Herculez Gomez is No Cobi... or Fred?

Colorado Rapids midfield Herculez Gomez will no longer be allowed to use his unique first name on the back of his jersey, according to the Denver Post. MLS has made exceptions to this rule in the past, including Cobi Jones' use of 'Cobi' on the back of his jersey and now 'Fred' on the back of Brazilian D.C. United signing Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva's jersey.

"It's just a shame. It's just a bit of a double standard," said Gomez, who scored in the Rapids home opener last Saturday. "It's just one of those things, I've gotten the runaround with the league, and I'm over it."

Cancela Shipped To Colorado

Toronto FC has sent midfielder Jose Cancela to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a Youth Development roster spot secured until 2009. Cancela spent last year with the New England Revolution, but was chosen by Toronto through the expansion draft.

From the press release: "A composed playmaker, Cancela combines great technique with superior field vision and precise touch, all qualities that have become his trademark during his career."

Alan Gordon Has Stress Fracture In Foot

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Alan Gordon will miss 2-3 months after sustaining a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot. He had missed the Galaxy's last nine pre-season games and has undergone surgery to repair the fracture.

Gordon was expected to figure prominently in the Galaxy's new 4-3-3 formation, but will now have to watch from the sidelines. It looks like Gordon's main task will be to model the Galaxy's new jerseys, prominently featuring the Herbalife bumper sticker.

2007 Preview - Colorado Rapids

2006 record: 11-13-8 – 41 points (4th in West)
-- lost to Houston in the MLS Cup semifinals.

Key additions: Herculez Gomez (LA Galaxy), Ugo Ihemelu (LA Galaxy), Zach Thornton (Chicago)
Key losses: Joe Cannon (LA Galaxy), Hunter Freeman (Red Bull New York), Clint Mathis (Red Bull New York)

With the opening of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park less than two weeks away, the Colorado Rapids have a new home and a new look for 2007. The team has averaged dismal attendance over the past few seasons, and the hope is that a new soccer-specific-stadium and a late-August visit by David Beckham can help cheer up those numbers.

As for the on-field product, the Rapids have switched out ‘keepers for 2007, with fan favorite Joe Cannon shipped to LA and Zach Thornton brought in from Chicago. Cannon was traded away for two promising young players, forward Herculez Gomez and defender Ugo Ihemelu. Both Gomez and Ihemelu were popular with the Galaxy and have tremendous up-sides. It’s likely that Herculez can net 15 goals this season, if he stays healthy.

Midfielder Kyle Beckerman is getting a look from the Men's National Team, and teammate Pablo Mastroeni was even named captain for the U.S. game vs. Mexico. The Rapids have assembled a lot of talent for this year and will be an improved side - They could go deep into the playoffs as there are no dominant teams in the Western Conference. Colorado is my sleeper pick to make the MLS Cup Finals.

TJ’s projected finish: 3rd in the Western Conference, 5th overall.

Clint Mathis To New York

According to ESPN.com, Clint Mathis has been traded from the Colorado Rapids to Red Bull New York. Mathis, 30, has struggled to regain the form that made him an upcoming sensation on the Men's National Team a handful of years ago and will now join his fifth MLS team in eight seasons. He is expected to join the team in South Carolina where the team is training ahead of their April 7th season opener against Columbus.Complete details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

DSG Park Hits The Lights

On tuesday night, the first test of the lights at Dick's Sporting Goods Park was held. Here are some photos of the new stadium from MLSNet.com. Looks like a very impressive stadium! The Colorado Rapids will open their season in DSG Park on April 7th, versus D.C. United (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET).

Chinese Player On Trial In L.A.

Chinese defender Yao Lijun will soon be on trial with the Los Angeles Galaxy, according to reports. He was invited by the club and is now awaiting a visa. "I will kick off the tour right after my visa is ready. I am well prepared." Yao told Eastday.com yesterday.

Yao plays for Shanghai Shenhua and says he feels lucky because the bosses in Shenhua have fully supported his U.S. tour.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are looking for depth in defense. They traded away promising young defender Ugo Ihemelu to the Colorado Rapids this offseason and will also likely be without U.S. National Team call-up Chris Albright for part of the upcoming MLS season due to national team duty.