When the whistle finally sounded, it was Sporting Kansas City that had overcome Real Salt Lake to take the Major League Soccer Cup Final for 2013. The game went to penalty kicks - the second such championship game for RSL - as both teams were looking for their second title. It has been three years since the Colorado Rapids claimed the title over FC Dallas in the cold confines of Toronto's BMO Field. Read a Rapids' staff reflection here. There has been much that has changed in those three years - in MLS as well as with the Rapids. As I reflect back on the team I offer some reflections that you might not exactly expect. 1. There is always a

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - Paul to Timothy (II Timothy 1:7) One of the greatest challenges that I face in my role as chaplain (whether as a hospice chaplain or professional sports chaplain) has been overcoming a spirit of fear, of timidity when it comes to people. Perhaps you have heard the phrase "it's nice to be wanted" but for the chaplain many times they are not necessarily wanted, or people do not necessarily know that they want or could benefit from a chaplain. This is more challenging in the professional sports environment because people are not typically as broken - they have health, they earn a high

The Colorado Rapids recently announced the trade of long-time player and captain Pablo Mastroeni. Mastroeni was the longest-tenured player with the Rapids and served as team captain since 2004. Mastroeni came to the Rapids as part of the Major League Soccer (MLS) contraction which occurred in 2001 and in his letter to the fans, he shares some of what Colorado has meant over the past 12 years. Some of you know that I serve, also on staff at Cherry Hills Community Church as a pastor in pastoral care. Because of church finances and transition, the church recently had to lay off several employees and a couple of pastors as well. Some at Cherry Hills had served on staff for over 10

I was moved by the recent story of the Portland Timbers and how they worked with the local Make-A-Wish group in order to help an 8 year-old boy's dream of playing against his heroes true. If you haven't read the story click here or view some of the photos here. It's a moving story and memorable for this young boy and for all those who helped make his dream come true. Of course, this story is an "echo." It is similar to another story that many of us are familiar with. A story that all of us live. It involves people diagnosed with a fatal disease. They are wishing for something or someone who could save them. They are a people

Recently, the Colorado Rapids re-introduced members of its gallery of honor. These former players have made major contributions to the Rapids organization and were collectively recognized during the Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders match. The reunion was also marked by a few events leading up to the game. Events such as these often pique the curiosity of fans into wondering where did their favorite players of yester-year actually end up. For myself, one of the important parts of ministry and work with the team as chaplain is keeping up with the players, coaches, and staff even as they go beyond the doors of the organization into other endeavors in life. It is part of my hope and belief to be available