The Scoop...Omar Haner...

Loyal readers and Rapids fans, I got the scoop on the tall forward who got some time with the Rapids last night in the annual pre-season Burgundy and Blue game. As we know from the Rapids press release on the game his name is Omar Haner and he is part of the Rapids U-18 program. Interestingly, he isn't in high school right now and is trying to leverage time with the Rapids youth club into a pro career. Before joining the Rapids he traveled in Europe and had some tryouts with clubs across the pond. He is currently living with family in Colorado Springs and coming to Commerce City with the hopes of breaking into the first team.

Brian Crookham, Director of Coaching - Rapids Youth Academy had this to say about Omar's progression with the club:

Omar is proof that the club takes youth development seriously. We are
creating an environment where players can be pushed up the ladder when it is appropriate. He was given a chance to prove himself amongst 1st team players and then rewarded for jumping on that opportunity. We are pleased for Omar and believe that he, and others, will have more chances to prove their worth at the highest levels.

We [Crookham] have regular dialog about the progress of our youth players with the
1st team staff. Coach Clavijo has invited several of our players in to training on a couple of occasions. Last weekend Omar and some others trained with the non-traveling group and he impressed. Due to the injury and illness bug with the 1st team Omar was invited by coach Clavijo to participate last night. He is still an amateur player and will continue to play with our 18s.

Vitals according to Crookham:
6'3"
Plays as a center forward for us in a 4-3-3 system
Very good feet and pace
Not afraid to take on defenders
Dangerous in front of the goal
Still learning how to use his big frame
1 goal in 2 games with the U-18 team

I for one am very happy to see players getting this kind of exposure to the senior team. This is what young kids learning the game need. Kudos to the Rapids for developing this program and getting this kind learning for the young soccer stars. It sounds like Haner will continue to play with the U-18's and will pass on college for now. It will be fun to watch him develop and see who else comes up through the ranks.