Earthquakes conceded more goals than the Rapids; none of whom made the playoffs that year. This year, in terms of goals allowed, the Rapids are middle of the pack in the Western Conference. In MLS, your floor is only as good as your defense and I don’t mind the team bolstering their backline options especially if they’re quality. The only question is this going to be more of a Max or Marko Ilic situation or will he actually come good? This is still just a rumor after all but if Bogert is reporting it you know it’s got some legs.
Amidst a very politically tense time, Lemkin’s Israeli nationality is sure to spark heavy and crucial conversations in regards to the ongoing genocide and occupation of the Palestinian people. When discussing Lemkin the player, it’s important not to conflate him being Israeli with him being responsible for the actions of his country. In the same way that the Zionist regime in charge would like to conflate all criticisms against Israel as antisemitism, judging this move purely because of his nationality borders on xenophobia and actual antisemitism. Until Lemkin gives reason to be critical of his national identity, this is a situation where the player merits some grace.
NWSL Standouts
Janine Beckie, Allyson Schlegel, and Coriana Dyke all represented the Box State exceptionally well in NWSL play this past weekend. Beckie had an assist in Racing Louisville’s 3-2 win against the Utah Royals. Schlegel was SofaScore’s Player of the Match in the Chicago Red Stars 2-2 road draw against Angel City FC. And Dyke’s 90+9th minute winner secured all three points for Orlando Pride in their 1-0 home win against the Houston Dash.
Here is how the NWSL standings are shaping up after 11 matches in the regular season.
Dyke isn’t the BSF Player of the Week but her goal was Tiktok worthy. Sorry to the PotW but a 98th minute winner is more deserving of a cool little edit.
New Head Coach In Town
Former Colorado Rapid Michael Azira has been named the men’s soccer head coach for the University of Mobile Rams. This is a homecoming of sorts for the former Ugandan midfielder who returns to Mobile Rams since playing for them back in 2011 for his senior year. Whilst there, he earned an NAIA All-American honorable mention in a season which saw the Mobile Rams perfect at home (9-0) for an overall record of 16-3-1. We’ll be sure to check in on Azira’s coaching gig as the season approaches.
Box State Trivia: Former Colorado Rapid Deshorn Brown also played for the University of Mobile Rams in 2011.
Box State Footy Player of the Week:
Brendan Hines Ike may not be eligible for a Centennial 38 Man of the Match Oar but he certainly qualifies for this Player of the Week award. When you man a backline to a strong 2-0 road win (in the Box State no less) with near perfect passing, 8 clearances, and force an own goal you get the honors here. A gritty performance from the Denver-born defender.
Content Schedule
This week will be a bit less of a content push. Burgundy Banter should be dropping sometime this week with a tentative plan for Outside the Box still being worked out. If you enjoyed the Box State Game Preview I’m looking to do another one of those but I’ve also teased the Theodore Ku-DiPietro xEye Test. I’m still gathering my thoughts on the winger who is probably still too early to rate at this point. Either way, some more writing is coming your way on top of this weekly (although a bit delayed) newsletter.
Thanks for reading Box State Footy! This post is public so feel free to share it.
Thanks for reading! If you have a story or want to reach out about content, feel free to DM us on whatever platform you see fit! For the quickest reply, be sure to email us boxstatefooty@gmail.com
boxstatefooty.com
Box State Footy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
