Kosuke Kimura is one of the hardest working players in MLS. Drafted originally as a supplemental pick – the first ever Japanese player to be picked for an MLS squad – after being forced out of Japan's football programs and quickly learning English to get his shot with an American team, he has always had the biggest heart on the squad. The fact that he has begun to grow into the talent to go with his attitude makes the position of right back for the Rapids look very exciting for the short term future as long as Koz sticks around.
By the time the playoffs hit, Kosuke was in the best form of his career both defensively and offensively. In the Eastern conference championship his fantastic speed and defense were one of the biggest reasons that the team kept a clean sheet. He also scored what might have been at that point the most important goal in Rapids history, a bit of magic as a wonderful cross bounced perfectly to reach the net while fooling everyone on the San Jose defense.
If Kosuke leaves for Japan as I predicted earlier, it will be a great loss for the Rapids organization as Kosuke is the true epitome of a fan favorite. He is a man who lives and breathes the game of football while never taking a day off but who has the talent and grit to match that attitude. It is good to know that a man like Kosuke will be manning the right side of the defense next year. And if he decides to stick around with the organization longer than I expect he will, it will be a pleasure seeing him play through the prime years of his career in burgundy.
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Matt Pollard 